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...
- For added daily protection: daily toxins such as pollution or over-exposure to the sun can cause further damage to skin and hair. Antioxidants from Argan Oil add an extra layer of protection against these toxins and compounds.
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...
- Formulated with Keratin and Vitamin E to hydrate nails that are dry and brittle
- Fast drying base coat with adhering components that provide a better endurance to the manicure
- Hydrates and protects dry and thin nails that are growing long but missing hydration
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
- 【Diy yourself freely as like at salon】 - Professional nail file and buffer set,they have rough grit that can sand down the large ridges in your nails,it also helps get the glue off,will be save money from nail's shop. Also can used for your pet.
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
- PROVIDES MAXIMUM NAIL STRENGTHENING with hydrolyzed wheat protein and calcium for harder, longer, stronger, natural nails to envy Awards: Sunday Times Style Beauty Awards 2015, Best Beauty Awards 2015
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)
- Drip-Catch Cuff keeps your hands, arms and clothing dry
- Textured palm and fingertips improves grip while handling wet objects
- Ultra-Fresh technology inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria, mold and mildew on the glove
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)
- IT'S TIME to purify your lifestyle, and change the way you drink water. Glass is 100% recyclable, and doesn't leach harmful chemicals or unwanted flavors into your water like plastic or metal. Our glass canteen is reusable and is entirely BPA free, Phthalate free, PVC free, lead free, cadmium free and worry free.
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
- Softens and conditions cuticles.
- Helps nourish dry nails and cuticles.
- Natural essential oil comple moisturizes with Vitamin E, Apricot Kernel and Aloe.
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 -...
- NATURALLY FIGHTS OFF HARMFUL ELEMENTS: With aloe vera’s naturally protective properties, this gel fights off harmful micro-particles and leaves you with clean hands instantly. Our formula’s alcohol-free, so it won’t sting on any cuts and won’t leave your hands dry. It’s not greasy or watery, and it doesn’t leave any sticky residues - just apply to your palms for cleaner hands and softer skin. It’s a cleanser and moisturizer all in one.
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...
- ✔ RICH IN JAPANESE HOT-SPRING MINERALS - After many years of research and spending time in Japan to discover the mystery behind the ancient Japanese beauty, we found the Hot Spring minerals that activate inner healing in your body. Those minerals have become a core value of every Onsen products. Together, with very carefully added ingredients, we add an extra boost to all our products, which deliver incredible results to your nails fast.
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:
