Caleb Foster
Having healthy nails is an indicator of good health. To grow healthy natural nails, it is important to keep them clean and dry as bacteria and fungi thrive in a moist environment. Using cuticle oil regularly and moisturising the nail bed can help protect nails from breaking due to a lack of moisture. It is also important to wear gloves when washing dishes or doing laundry to avoid harsh chemicals and to keep your hands out of the water when taking a bath. Additionally, using a glass nail file instead of clippers and not using your nails to open things can help prevent chipping, cracking, or splitting.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail Care | Keep nails clean and dry |
| Avoid frequent hand washing | |
| Wear gloves when washing dishes or taking a bath | |
| Wear flip-flops at the pool and in public showers | |
| Cut nails straight across | |
| Round the nails slightly at the tips | |
| File nails with an emery board or glass nail file | |
| Do not bite nails or remove the cuticle | |
| Do not use nails as a tool | |
| Protect nails from water | |
| Use sunscreen on hands before exposure to UV light | |
| Avoid constant use of nail polish | |
| Use moisturizer and nail oil | |
| Take biotin, B vitamin, or multivitamin supplements | |
| Eat a nutrient-dense and varied diet |
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What You'll Learn
Wear gloves to protect nails from water damage
Water is one of the worst chemicals for your nails. To protect your nails from water damage, it is recommended to wear gloves when cleaning, washing dishes, or doing any other activity that involves submerging your hands in water. It is also suggested to keep your hands out of the water while taking a bath. While it is impossible to always avoid submerging your hands in water, being mindful of this can help keep your nails healthy and strong.
Wearing gloves can help prevent your nails from becoming weak and brittle due to excessive water exposure. It is important to let your hands and nails dry completely between wearing gloves and to keep your nails short so that they can dry quickly. Applying rubbing alcohol after washing your hands and nails can also help control yeast and dry out the nail space.
In addition to wearing gloves, there are other ways to protect your nails from water damage. Using a glass nail file instead of clippers can help keep the sides of your nails from splintering. Applying a nail strengthener or a jojoba-based cuticle oil can also help strengthen your nails and keep them hydrated.
It is worth noting that constant use of nail polish can weaken the nail as it needs to breathe. It is recommended to remove nail polish after a week and let your nails be polish-free for a week to allow them to breathe. This can help maintain healthy and strong natural nails.
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Use nail/cuticle oil regularly
Using nail and cuticle oil is an essential step in achieving healthy, natural nails. The benefits of nail and cuticle oil are numerous, and regular application can lead to stronger, more flexible nails that are less prone to breakage.
Nail and cuticle oils provide much-needed moisture to the nail and the surrounding skin. When applied regularly, these oils help to prevent nails from becoming brittle and breaking, chipping, cracking, or splitting. This is because the oil moisturizes the entire nail, reducing the incidence of damage. Jojoba oil is particularly effective as its molecules are similar to our own sebum, allowing for better absorption and deeper hydration.
To apply nail and cuticle oil, simply massage a small amount of the product into the nail bed and the surrounding skin. This can be done once or twice a day, or as needed, to ensure that the nails remain well-hydrated. It is also beneficial to apply the oil after washing your hands or showering, as these activities can dry out the nails.
In addition to using nail and cuticle oil, it is important to take care of your nails in other ways. This includes wearing gloves when doing household chores or laundry to minimize contact with harsh chemicals and water, which can damage the nails. It is also recommended to use a glass nail file instead of clippers to shape your nails and avoid using your nails as tools, such as opening cans, to prevent chipping and splitting.
By incorporating nail and cuticle oil into your nail care routine and following these additional tips, you can promote the growth of healthy, natural nails that are strong and flexible.
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Take biotin supplements to increase nail thickness
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, is an essential nutrient that can be found in some foods and is also available in supplement form. It is most plentiful in organ meats like liver and can also be found in eggs, salmon, pork, beef, seeds, nuts, and sweet potatoes.
Biotin is often marketed as a remedy for weak or brittle nails, and while there is limited evidence to support this claim, it has been shown to improve nail strength and growth in individuals with a biotin deficiency. A recent Swiss study demonstrated a 25% increase in nail plate thickness in patients with brittle nails who took biotin supplements.
If you have brittle nails but don't have a biotin deficiency, more evidence is needed to determine if taking a nail-strengthening supplement containing biotin will improve your nail health. However, if you believe you might have a biotin deficiency due to brittle nails, it is recommended to visit your healthcare provider for an evaluation.
For most adults, a daily biotin intake of 30 micrograms is considered adequate for optimal nail health, and taking a supplement is unlikely to cause harm. However, taking too much biotin can interfere with laboratory tests and may interact with certain medications, so it is important to consult your healthcare provider before taking any supplements, especially if you have a chronic condition or take other medications.
In addition to taking biotin supplements, maintaining healthy nails includes other care practices. This includes wearing gloves when washing dishes or showering to minimize water exposure, as too much water can weaken nails. Applying nail/cuticle oil regularly, using a glass nail file, and trying not to use your nails to open things can also help strengthen your nails and promote growth.
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Avoid using your nails as tools
One of the most important things to keep in mind when growing healthy natural nails is to avoid using your nails as tools. This means not using your nails to open things or perform tasks that could damage or break them.
Using your nails for tasks such as opening cans or packages, picking at stickers or labels, or even just scratching an itch can weaken and damage your nails. This can cause them to break, peel, or become infected. It is better to use the appropriate tools for these tasks, such as a can opener, scissors, or a coin to scrape off stickers.
Additionally, try to avoid biting your nails and the skin around them. This can be a hard habit to break, but it is worth it for the health of your nails and the skin around them. Biting your nails can transfer bacteria and germs to your nails and mouth, and it can also cause your nails to become jagged and weak, making them more prone to breaking and peeling.
If you find yourself using your nails as tools out of convenience, try to be more mindful and reach for the appropriate tool instead. For example, keep a small pair of scissors or a bottle opener in your bag or pocket so that you're not tempted to use your nails.
Taking care of your nails also involves taking care of the skin and cuticles around them. Be gentle when pushing back cuticles and avoid over-clipping or cutting the skin, as this can lead to infection. Use a soft tool like a crystal cuticle stick to gently push back your cuticles, and always make sure your nail tools are clean and sanitized before use.
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Keep nails clean and dry to prevent bacteria
Keeping your nails clean and dry is essential to prevent bacteria and infections. Nails can harbour bacteria, contributing to the spread of infections, so regular cleaning is necessary. Wash your hands with soap and water, paying attention to your nails and ensuring you get underneath them. Antibacterial soaps and alcohol-based hand sanitisers are particularly effective at reducing bacteria on the fingertips and nails.
Nail brushes can be useful for getting your nails super clean, especially if your hands are visibly soiled. However, a study found that for people performing surgical scrubs, there was no difference in the cleanliness of their nails whether they used a nail brush or not. If you do use a nail brush, be sure to wash and air-dry it after each use to prevent the accumulation of bacteria.
It's also important to keep your nails dry. While it's impossible to avoid submerging your hands in water completely, try to keep your hands out of the water when bathing, and always wear gloves when washing dishes. Too much water can weaken your nails, making them brittle and prone to breaking and peeling.
To prevent your nails from becoming too dry, it's crucial to moisturise your hands, nails, and cuticles after washing. This will keep your nails flexible and healthy.
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Frequently asked questions
Keep your nails clean and dry. Bacteria and fungi thrive in a moist environment, so it's important to maintain clean, dry nails to prevent bacteria from growing underneath them.
It is recommended to cut your nails regularly, keeping them straight across with a slight round at the tips for maximum strength.
Use sharp nail scissors or clippers to cut your nails. Avoid using metal nail files as they can cause damage. Instead, use an emery board or glass nail file to shape your nails and keep them free of snags.
You can strengthen your nails by using nail/cuticle oil regularly, taking biotin supplements, and eating a nutrient-dense diet rich in protein.
Avoid biting your nails or using them as tools, such as opening cans. These habits can cause damage to your nails, such as chipping, splitting, or lifting of the nail bed. Also, avoid cutting or pushing back your cuticles, as this can lead to infection and permanent nail damage.
