When it comes to nails, most people may not think that there’s anything to know beyond using a file to shape them—the rest of the care is relegated to a once-every-few-week nails at a salon. But if you’re looking to take your nail care regimen to the next level, then you need to know some dos and don’ts that will help you keep your nails looking their best.
Do Follow a Regular Routine
If you want healthy, strong nails that look their best, then you need to make sure you have a regular nail care routine. This starts with regular filing and buffing to help promote nail growth and keep the cuticles healthy. To help keep nails from splitting, use a nail file that has a medium-grit side for filing away rough edges and a fine-grit side for buffing away snags and irregularities.
Another important step in maintaining a good nail care routine is to moisturize your nails with a moisturizing cream or oils that are enriched with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that help promote nail health. Consider applying lip balm or petroleum jelly to your cuticles and nails at least a few times a week. Doing this will help them stay moisturized, healthy, and strong.
Do Slather on the Sunscreen
When you go out in the sun, it’s important to remember that your nails are just as prone to UV damage as the rest of your skin, so make sure to slather them in sunscreen when they’re exposed to the sun. You can get a special sunscreen made specifically for nails, or opt for SPF30 sunscreen lotion.
When you go out in the sun, it’s important to remember that your nails are just as prone to UV damage as the rest of your skin
Don’t Use Nail Hardener
Nail hardening products are often made with formaldehyde, which can actually make nails more brittle, dry, and prone to breaking. If you want your nails to stay strong, you’re better off using regular moisturizers and giving their nails a break from the harsh chemicals.
Don’t Bite or Pick at Your Nails
Though it may seem like a harmless habit, biting and picking at your nails can do serious damage—not only to the nail itself, but also to the surrounding skin and cuticles. Biting and picking causes peeling, ridging, and splitting, and it can cause a bacterial infection. If you find yourself biting your nails, use a bitter nail polish, wear gloves, and keep your nails trimmed to help break the habit.
Biting and picking causes peeling, ridging, and splitting, and it can cause a bacterial infection.
Don’t Neglect Cuticle Care
Cuticles help protect your nails from bacteria and fungus, so it’s important to keep them healthy. Soft cuticles can easily be nicked and damaged, so make sure you’re taking special care of them when you’re doing any sort of nail care. Apply a cuticle oil or a cuticle cream two to three times a week, massage it in gently, and use nail brush specifically for the purpose of brushing away dead skin. Skip the cuticle clippers—for healthier cuticles, just push them back with your fingers, using an orange wooden stick or cuticle pusher.
Apply a cuticle oil or a cuticle cream two to three times a week, massage it in gently, and use nail brush specifically for the purpose of brushing away dead skin.
Do Wear Gloves
Wearing gloves when you’re doing the dishes or cleaning will help keep your nails healthy and strong. Wearing gloves also helps to protect your nails from harsh detergents, soaps, and chemicals, which can strip them of their protective oils and weaken them.
Do Give Them a Break
If your nails are prone to breaking or snagging, give them a break from artificial enhancements like fake nails, gel nails, and press-on nails. Artificial nails are highly destructive to natural nails, and even the removal process can leave nails weakened.
Now that you’re aware of the dos and don’ts of nail care, you can give your nails the loving attention they deserve. And if you follow these steps, you should have healthy, strong, beautiful nails in no time.
