Here are some tips for maintaining healthy fingernails:
.Keep your nails clean and dry
Keeping your nails clean and dry is important for maintaining good hygiene and preventing the growth of bacteria and fungi. To keep your nails clean, make sure to wash your hands regularly and use a nail brush to scrub under your nails. To keep your nails dry, avoid biting your nails and keep them short, and make sure to dry your hands thoroughly after washing them. It's also important to avoid exposing your nails to harsh chemicals or excessive moisture, which can lead to dryness and cracking.
.File your nails regularly to keep them at a manageable length
Regularly filing your nails is an important step in maintaining their health and keeping them at a manageable length. Using a nail file, gently shape the edges of your nails by filing in one direction. This will help prevent your nails from becoming too long and difficult to manage, and also prevent them from snagging on clothing or other materials.
Filing nails also helps to prevent ingrown nails, which can be painful and difficult to treat. It is also important to use a clean file and avoid using the same one for too long, as this can lead to the spread of bacteria or fungus.
.Use a moisturizer on your nails and cuticles to keep them hydrated
Moisturizing your nails can help prevent dryness, cracking, and splitting. Cuticles are the protective barrier of the nails and keeping them moisturized will help prevent dryness, cracking, and hangnails.
You can use a cuticle oil or a moisturizer that is specifically formulated for nails and cuticles. These products are readily available in the market, you can also use a general hand moisturizer or coconut oil which works just as well. You can apply it after washing your hands and before going to bed for the best results.
.Wear gloves when doing household chores or using harsh chemicals
Wearing gloves when doing household chores or using harsh chemicals can help protect your nails from damage. Exposure to cleaning products, solvents, and other harsh chemicals can dry out your nails and cuticles, making them more susceptible to cracking and breaking. Wearing gloves can also help prevent your nails from being stained or discolored by these chemicals.
Rubber or plastic gloves are suitable for doing household chores, whereas for working with chemicals it's best to use heavy-duty gloves made of neoprene or nitrile.
It's also important to remember to remove gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after using harsh chemicals to make sure you don't have any residue on your skin. Not only it will protect your nails but also your skin and overall health.
.Avoid biting or picking at your nails
can help prevent damage to your nails and cuticles, as well as promote overall nail health. Biting your nails can cause them to become weak and brittle, leading to cracking, breaking, or even infection. Picking at your cuticles can also cause damage and irritation, leading to dryness and cracking.
Additionally, biting or picking at your nails can also be a sign of anxiety or stress, so it is important to be aware of when you are doing it and try to find other ways to cope with stress.
If you have a habit of biting or picking your nails, it may be helpful to keep your nails trimmed short and filed and to keep your hands busy with other activities, such as knitting, drawing, or playing with a stress ball. You can also try using bitter-tasting nail polish to discourage biting or picking at your nails.
.Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, such as biotin and vitamin H
Eating a balanced diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals can help promote healthy nails. Biotin (also known as vitamin H) and other B vitamins are essential for healthy nails, as they help to promote cell growth and overall nail strength. Additionally, consuming adequate amounts of protein, iron, and zinc can also help to promote healthy nails.
Foods that are high in biotin include eggs, nuts, seeds, and leafy greens. Vitamin H is also found in whole grains, legumes, and mushrooms. Iron can be found in red meats, leafy greens, and fortified cereals, while zinc can be found in oysters, beef, and pumpkin seeds.
It's important to note that although eating a balanced diet can help promote healthy nails, it's not a substitute for good nail care practices. Additionally, if you suspect you may have a deficiency in any of these vitamins or minerals, it's best to speak with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action.
Don't:
.Use nail polish remover too frequently
.Bite or pick at your nails
.Peel or tear off hangnails
.Use harsh detergents or chemicals without gloves
.Neglect to moisturize your nails and cuticles
.Use nail tools that are not sterilized.
