Your nails are usually the first thing people notice when they see your hands and they say a lot about your health and hygiene. That’s why nail care goes a long way from gel nails to treatments and using the right nail polish. Here are a few tips on how to take care of your nails and avoid these common mistakes.
By Mariam Elhamy
What You’re Doing Wrong
- Biting your fingernails or picking at your cuticles. Even a tiny cut alongside your fingernail allows bacteria or fungi to enter and can cause an infection. If you just can’t stop biting your nails, use chili on the tips of your fingers so that you would stop the habit.
- Pulling off annoying hangnails. You might rip live tissue along with it. Instead, carefully clip off hangnails.
- Using harsh nail care products. Generally, try to limit your use of nail polish remover and opt for acetone-free options.
- Not drinking enough water. This results in brittle nails that chip and break easily.
- Ignoring problems. If you have a nail problem that doesn’t seem to go away on its own, consult a doctor or dermatologist.
What You Should Do
- Always keep your fingernails dry and clean. This prevents bacteria from growing under them. Repeated or prolonged contact with water can cause the nails to be brittle. Wear rubber gloves when washing dishes, cleaning or using harsh chemicals.
- Make sure to use sharp nail scissors or clippers. Trim your nails straight across, then round the tips in a curve with a nail file.
- Use moisturizer. After cutting your nails, rub hand lotion into your fingernails and cuticles.
- Apply a protective layer. Applying a nail hardener might help strengthen nails.
- Ask your doctor about biotin. Biotin is a part of the vitamin B family and it plays an important role in the health of your hair, skin, and nails. Biotin might help strengthen weak or brittle fingernails.
- Focus on your nutrition. Eating the right things can really improve the health of your nails.
For Healthy Strong Nails, you Need to Eat:
