7, Tips for healthy nails
At one point or the other in a woman’s life, she always looks forward to have well manicured and healthy nails. this is irregardless of what it costs.
Well manicured, healthy and clean nails can improves somebody’s image.
First things first, how do you tell if your nails are health?
Signs of unhealthy nail
- Peeling or splitting nails could be dryness or the result of vitamin deficiency
- Tiny white spots usually mean you’re biting your nails or painting them too often
- Horizontal grooves could be from stress, high fevers, or jamming your finger
- Red, swollen skin around nails could be from removing or biting cuticles
- Spoon-shaped nails could be a sign of iron deficiency or anemia
Signs of a healthy nail
- Nail plates are a pinkish-white color
- Cuticles are existent (so don’t cut them!)
- Nails and white tips are even lengths
- Prominent half-moon shaped white section (called the lunula) at nail base
You are probably wondering what you are supposed to do to move from an unhealthy nail to healthy ones.
Below is a list of things that can help you achieve that.
Go easy on the gel polish and acrylics
However much gel polish and acrylics are long lasting and look pretty on the nails, you might want to reconsider how often you apply them.
The main issue with gels its the drying process where you put the hands under the UV lights. this process destroys the skin below and around the nails hence predisposes someone to cancer.
To help reduce that risk, apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 to 50 before the procedure to help block the damage, or you can try special gloves that expose only the nails themselves, shielding the rest of your hands from the harmful UV rays.
Avoid touching your cuticles
The cuticle has a very important purpose to serve, they seals the area at the base of the nail. So when you cut or remove the cuticle, it breaks that seal of protection, leaving you vulnerable to bacteria and the possibility of infection.
The better you are at leaving cuticles alone, the more your nails will thank you. Taking care of your cuticles also helps minimize those dreaded hangnails (try not to tear them to avoid infections).
Clip your nails regularly
Short round shaped nails are easier to maintain compared to long nails. Always clip your nails frequently, this will give them a neater look.
You can adjust to long nails depending on how well your nails respond.
Keep your hands clean
Before doing anything, it is important to ensure that your hands and nails are clean and well taken care of.
Do not use harsh chemical based soaps to clean your hands. This will only make your nails brittle and the surrounding skin dry.
Prioritize nail health over the length
It is important to have short, healthy and strong nails over long nails. I got to admit that long nails look pretty but its not worth it if its going to compromise the nails health.
Shorter nails are easy to manage compared to long nails. however, you can start with short nails as you gradually progresses on to the length that you desire.
Keep a nail file on hand
Always keep a nail file on hand, this allows you to easily brush of and smooths all the tears and the rough edges on the nail.
A glass file will create an even edge to the nail and can be used on the weakest, brittle, and damaged nails.
Take food rich in proteins
Your fingernails are made of a protein called keratin, so just as with the clarity of your skin or the shine of your hair, you can improve your nails by improving your diet.
You can add vitamins and supplements like biotin, Vitamin E, and fish oil to your daily regimen.
The one thing every expert agrees on is that once you hit on the combination that works for you, you’ll be rewarded with stronger, clearer nails.
Do you have any news or article you would like us to publish? Kindly reach us via outreach@t4d.co.ke or howtodoafrica@gmail.com.
