Top 5 Nail Care Tips

Are your nails as healthy as they seem? Think again. There are many places where our hands are, and so are our nails. The fingernail comprises a protein called keratin, which keeps the nail covering waterproof and sweatproof. This makes nail care even more difficult. There is often dirt collected between the fingernail and the skin of our fingers. Getting rid of this accumulation is very difficult, especially if the nails are long. It is essential to identify if the nails are healthy. So how to know whether nails are healthy or not?

Check if your nails are healthy

Healthy nails are essential for good hygiene as well. Caring for one’s nails is as important as caring for any other body part. It is necessary to learn how to take care of nails. Here are a few things that one must consider for healthy nails.

• They have a pinkish hue. A pink or mauve underbed represents a healthy nail.

• There are no horizontal ridges present.

• They are stiff and rigid. Nails that chip off or break easily are not healthy.

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• There are no ingrown nails or infected cuticles current.

• The nail bed is not red, swollen, or inflamed.

Top 5 nail care tips

Caring for your nails is not as difficult as it sounds. Following a nail care procedure is essential for healthy nails. Here are the top five nail care tips for you to follow-

1. Trim your nails regularly

The first step in a nail care procedure is to trim your nails. You can avoid ingrown nails by doing this. To make your nails softer, try to cut them right after you take a shower or bath. Use a nail file or emery board to round off the edges of your nails. To avoid weakening your nails, file in the same direction every time. Over time, constant filing of the nails causes significant damage. Use 70% or more isopropyl alcohol to disinfect your nail-care tools once a month. After clipping your nails, moisturize them to keep the flexibility of your nails and avoid nail splits.

2. Keep your nails moisture-free

Avoid continuous wetting of your nails. Constant moisture can lead to bacteria or fungi in the nails. Split fingernails can be caused by prolonged or frequent contact with water. When cleaning, washing dishes, or using strong chemicals, put on rubber gloves with a cotton lining.

3. Moisturize your cuticle area frequently

Hydrating your body is a good self-care regime. Not only for your nails, but this shall also help your entire body. Moisturizing helps to keep your skin smooth and soft. Try applying oil that you can easily find at home, such as coconut or almond oil, to your cuticles and nail beds before night to prevent them from becoming dry, brittle, or flaky. Using aloe vera gel or petroleum jelly is also a good option. You may also buy cuticle moisturizers from drugstores and cosmetics retailers.

4. Avoid harmful habits

Habits such as nail biting and picking your cuticles can damage your nails. If one has a habit of nail-biting, it must be corrected immediately. Nail biting leads to the chipping and breaking of healthy nails. Cuticles shield the nail bed even though they aren't always beautiful. One runs the danger of giving oneself micro cuts each time while clipping cuticles, which might let fungus and bacteria into one’s body. They may then spread an infection.

5. Discontinue using harmful products

Nails polishes and nail art are indeed very pleasing. People love being on the trend and experimenting with new colours and designs. However, they forget to check the nail products' quality. Nail products contain harmful chemicals that can damage one’s nails. They can also cause serious infections or allergic reactions.

Bonus tips

Looking for more tips? We got you. Here are a few bonus tips that can help-

• Avoid scratching if inflammation, redness, or itchiness around the cuticle or the nail bed. Instead, take a bowl of cold water with some ice cubes. Add a spoonful of olive or almond oil to it and mix vigorously. Dip your nails in it for thirty to forty-five minutes.

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• Moisturizing at least twice daily is a good choice for highly brittle nails. However, if this prolongs for longer, it is best to see a dermatologist. Consuming supplements such as biotin can help you grow healthier nails.

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Conclusion

Following a nail care regime is an excellent practice for maintaining healthy nails. This shall help prevent infections, such as bacteria and fungus. Furthermore, it also helps to maintain good hygiene. Practice trimming and moisturizing your nails to keep them in good shape.