Nail care is needed for healthy, hard nails and avoidance of conditions such as breakage, infection, or color changes. Proper nail care means cleanliness, moisturization, and guarding. A full guide to nail care follows.
- General Nail Care Routine
Maintain Nails Clean & Dry: Avoids germs and fungal infections. Dry nails thoroughly after hand wash.
Trim Periodically: Cut straight across and gently round tips to avoid ingrowing nails.
File Gently: Use a fine-grit nail file to file edges, going in one direction to prevent splitting.
Moisturize: Use hand cream or cuticle oil to keep cuticles and nails moist.
Protect Nails: Wear gloves when washing dishes or cleaning to prevent exposure to chemicals.
- Healthy Nail Habits
Avoid Biting Nails: This can hurt the nail bed and cause infection.
Limit Polish Use: Take a break from polish to avoid weakening and discoloring nails.
Use Nail-Friendly Products: Opt for acetone-free nail polish remover to prevent drying out nails.
Practice Good Hygiene: Gently clean under nails and don’t use sharp objects.
- Diet for Strong Nails
Nails are an indicator of overall health, so a healthy diet is essential:
Biotin: Maintains nail strength (eggs, nuts, and seeds).
Iron & Zinc: Avoids brittleness (in spinach, legumes, and lean meats).
Vitamin E & C: Encourages hydration and nail growth (in citrus fruit and leafy greens).
Protein: Builds keratin (in poultry, fish, and legumes).
- Common Nail Problems & Solutions
Brittle Nails: Moisturize frequently, avoid excessive water exposure, and boost biotin levels.
Yellow Nails: Do not overuse dark color polishes, apply a base coat, or attempt a lemon soak.
Splitting or Peeling: Moisturize nails and stay away from strong chemicals.
Fungal Infections: Use antifungal creams and practice good hygiene.
- Professional Nail Care
Manicures & Pedicures: Occasional visits can keep nails in excellent condition, but check if the salon practices hygienic methods.
