Drinking lots of water and not biting your fingernails are two of the best ways to maintain healthy nails. Another way is by using cuticle oil. But, if you don’t have the time to take care of your nails, here are some simple tips that will help you maintain healthy nails and prevent them from getting damaged.
1. Drinking plenty of water
A healthy intake of water is essential for the well-being of your nails. Not only are your nails made of keratin, the same protein that exists in the hair, but they also act as a reflection of your overall health. If you’re dehydrated, your nails will look brittle and fall off easily. For preventing this problem, it’s necessary to drink lots of water and take a nap during the day.
Drinking plenty of water will prevent brittle nails and keep your skin and hair healthy. In addition, well hydration will improve your general health and mood. If you’re prone to dehydration, try sipping water during meals. Keeping a water bottle handy is another great way for good hydration.
2. Avoiding fingernail biting
While fingernail biting is a common habit, it poses a number of health risks. Biting your nails can damage the nail bed, and tiny cuts on your fingernails can harbor fungus and bacteria. Consequently, you should avoid biting your fingernails and keep them away from your mouth.
While minor problems with fingernails you can treat at home, more serious injuries and infections need a doctor’s intervention. Look for symptoms of infection like pain, swelling, redness, and pus. A doctor will also examine your fingernails during a checkup.
It’s helpful to keep your nails short for avoiding gnawing them. The closer the nail is to your fingertip, the more difficult it is to bite it. However, keep in mind that short nails susceptible to bite and can cause infections. Avoid touching your fingernails while they are wet because it can result in bacteria under the nail, causing infections. A good idea is to wear cotton gloves with rubber so you can protect your fingernails.
3. Keeping your nails out of water
Keeping your nails out of water is an important part of maintaining a healthy nail bed. The constant change in water content causes cells to contract and expand. This can cause weak, brittle nails. It’s important to wear gloves when bathing and try to avoid soaking your nails too long.
Additionally, it’s essential to stay clear of harsh chemicals on your nails. This includes nail polish removers with acetone. Also, make sure you trim your nails regularly. As a general rule, keep your nails short and trim them regularly.
Water is essential for human survival, but too much water can weaken your nails. To avoid this problem, you should wear gloves whenever you are in or near water.
4. Using a cuticle oil
Using a cuticle oil can help you to keep your nails healthy and beautiful. So, you can apply it to the cuticles using a dropper or a roll-on applicator and then massage it into the skin. You can apply it before bedtime or whenever you have some spare time. You can apply it to both polished and bare nails.
A good cuticle oil contains vitamin E, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Also, it can soften the skin, reduce the dryness problem, and makes nails shinier. Besides, it can prevent the formation of hangnails. Also, it helps reduce the amount of dead skin around the nail and helps the nail plates become tougher and more resilient.
5. Using a nail hardener
Although nail hardeners are available in many products, they’re not a scientifically proven way to maintain healthy nails. In fact, most of these products are not clinically studied and their claims are largely unfounded. Moreover, healthy nails are flexible, not hard, and brittle. Therefore, it’s necessary to keep your nails moisturized to prevent their brittleness.
The acetone-free version of nail hardeners is a good option if you’re on a budget. This product works by reacting with the protein in your nails to create a chemical bond. This strengthens the protein, which makes your nails more resilient to breakage. Unlike other nail hardeners, acetone-free products are more gentle on your skin and fingernails.
Related: 6 Best Ways to Strengthen Nails Perfectly
How to Maintain Healthy Nails Conclusion
At last, healthy nails are an important part of good health. Incorrectly maintaining nails can lead to a range of problems. Remember the tips above to have gorgeous as well as healthy nails!