5 Tips for Healthier Nails

Cortiva Institute

Hangnails, breaks, and splits — we have all been there and felt that pain. Pesky nail damage and brittle nails can cause pain and are quite a nuisance.

Makeup artists, nail artists, and estheticians most likely know this already, but you would be surprised that skincare and nail care go hand in hand. Nails are often an indicator of your health. Thus, it is crucial to take care of them. Even if you are a nail biter, there are lifestyle changes and habits you can change to improve your nail health.

Here are five tips for healthier, stronger, and better-looking nails, according to the Cortiva Institute.

1. Take Your Vitamins.

Vitamins are crucial to your body’s health, whether you take supplements via a tablet, food, powder, or drink.

Omega 3 6 9 is a popularly recommended supplement. They are fatty acids you can often naturally get from fish, flaxseed, and olive oils, to name a few. You can also find them in soft gel capsules. The benefits? Omega 3 6 9 supports heart health, increases circulation, enhances brain function, and keeps your skin — and nails —healthy and glowing. They can lubricate and moisturize your nails, giving them that shiny appearance and reducing inflammation.

Additionally, vitamins H and B7, more widely known as biotin, are other supplements often recommended to improve nail and hair health. It is water-soluble and supports your body’s nervous system. Biotin can be found in legumes or vitamins.

As with any supplement, make sure you read and consider all health risks to determine whether it is safe for you.

2. Drink Water.

Water is crucial to health. Your body needs to be hydrated to function. You will notice your nails break easier when your body is without that moisture.

3. Pay Attention to The Products You Use.

What we put on and into our skin matters, and the one product that works for one person may not be the product that also works for you. It can be a trial-and-error process figuring out which products work best for your skin and nails.

When in doubt, or if you’ve tried a slew of different products with no results or irritated results, talk with your doctor or an expert. Sometimes people require a prescription-strength nail treatment to see results.

Harsh chemicals from nail polish and polish remover with acetone can often weaken your nails. Look for acetone-free and nontoxic-labeled products.

To strengthen your nails, try a nail moisturizer. These nail-specific creams can be found at your local pharmacy or makeup retailer and help lock in moisture.

And products also include the tools you use. When your nail file is too harsh, your skin will break, causing hangnails and pain.

4. Choose Your Nail Salon Carefully.

If you get regular manicures and pedicures to achieve healthy-looking nails, you have to remember a few things first. One of the most important among them is to only stick to salons with a current state license and work only with licensed technicians.

You should also refrain from having your cuticles removed as they act as the sealant of the nail plate. When it’s removed, bacteria can enter your nails which may lead to an infection. You should also ensure that the nail technician sterilizes all tools used throughout the procedure so that you and the shop’s other clients won’t catch possible infections.

You should also see how the shop’s foot baths are cleaned and maintained. A propergood nail salon should use a bleach solution after every client, and the filters should also be cleaned regularly.

5. Keep Your Nails Shorter.

When your nails are too long, it is easier for them to break or catch on things like your sweater. Keep your nails shorter to prevent splits and breaks and allow them to grow.

Some people naturally have more brittle nails compared to others. Do your research to find and treat the root cause. Our nails can be a sign of our overall and underlying health.

 

If you are interested in learning more or becoming an expert, it is essential to do your research. For more information about makeup artist or esthetician programs, advice, and opportunities, visit our website and contact us today to learn more.

General