Whilst it’s easy to get excited about your next manicure, women rarely pay attention to their fingernail health and make many mistakes with daily nail care. Remember, just like with your hair and skin, your nails can become damaged from harsh weather, overexposure to water, improper gel manicure removal, or acetone-based nail polish. That is why it’s important to learn how to take good care of your nails and keep your nails healthy.
Some key tips to prevent nail damage and protect your nails from turning fragile and weak:
1. Regularly Shape and Buff
Some women might underestimate the importance of a regular shape and buff, but it does have a positive influence. You should always hold the buffer parallel to the nails and buff them gently. Buffing can smooth out any rough patches or ridges on your nails. Moreover, it gives the polish a smoother surface, and increases blood circulation to your nail bed.
2. Use Moisturisers
Moisturisers are helpful in improving the texture and overall nail health, as dried out nails are prone to damage and brittleness. Therefore you should make good use of nail oils, serums, and moisturising creams because they will help you get back your nail shine and healthy texture. Furthermore, some nail moisturisers contain ingredients like coconut oil, vitamins and shea butter that strengthen your nails and can be used for all-over hand treatment.
3. Apply a Protective Layer
When it comes to maintaining your nail health, it is advised to use a top coat to avoid nail chips. According to specialists, you have to apply an additional top coat layer in a few days to decrease chipping. Applying a top coat is essential because it seals in the color, and helps protect the nails. If you wonder why your nails chip so easily, you probably do not apply a protective layer as often as needed.
4. Indulge in Acrylic or Gel Treatments Sparingly
Any nail expert would advise you to restrain from getting acrylic or gel manicures all the time as they can be very hard on the nails. However, if you still love them, there are ways to minimize possible damage. The main issue with these types of manicures is the exposure to harmful UV light. To prevent any nail damage, you should apply a high SPF sunscreen before the procedure. Another thing you may try is gloves, which expose only your nails and protect the rest of your hands.
5. Don’t Pick Off Nail Polish
There is no doubt it’s bad to pick off your nail polish because you take the top layers of your nails with it. Sometimes, women are tempted to peel off their gel polish and turn it into an awful habit. You should avoid doing it as it can lead to weak and extremely brittle nails. So, if you want your nails to be healthy, you should book a removal appointment, instead of trying to do it on your own.
6. Leave Your Cuticles Alone
Your cuticles have quite an important purpose. The area at your nail base is sealed thanks to them. And when you remove or cut the cuticle, this seal of protection will break. As a result, you will become vulnerable to bacteria and likely to get an infection. The more you try to leave your cuticles alone, the more your nails will be healthy.