Fingernails: Firm and well-groomed fingernails are the ideal of many women. For aesthetic reasons, lack of time, due to the strengthening of nails and longer durability, many resort to gel nails or similar. Below you will find tips for strengthening and care of nails to avoid cracks and unsightly appearance of dry nails.
Nails are made of keratin, which is why they can absorb more substances than skin. This is only one of the reasons why they are softer after bathing. Although fingernails themselves are strong and resistant, they need to be protected from external influences that dry them out or damage them.
Why do fingernails break?
There are many causes of weak nails that peel and crack. These include genetics, weather conditions, poor nail care, too frequent manicures and the use of acetone with alcohol and nail polishes of dubious composition. If you don’t eat healthy, don’t drink enough water or spend too much time indoors, it’s easy for your nails and hair to become weak.
Nail peeling, dryness and brittleness warn of deficiency of vitamins A, B and C, as well as iron and zinc. Such fingernails are flexible, brittle and usually have grooves.
In addition, weak nails can be a sign of health problems. They can often indicate anemia or a thyroid problem. If your nails have white spots, it also shows that you lack calcium in your body.
Tips for strengthening nails
If you must use acetone, use one without alcohol
Excessive use of acetone can damage and weaken your fingernails. Nowadays there are many herbal nail polish removers that you can buy in all drugstores.
It is desirable to paint the nails as rarely as possible.
Uses nail polish for strengthening and care
If you can’t do without nail polish, use strengthening polishes, preferably with a natural composition.
Protects your nails during washing and cleaning
Use gloves when washing dishes and keep your hands away from water while bathing. Be sure to use gloves when cleaning to protect your nails, as well as your entire hands, from corrosive cleaning agents.
Vaseline as a nail strengthening treatment
Vaseline treatment is especially effective in the winter months, when nails are more prone to cracking and drying. Vaseline is not only moisturizing, but also good for moisturizing nails. Apply a layer of petroleum jelly to your nails, put on cotton gloves and leave it on overnight while you sleep. Wash your hands in the morning.
Cut your fingernails
Longer nails tear more easily. If you want to strengthen your nails, cut them shorter first, as they have time to regenerate before they grow back.
Milk treatment
Strengthen your nails with extra calcium from milk. Pour a little lukewarm milk into a bowl and dip your nails. Leave for 5-10 minutes. If you like, you can add an egg to the mixture for extra protein. This treatment is completely natural and can be repeated every day.
Avoids the nail file
If you are struggling with flaky nails, stop using the file at least during the nail strengthening phase. The nail file dissolves the nail layers, which then separate and crack even more easily.
Performs hand and nail care every week for optimal results.
We have already mentioned how important a healthy diet is for nail health. Besides a healthy diet, there are many foods that help strengthen nails. Below you will find a list of foods.
Nail strengthening food
The best way to strengthen your nails is to eat a good, healthy diet and drink enough fluids. Since weak nails indicate a lack of vitamins A, B and C, as well as iron, you should eat foods that are rich in these vitamins. Some of these foods are tomatoes, chard, peanuts, legumes, poultry, salmon, tuna, eggs, shellfish and crabs.
Almond oil
Mix 1 tablespoon of almond oil with a little lemon juice and rub into hands and nails. Leave on for 2 minutes, then rinse. Almond oil contains antioxidants and nutrients that nourish nails and prevent them from breaking.
Olive oil
Gently massage 2 teaspoons of olive oil into the nails for 10 minutes. This oil helps absorb calcium and improves bone mineralization and calcification process.
Lemon juice
Squeeze the lemon juice and apply to the nails with a cotton ball. Then wash hands thoroughly with warm water. Lemon contains vitamin C, which prevents nail breakage.
Herbal teas
You can use this treatment every day, as it is completely herbal and one of the best ways to strengthen your nails.
Mix two teaspoons of tea of choice, preferably green tea, with a few drops of oil. Add a pinch of salt to the liquid. Apply this mixture on your nails for five minutes and then wipe with a dry cloth.
Apple cider vinegar
Mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 2 to 3 cups of warm water and apply the mixture to the nails with a cotton ball. Malic acid moisturizes the nails and prevents them from breaking.
Vitamin E for nail strengthening
Add 2 to 3 drops of vitamin E to a teaspoon of tea tree oil and gently massage the mixture into your nails. Tea tree oil acts as a powerful antiseptic and vitamin E as an antioxidant.
Tea tree oil as well as other moisturizing and skin care oils can be used up to three times a week to improve the skin around the nails and prevent cuticles.
Coconut oil
Put a few drops of coconut oil on your nails and rub it in gently. Coconut oil softens the cuticles, improves blood circulation to the nails and makes them stronger.
Tomato juice
Since tomato juice is rich in antioxidants and proteins, it can heal brittle fingernails and strengthen their texture. All you need to do is mix 2 drops of rosemary oil and 2 tablespoons of tomato juice and soak your nails for 10 minutes.
Argan oil
This oil is also good for strengthening nails. Apply argan oil as part of a routine during a manicure or pedicure.
Mix equal amounts of lemon juice and argan oil in a bowl. Keep your fingernails soaked in this liquid for 10-15 minutes and then rinse them with lukewarm water. Do not use soap, but clean water. Do not overdo the application of this treatment, as lemon can attack the skin around the nail. It is best to use this treatment once a week.
Related article: 6 tips for wellness at home, even without a bath.
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