Having healthy nails is an important part of overall health and can signify a lot about our lifestyle habits. From fungal infections to vitamins that help maintain strong, shiny nails, let’s explore the common issues of nail health, and how you can take care of them!
1. Nourishing Natural Nail Care
As a natural nail care advocate, you might feel as though you’re already a pro in the nourishment and grooming of your nails. But staying ahead of the trends of healthy and beautiful hands and feet isn’t easy – especially when you’re committed to a natural nail care regimen.
Eliminating Harsh Ingredients
When it comes to the maintenance of natural nails, it’s important to choose the right products. By removing known toxic and skin irritating ingredients (for e.g formaldehyde, TBHQ, parabens, artificial colors and fragrances) from your routine, you can prevent both short-term and long-term effects on your nails.
Moisturizing and Strengthening
Regular moisturizing and strengthening of the nails are essential for protecting them against everyday wear and tear. Applying natural oils (such as jojoba, almond or refined coconut oil) or cuticle creams enriched with vitamins will help keep the nails hydrated and nourished. Even making use of a lemon and olive oil mix from time to time will do wonders for your nails in terms of softening the cuticles and strengthening the nails.
Getting Creative
In addition to nourishing and moisturizing, you can get creative with your natural nail care regimen. Regular use of natural nail polish like vegetable-based polishes, can help protect your nails against pollutants and dirt built up, while still remaining non-toxic. A home-made sugar scrub with a mix of sea salt and essential oils of your choice can restore natural shine to the nails. You can even treat yourself to a therapeutic massage with a blend of warm olive oil and orange juice for complete relaxation.
Keeping them Pretty
Keeping your nails looking good isn’t just about the treatment you use; it’s also about getting the right tools. Investing in a good quality glass nail file will not only make filing your nails easier but also help prevent breakage and weakening of the nail bed. Additionally, by keeping your nails trimmed short and filing them into a slightly curved shape, you can make sure your nails look both healthy and polished.
2. Nail Care Problems and their Solutions
When it comes to taking good care of your nails, there are many common problems and home remedies which you can try if you want to keep your nails looking fabulous. Below are some of the most common nail problems and their respective solutions:
- Splitting & Brittle Nails – Hydrate your nails with a natural oil like coconut or olive oil to give them extra moisture and elasticity. Applying a thin layer of nail oil daily should help to strengthen and protect your nails.
- Yellow-Tinted Nails – This can be caused by smoking or using certain nail polishes which contain harsh ingredients like toluene. Make sure you use a good quality nail polish remover and switch to using more natural products; opt for cuticle oil or lime juice to give your nails a natural detox.
- Peeling Nails – Dry nails are more likely to peel, so make sure you’re always wearing a good moisturiser. To give your nails an extra boost of hydration, you can also try soaking them in warm milk for about 10 minutes.
- Ridges – Ridges are usually caused from underlying health conditions such as hormonal imbalance or poor nutrient absorption. If you’re suffering from ridged nails, consider talking to your doctor about the possibility of developing a vitamin and mineral supplement to help improve your nail health.
Other than these common issues, nails can also be plagued by bacteria and fungi. To combat these infections, you should be sure to keep your nails clean and properly trimmed; use antifungal or antibacterial creams if prescribed by a doctor.
Finally, don’t forget to give your nails some love in the form of regular manicures and pedicures. This will help keep your hands and feet looking beautiful while properly taking care of your nails.
3. The Benefits of Healthy Nails
Having healthy nails can make for a pleasant and attractive appearance. These are just some of the many benefits of taking good care of your nails.
- Healthy nails can give you the confidence to show off your hands. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but it is also a sign of overall health.
- Healthy nails are stronger and less prone to damage. Such as cracking, brittleness, and breakage. Which often occur as a result of malnutrition and exposure to harsh detergents or chemicals.
Maintaining healthy nails is also essential for keeping your hands clean and free of bacteria. Poorly maintained nails can be home to a slew of harmful bacteria that can lead to potential infections. Furthermore, some of these bacteria can even be shared between people.
Keeping your nails trimmed and filed regularly can help to keep them healthy and looking good. It is also important to keep your nails clean, moisturized, and free of dirt and grime. And you should always be sure to wear protective gloves when engaging in household chores and chores that require washing with harsh detergents or chemicals.
Practicing these nail-care tips regularly can help to give you the best possible look! It can also provide you with a visual indication of your overall health, helping to verify whether any dietary or lifestyle changes may be necessary.
4. At-Home Treatments for Common Nail Issues
Nail issues can be irritating and inconvenient, and it can be tricky to effectively treat them at home. Fortunately, there are some reliable remedies and techniques to try. Here’s a quick overview of at-home nail treatments that anyone can do:
- Apply a Cuticle Oil: Cuticle oils are essential for healthy, strong nails. Consider a natural oil, like almond or jojoba, or opt for a therapeutic oil like tea tree or grape seed oil. Apply generously to the base of the nail and cuticles and massage for absorption.
- Soak in Warm Water: Soaking your fingers in warm water with a touch of Epsom salt can soften the skin, cuticles, and brittle or flaky nails. Soak for 10-15 minutes before applying cuticle oil.
- Get Smart with Nail Polish: Overusing nail polish and nail polish remover can weaken nails. Invest in a reparative base coat, and allow your nails to air-dry every few weeks. Give them a break, and get the occasional manicure.
- Go Easy on Manicures and Pedicures: Taking frequent trips to the nail salon can be hard on nails, especially if your technician is heavy-handed with tools. Don’t be afraid to be direct and tell them what kind of pressure you prefer.
Everyone’s nails are unique, so tweaks will have to be made for the best results. For more resilient nails and cuticles, get creative with which treatments work, and don’t forget to apply hand moisturizing lotion for a finishing touch.
These at-home treatments can help lessen the effects of common nail ailments, including brittle and flaky nails, white spots, and split cuticles. Everyday treatments to keep nails healthy and nourished will go a long way in preserving healthy nails.
It is important to be aware of the common issues related to nail health and to adopt strategies to maintain healthy nails. With proper maintenance and the right treatment, you can have beautiful and healthy nails all year round!
