Liam Carter
Having nice nails is not just about aesthetics; it's also about maintaining good nail health. Strong and healthy nails can be an indicator of overall good health. To achieve and maintain nice nails, it's important to adopt good habits and avoid common pitfalls. This includes not using your nails as tools, regularly moisturizing your nails and cuticles, maintaining a well-balanced diet, and being mindful of the products you use on your nails.
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What You'll Learn
Keep nails short and neat
Keeping your nails short and neat has several benefits for nail health and personal hygiene. Firstly, short nails are less likely to harbour dirt and bacteria, reducing the risk of nail infections. This is especially important if you frequently share nail care tools with others, as infections can spread through these instruments. Maintaining short nails also lowers the chances of nail breakage and chipping, which can weaken the nail.
To keep your nails short and neat, follow these steps:
- Use the proper tools: For your fingernails, opt for nail clippers or nail scissors, and for your toenails, use a toenail clipper.
- Disinfect your tools: Monthly disinfection is essential to maintain the cleanliness of your nail care tools. Soak a small scrub brush in a bowl of 70-90% isopropyl alcohol, then scrub your clippers or scissors. Rinse and dry the tools thoroughly before storing them away.
- Trim your nails correctly: When cutting your fingernails, trim almost straight across the nail. For toenails, cut straight across to reduce the risk of ingrown toenails.
- File your nails: After trimming, use a nail file or emery board to gently round the corners of your nails. This helps keep them strong and prevents them from catching on clothing or furniture.
- Moisturise: Apply hand cream or nail oil to your nails and cuticles after trimming. This is especially crucial in dry weather, as moisturising helps prevent nail splitting.
- Avoid using your nails as tools: Treat your nails delicately and avoid using them for tasks like opening cans or reaching into small spaces. Instead, use the pads of your fingers or a tool to avoid nail breakage and chipping.
- Maintain a healthy diet: Eating a nutrient-dense and varied diet that is high in protein can promote nail health. Staying properly hydrated by drinking enough water is also essential, as dehydration can lead to brittle nails.
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Moisturise and use oils
While it is important to keep your hands and nails moisturised, it is also crucial to understand how moisturisers and oils work. Contrary to what some may believe, oils cannot add any moisture to nails, skin or hair, but they can prevent “dryness”. When moisturising, the water content inside nails, skin or hair is increased. As water and oil do not mix, cosmetic oils have a negligible water content.
Oils and water can coexist in a cosmetic lotion or cream, but only if they are mixed with an "emulsifier". Emulsifiers are used to create many types of oil and water blends. Oils by themselves can increase the moisture content of nails and skin, but they do this in a different way. Oils coat the nails and skin with a thin film that forms a moisture-resistant barrier. Some oils can penetrate and will create a barrier in the upper layers of the skin. Underneath this barrier, moisture can build up, thus raising the water content of nails or skin. This water migration is slowed down by oils.
Therefore, it is important to use oils and moisturisers that are designed to be used on nails. Cuticle oils can extend the life of a manicure, whether it’s gel or polish. A moisturising cuticle oil keeps the nails flexible so they bend but don’t break. Oils also soften the surfaces of nails to make them less hard and increase their flexibility.
Some natural oils that can be used to moisturise, treat and heal nails and cuticles include olive oil, sesame seed oil, jojoba oil, lavender oil, tea tree oil, almond oil, apricot oil, and vitamin E.
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Avoid toxic nail polishes
While nail polish can make your nails look nice, it's important to remember that your nails need to breathe. Constant use of polish, even non-toxic polish, can weaken your nails. Therefore, it is advisable to take breaks from nail polish and keep your nails and cuticles well-moisturized.
When choosing a nail polish, opt for brands that are at least free of the "Big Three": dibutyl phthalate (DBP), formaldehyde, and toluene. These chemicals are known to have adverse effects on health. DBP, a member of the phthalate family of chemicals, is used in nail polish to minimize chipping. However, phthalates are classified as endocrine disruptors and can impair the hormonal development of male fetuses, cause organ damage, and even lead to early-onset menopause. Formaldehyde is used as a preservative and hardening agent in nail polishes, but it has been recognized by the National Cancer Institute as a potential cancer-causing substance and is among the most common substances that cause allergic contact dermatitis. Toluene gives nail polish a smooth application and finish, but its fumes are highly toxic and can cause neurological damage, decreased brain function, impaired breathing, hearing loss, and nausea. Exposure to toluene has also been linked to reproductive impairment, immune system toxicity, and blood cancers.
In addition to the "Big Three," you may also want to avoid nail polishes containing camphor, which is used to give nail polishes their glossy, shiny appearance. While it is less toxic than the previously mentioned chemicals, camphor has been known to trigger severe skin irritation and allergic reactions when applied topically. Inhalation of camphor fumes can lead to nausea, dizziness, and headaches, and observational studies have linked camphor exposure to organ damage.
Some nail polishes are marketed as "three-free," "five-free," or even "seven-free" or "ten-free", indicating that they are free from these toxic chemicals. When getting your nails done at a salon, look for one that uses three-free or five-free polishes to protect yourself and the salon workers.
Remember, it is always a good idea to read the ingredient labels and choose nail polishes that are free from these toxic chemicals. By being mindful of the products you use, you can enjoy painted nails without exposing yourself to potential health risks.
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Eat a healthy, balanced diet
Eating a healthy, balanced diet is key to maintaining nail health. Nails are made of the protein keratin, so a diet that includes plenty of protein can help your nails grow and stay strong. Meat, eggs, quinoa, and nuts are great sources of protein. If you're a meat eater, opt for leaner meats like chicken and turkey, which provide collagen and are high in protein. Salmon is another excellent choice, as it contains healthy fats that promote shiny, strong nails and provide omega-3s.
For plant-based sources of healthy fats, add more nuts, seeds, and avocados to your diet. These fats supply the body with magnesium, which is essential for nail health. Orange and yellow vegetables like carrots, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes are packed with vitamin A, helping to keep your nails shiny and preventing dryness. They also contain beta-carotene, which promotes healthy skin.
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, is another important nutrient for nail health. It promotes healthy cell growth and aids in the metabolism of protein-building amino acids. While biotin deficiency is rare, taking a supplement or including biotin-rich foods in your diet can help strengthen brittle nails.
In addition to these specific nutrients, staying hydrated is crucial for nail health. Nails can become brittle and prone to breaking, peeling, and chipping when the body is dehydrated. So, be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
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Use a glass nail file
Glass nail files are a great way to get healthy-looking nails. They are made of tempered glass and are a double-sided grooming tool. Unlike traditional emery boards, glass nail files are chemically etched into a finely-grained design that offers a gentle grit. This gentle grit prevents microscopic tears at the nail's tip, which can lead to significant damage. Glass nail files create a smooth edge, without causing any damage to the nails, and can be used in both directions.
Glass nail files are also easy to clean and sanitise, as they are non-porous, unlike emery boards. Simply wash your glass nail file with soap and warm water after each use and run an alcohol swab over both sides. This will ensure your nails stay healthy and prevent infections.
To use a glass nail file, start by washing your hands thoroughly to remove any dirt or oils that could get in the way of a close file. Dry your hands and nails completely with a clean towel. Then, hold the glass nail file at a slight angle to your nail and grip it firmly but comfortably to maintain control. Decide on the shape you want your nails to take and gently sculpt your nails' edges. Once you have the desired shape, use the glass nail file to smooth out any rough edges and lightly file the tips to ensure they are even.
Glass nail files are a durable and long-lasting tool, so you won't need to replace them frequently. They are suitable for natural, acrylic, and gel nails, making them a versatile addition to your nail care routine.
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Frequently asked questions
Keep your nails looking refreshed and hydrated by applying a generous layer of cuticle oil each day. Use the brush applicator to apply the oil around the cuticle. You can also use coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil, or Vaseline Hydra Healthy lotion.
Keep your nails at a manageable length and trim them regularly. You can use a glass nail file to keep your nails flat and smooth and prevent chipping and peeling. Avoid using your nails as tools and treat them delicately. Eat a well-balanced diet that includes foods rich in biotin and zinc to promote healthy nail growth.
Avoid constantly wearing nail polish as your nails need to breathe. Use polishes that do not contain toxic chemicals such as toluene, dibutyl phthalate, dimethyl and diethyl phthalates, camphor, and formaldehyde. Remember to wrap the tips of your nails when painting them and use a top coat.
