7 Tips For Maintaining Healthy, Strong Nails

Hey sis, let’s spill all the tea on how to maintain healthy, strong nails. Your nails are not only a canvas for beautiful colors and designs, but your nail health also reflects your overall well-being. 

Did you know you can tell a lot about someone’s health from their nails?! Healthy, strong nails indicate you’re taking care of yourself from head to toe. 

If you’ve been struggling with brittle, weak nails, or are simply wanting tips on how to maintain healthy, strong nails, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll teach you our ultimate tips for keeping your nails in tip-top shape, so you can “nail” it every time! 

1. Be mindful of what you put in your body. 

When it comes to maintaining healthy, strong nails, what you eat and drink does matter. A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients can work wonders for your nails!

Do your best to eat foods that are high in protein, biotin, vitamins, and zinc. These nutrients play a crucial role in promoting nail health and strength. 

Try to include foods like eggs, lean meat, fish, beans, nuts, whole grains, etc. in each of your meals. Don’t forget to stay hydrated throughout the day too! This helps your nails retain moisture and prevents dryness. 

2. Show some love to your cuticles. 

Your cuticles are an important part of protecting your nails. Avoid cutting or trimming your cuticles, as this can result in infections and damage to the nail bed. 

Instead, gently push back the cuticles with cuticle pusher after soaking them in warm water. Stay on top of regularly moisturizing your cuticles with cuticle oil or moisturizing cream to keep them soft and hydrated. 

3. Don’t miss out on applying the base coat. 

Prior to polishing your nails with the lovely color(s) of your choice, always apply a base coat! This step may seem trivial, but it’s totally worth your time. A good-quality base coat acts as a protective barrier between your nails and the polish; preventing unnecessary nail strain and damage. 

Base coats also provide a solid surface for the nail polish to better adhere too and therefore, last longer. Search for a base coat that contains strengthening ingredients, such as keratin or calcium, to offer an extra layer of protection to your nails.

4. File your nails correctly. 

It’s easy to get carried away with filing your nails, but there is a correct way to go about it. Steer clear of using a back-and-forth, sawing motion, as this weakens the nails and causes them to split. Filing in one direction is the way to go!

Opt for a fine-grit file, and avoid metal or glass files that can be too harsh on your nails. Round the edges of your nails to stop them being uneven or breaking. 

5. Protect your nails. 

Just like you protect your skin from harsh conditions, do what you can in your power to protect your nails. 

Exposure to harsh chemicals, detergents, and hot water can take a toll on your nails, making them weak and brittle. When cleaning or working, always wear gloves to safeguard your nails. Glove up and keep your nails safe from harm’s way!

On a side note, don’t use your nails as tools to open cans, peel off stickers, or perform other tasks that can lead them to them chipping or breaking. 

6. Moisturize frequently. 

Your hair and skin aren’t the only things that need moisture… your nails need moisture too! Because dry nails are prone to brittleness and breakage, it’s essential you keep them hydrated. 

Get into a routine of frequently massaging in a moisturizing cuticle oil or cream to your cuticles and nail beds to maintain healthy, strong nails. Do this before bed for optimal results. Frequent hydration is one of your best bets for beautiful nails!

7. Limit nail enhancements. 

By nail enhancements, we mean acrylic, dip powder, gel nails — or any service that enhances the appearance of your natural nails. While these nail services are popular and fun to get on occasion, doing them every time your nails grow out can be damaging to the natural nail over time. Especially, if you don’t properly remove these nail services, such peeling them off, opposed to soaking them off. 

It’s vital to give your nails a break from nail enhancements periodically to let them heal and recover. If you do choose to routinely receive nail enhancement services, get them done by a trusted, professional and follow the proper care/maintenance instructions. Moderation is key to maintain nail health and strength in the long run! 

By following these tips, you can start showing off your healthy, strong nails in no time! If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to make an appointment with one of our amazing cosmetology students! 

Here’s to slaying healthy, strong nails that are always on point!