Our nails go through a lot. They are constantly exposed to harsh detergents and water, every time we wash our hands or use other cleaning products. They are also constantly choked under the different chemicals that our nail paints are made of, and last but not the least, get exposed to acetone from nail paint removers, every time we decide to change our nail color. It isn’t any surprise then, that our nails become damaged, weak and start to chip and peel. And weak and brittle nails don’t just look bad, they can be quite painful too.
Whatever the current nail trends making it to Instagram may be, nothing beats having nails shining with good health. But how is it even possible keeping in mind our busy lifestyles, daily chores and the far from perfect nutrition we get? Read on to know more.
Soak Nails In Olive Oil
Soak your nails in Extra Virgin Olive Oil for 10-15 minutes every day for a month and twice a week thereafter if you have weak, damaged or peeling nails. The oil will help strengthen the nails and give them a new sheen.
Use a Good Cuticle Cream
Cuticle creams help reverse some of the damage that our nails face due to repeated hand washing and manicures. A good cuticle cream helps take care of dry and brittle nails, using Vitamin E. Massage the cuticle cream on and around your nails every night before hitting the sack.
Invest On A Swiss Army Knife
Don’t use your nails to do odd jobs like opening a soda can. Your nails aren’t meant for all that. And using your nails for these things can damage them a great deal. Buy a good Swiss army knife instead, for everyday tasks like these.
Soak Them In Beer
Beer isn’t just a great beverage, but happens to have other good uses too. It is known to be one of the best remedies to strengthen weak nails. Warm 1/4th cup of olive oil and add 1/4th cup of Apple Cider Vinegar and half a cup of beer to it. Soak your nails in the mixture for 10 minutes. Repeat this twice a week for best results.
Use Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a great remedy for discolored nails. Mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 3 tablespoons of olive oil and warm the mixture a bit. Use a cotton ball to apply it on your nails and wear gloves overnight for whiter and stronger nails.
Egg Yolk Massage
Egg yolk is a great remedy for dry and brittle nails. Mix egg yolk with a little bit of milk and massage it into your nails for a few minutes before rinsing off with fresh water. This provides your dry nails with the much-needed moisture.
Soak Them In Orange Juice
Orange juice contains folic acid, an essential nutrient for the growth of nails. Soak your nails in freshly extracted orange juice for ten minutes before rinsing it off with water. Apply a good moisturizer after patting dry. This can be done daily for strong nails shining with good health.
Shea Butter Massage
Shea butter is a great moisturizer and helps nourish nails and them stronger. Rub some natural shea butter on your nails and cuticles for about 15 minutes. Repeat as often as you can for healthier and stronger nails.
Use Gloves
It’s important that you protect your nails and wear gloves while doing chores like doing the dishes, cleaning, laundry or gardening. The chemicals in the detergents can be harsh on the nails and rob them of moisture, leaving them dry and brittle. Even when washing hands, choose a cleanser that is gentle on your hands and nails and follow every hand wash with an application of moisturizer on your hands and nails. And before your bedtime, it’s a good idea to apply a thick moisturizer on your hands and a good cuticle cream to your nails.
Go Without Nail Paint
If your nails are yellowing and in bad shape, it might be a good idea to stop using nail paints for a while. Exposure to the sun is essential for their good health and is vital for the generation of new cells. And constant exposure to the harsh chemicals in nail paints prevents your nails from breathing and causes them to turn yellow and damaged. Say no to nail paints for a while and let your nails breathe.
Use Coconut Oil
Coconut oil can help immensely with strengthening of weak and brittle nails. It’s full of saturated fats that moisturize the nails and lock the moisture in. Apply slightly warmed coconut oil to your nails and massage for 5 minutes. It can be done twice or thrice a day for strong nails that shine with nourishment.
Give Your Nails A Nice Massage
Massaging your fingernails has a great effect on the health of nails by stimulating increased blood flow to the area. Use a good moisturizing lotion to massage your hands, nails and cuticles 2-3 times a week for healthier, stronger and shinier nails.
Drink up
Drinking lots of water doesn’t just hydrate your body, it helps keep your nails moisturized too. It helps hydrate dry and damaged nails.
