Top 10 Tips to Keeping Your Nails Looking Healthy & Beautiful

We all want to have beautiful nails that are thick and strong but as we go about our daily routine and live our busy lives, our nails get exposed to potentially damaging situations. Growing your nails begins with improving daily habits. However, it is important to remember that nail beauty doesn’t only come from the outside, it also comes from within – your overall health will impact the appearance of your nails. Before you make (albeit very pretty) cosmetic changes to your nails, make sure you are taking care of your overall health, and whenever possible, treating your body to some natural home remedies.

Read our best novel beauty tips for keeping your nails healthy, strong and free from damage.

1. Soak Your Nails

Soaking your nails helps keep them strong and hydrated, and it can be pretty relaxing too. There are various oils that you can use for this purpose: castor, tee tree, vitamin E, argan and coconut oils work a treat. Just soak each hand in a bowl for approximately ten minutes – if you soak them one at a time, you can eat some popcorn with the other hand while you watch a chick flick: voila, fun Friday night in.

This beautiful Argan Oil by Pure D’Or will help you get started:

PURA D'OR (4 oz) Organic Moroccan Argan Oil 100% Pure Cold Pressed, USDA Certified Organic, All Natural Anti-Aging Moisturizer Treatment...

Free shipping
Last update was on: April 5, 2020 3:06 pm
in stock
$12.99 $24.99

2. Leave Longer Between Manicures

Using nail polish remover too often can lead to dried-out nails, so it’s better to increase the length of time between manicures so your nails don’t become too overexposed to nail polish remover. Use a hydrating base coat and push your cuticles back, and follow up with an additional application of top coat every couple of days, to make your mani last longer.

For a deep hydration basecoat, try Probelle:

Probelle Hydrating Base Coat for Dry Nails and Brittle Nails - Keratin and Vitamin E Restore Nails to a hydrated...

Free shipping
Last update was on: April 5, 2020 7:05 pm
in stock

3. Short Nails

If your nails weaken and break as they grow longer, it may be worth keeping them short – they won’t get accidentally broken, and they can still look cute. The shorter your nails, there’s less surface area that is exposed to harsh products and water.

This set of nail files and buffers will keep your nails trim:

Nail Files and Buffer, TsMADDTs Professional Manicure Tools Kit Rectangular Art Care Buffer Block Tools 100/180 Grit 12Pcs/Pack

Free shipping
Last update was on: April 5, 2020 1:05 pm
in stock

4. Don’t Use Your Nails as Tools

The nail tip is vulnerable to damage even when performing the lightest tasks like peeling off a sticker or opening a can of soda, so you should definitely avoid using your nails as tools to pinch things, grab things and break things.

If you tend to use your nails on harder surfaces, this O.P.I nail strengthener will add a layer of extra protection:

OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener, Original

Free shipping
Last update was on: April 5, 2020 3:06 pm
in stock

5. Gloves Are a Girl’s Best Friend

Protect your nails (and hands!) while washing the dishes, cleaning the house and gardening. Don’t expose your hands to harsh detergents and chemicals, and try not to have them submerged in water for long periods of time.

I recommend these Playtex cleaning gloves for protecting hands and nails in everyday use:

Playtex Living Reusable Rubber Cleaning Gloves, Large (Pack - 3)

Playtex Living Reusable Rubber Cleaning Gloves, Large (Pack - 3)

Free shipping
Last update was on: June 13, 2020 11:39 am
in stock

6. Water: All Day Every Day

Keep sipping water all day long – this helps keep your nails, hair and skin in the best condition they can be in and keeps you in general good health, as does balancing your diet. Water, and the amount you drink, has a direct bearing on the condition of your nails and cuticles.

This year, I’ve made a conscious choice to cut down on plastic and started using reusable water bottles. I highly recommend investing in this gorgeous Purifyou premium glass water bottle, it’ll remind you to keep hydrated and most importantly – it comes free from toxic chemicals.

purifyou Premium Glass Water Bottle with Silicone Sleeve and Stainless Steel Lid, 32/22 / 12 oz (Jet Black, 22 oz)

Free shipping
Last update was on: April 5, 2020 9:05 pm
in stock

7. Apply Hand Cream & Cuticle Oil

Keeping your hands and nails moisturized is so important when it comes to keeping your nails strong – it helps to prevent nail peeling and cuticle picking. And ladies, be careful with it comes to cutting or picking your cuticles: in addition to being painful, it lets in bacteria. You can use cuticle oil to moisturize them and help keep them soft as you push them back gently.

Keep your hands soft and your nails hydrated with this Sally Hansen Vitamin E Oil.

Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail and Cuticle Oil, 0.45 Fluid Ounce

Last update was on: April 6, 2020 8:05 am
in stock

8. Stay Away From Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer

Alcohol-based hand sanitizer is known to wreak havoc on your nails – opt for an alcohol-free one, or stick to rinsing your hands with warm soapy water followed by using the cuticle oil or hand cream we talked about earlier.

You can stock up on healthy hand sanitizers on Amazon – my favorite is the Shankara’s Aloe Vera Alcohol-Free Hand Gel.

Advanced Aloe Vera Hand Purifying Gel - 100% Alcohol-Free With Antimicrobial Properties for Natural Protection of Kids and Adults - After-Sun Skincare Moisturizer to Cleanse and Hydrate Skin (200 ml)

Advanced Aloe Vera Hand Purifying Gel - 100% Alcohol-Free With Antimicrobial Properties for Natural Protection of Kids and Adults -...

Free shipping
Last update was on: June 13, 2020 11:39 am
in stock
$17.99 $19.99

9. Look After Your Cuticles

One of the biggest mistakes in home manicures is forgetting to care for your cuticles. In fact, cuticles play an integral role in your nail health by fighting harmful bacteria. That’s why it’s important to moisturize this area to prevent tears that can lead to infection.

This Onsen Secret cuticle conditioner serum contains natural ingredients for healthy skin.

Onsen Secret Cuticle Conditioner Serum - Nail strengthener| Growth | Softener | Oil and Cream Repair Formula Natural & Organic...

Free shipping
Last update was on: April 5, 2020 6:05 pm
in stock
$16.95 $18.95

10. Take Extra Vitamins & Supplements

Biotin is a form of Vitamin B and one of the best vitamins to promote hair and nail growth. Naturally biotin reach foods include salmon, bananas and yeast but most of us benefit from taking it as a supplement. If you want to boost your nail health, check out my top 5 hair and nail supplements.

Stick with these tips and your nails should be strong and healthy for as long as you live!


For more nail beauty tips, see below:

Load More (29)

We Heart Nails