Do you feel like your fingernails are always breaking? Do you have trouble growing your nails? Do you wish your nails were longer, stronger, and healthier? We hear these complaints all the time. We’ve put together our best tips for keeping your fingernails healthy and strong.
Watch What You Eat
Your diet really does affect your nails. So what should you eat to maximize nail health?
Make sure you’re getting enough protein, zinc, and iron. All three are good for your fingernails.
Drink plenty of water. Adequate hydration benefits your whole body, and your nails are no exception.
Don’t forget the vitamins. Biotin is a great supplement for your fingernails. You can even get biotin treatments you can apply right to your nail.
Pamper Your Hands
We use our hands all the time. They’re constantly exposed to chemicals, water, and the elements. Start paying attention to what your hands come into contact with. Then you can find ways to shield them. For instance:
Use rubber gloves when you’re cleaning. Household chemicals can be harsh on hands.
Give your nails time to dry. Nails absorb water, which means they get weaker when they’re wet. Let them dry and toughen back up after a long soak.
Be mindful of the weather. When you’re applying sunscreen, don’t forget your hands and nails. They’re susceptible to UV light, too. When it’s cold outside, get a warm pair of gloves to shield your hands from the cold.
Remember that your fingernails aren’t tools. It’s tempting to tear open a box or pry off a sticker using your nails. But all that stress will eventually cause damage. When you find yourself about to use your nails as tools, grab an actual tool instead.
An Ounce of Prevention
You know that saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”? Well, it applies to your fingernails, too. Regular maintenance will keep strong nails healthy and help weak ones recover.
Moisturize daily. Pick a high-quality lotion and work it into your hands, nails, and cuticles at least once a day.
Groom your nails regularly. That includes trimming, cleaning, and filing your nails. It’s also a good idea to keep your cuticles groomed as well.
Use a nail strengthener. There are some great products on the market that can help strengthen your nails. Talk to your nail technician at your next salon appointment to get some recommendations.
Make regular salon appointments. Visit your favorite salon to keep your nails strong and healthy. They’ll provide a range of services you can choose from. If you’re in the Fairfax, Virginia area, come see us at Salon Antoine!