If you’re wanting to have amazingly healthy nails, you’ll need to put in effort. Sadly, it’s not something that people are naturally blessed with (no matter how much it may seem!) as your tips require a lot of maintenance.
Growing out your nails and making them look healthier is a task that needs dedication. You’ll have to refrain from biting, picking and nibbling them and dedicate time to create their own beauty routine. Not only will this help them look their best, but they’ll also be much easier to polish!
We share five tips that can help you achieve long, healthy nails and why it’s so important to take proper care of them:
1. Moisturise daily
Our hands are one of the most exposed parts of our body as they’re out pretty much all day long. They go through a lot, so giving them a little bit of TLC can help to keep them up to standard.
Using a rich hand moisturiser daily is recommended for people attempting to strengthen their nails as the moisture prevents cracking, splitting and the nail becoming brittle. Something similar to the Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream is a great choice as its’ thick consistency ensures that the essential moisuture is put back into your nails, cuticles and hands.
2. Apply a top coat
If you’re a fan of the natural look and prefer your nails without a coloured coat, why not opt for a clear one? There are a variety of top coats and nail polish bases that can be used without a heavy duty colour, and provide your nails with an extra protective layer to prevent breaking and splitting of your natural nail.
3. Ditch the acrylics!
One of the worst possible things you could do to your nails is apply acrylics. Not only does it pack the surface of the nail with a hard plastic that restricts its’ growth, but the chemicals included in the actual acrylic can cause long-lasting damage.
Of course, we know that for us short-nailed girls, acrylics are sometimes necessary. If this is one of those situations, only get acrylic nails applied for short periods of time and ensure that you’re using the best method for removing them. Unlike me, who learned that picking and biting them off only causes more harm than good.
4. Avoid acetone-based products
Acetone is a hash chemical that has been proven to strip your natural nails of moisture; causing them to become weak and brittle. Not only will using acetone-based chemical products on your nail cause them to be prone to breaking, but they also won’t look healthy, either.
5. Check your shampoo!
One surprising factor that may be preventing you from having long, healthy nails is the shampoo you’re using to wash your hair.
Shampoos designed for people with oily hair are made to strip liquids and natural oils from the scalp and hair follicles, and so constantly rubbing your hands throughout such a harsh formulation of chemicals can take its toll on your nails. Instead, opt for shampoos with natural ingredients that are softer on your hands.
Image source: A Beautiful Mess