When it comes to achieving and maintaining strong, beautiful nails, it’s not just about the products you use, but also the daily habits you adopt. Healthy nails are a reflection of both your nail care routine and your overall health. Whether you're a professional nail technician or someone looking to improve the health of your own nails, understanding the healthiest things to do for your nails can help you prevent damage and promote natural growth.
In this blog, we'll cover some essential tips for maintaining healthy nails that both you and your clients can follow to ensure they look and feel their best.
1. Keep Your Nails Clean and Dry
Why it Matters:
One of the simplest and most effective ways to keep nails healthy is to maintain good hygiene. Keeping nails clean and dry helps prevent infections like fungal growth, which can thrive in a moist environment. It also helps maintain the natural balance of oils in your nails, keeping them from becoming dry and brittle.
How to Do It:
- Wash your hands regularly, and dry your nails thoroughly after washing.
- Avoid soaking your nails in water for prolonged periods, which can cause them to become weak.
- Keep the areas underneath your nails free from dirt and bacteria to avoid infections.
2. Moisturise Your Nails and Cuticles
Why it Matters:
Just like the skin, nails require moisture to stay healthy and strong. Dry nails are more likely to break, split, or become brittle. Moisturising your nails and cuticles regularly can prevent these issues and keep them soft and flexible.
How to Do It:
- Use a nourishing cuticle oil or moisturiser to hydrate your nails and cuticles.
- Apply these products daily, especially after washing your hands or exposing your nails to harsh chemicals or drying conditions.
- Be sure to massage the product gently into your nails and the surrounding skin to promote circulation, which encourages nail growth.
3. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Why it Matters:
Harsh chemicals found in many nail products, such as nail polish removers containing acetone, can damage your nails over time. These chemicals strip the nails of their natural oils, causing them to become dry, weak, and more prone to breakage.
How to Do It:
- Choose acetone-free nail polish removers and other nail care products that are gentle on your nails.
- Opt for polishes that are free from harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP (dibutyl phthalate).
- When using cleaning products or handling chemicals, wear gloves to protect your nails from harsh substances.
4. Keep Your Nails Trimmed and Filed
Why it Matters:
Regularly trimming and filing your nails is essential for maintaining their strength. Long nails are more prone to breaking or snagging, which can cause damage to both the nail and the surrounding skin. Filing your nails helps maintain their shape and prevents sharp edges that can catch on things and cause injury.
How to Do It:
- Trim your nails regularly to keep them at a manageable length, using clean, sharp nail clippers.
- File your nails in one direction to prevent splitting or tearing. Avoid back-and-forth motions, which can cause the nails to weaken.
- Shape your nails in a way that suits your hands and lifestyle – for example, rounded or square-shaped nails are generally less likely to break than pointy or oval nails.
5. Eat a Balanced Diet
Why it Matters:
The health of your nails is often a reflection of your overall health. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals plays a key role in promoting nail strength and growth. Deficiencies in certain nutrients, such as biotin, zinc, or protein, can lead to weak, brittle nails.
How to Do It:
- Incorporate foods rich in vitamins, such as biotin (found in eggs, nuts, and avocados), vitamin E (found in leafy greens and nuts), and zinc (found in meat, shellfish, and legumes).
- Ensure you're getting enough protein, as nails are made of keratin, a protein that helps build strong, healthy nails.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, which helps keep both your nails and cuticles moisturised.
6. Be Gentle with Your Nails
Why it Matters:
Your nails can be easily damaged by using them as tools to open things or by exposing them to excessive pressure. Being gentle with your nails prevents unnecessary trauma that could lead to splitting, breaking, or weakening.
How to Do It:
- Avoid using your nails to open packages, peel stickers, or perform tasks that could cause them to bend or break.
- Take care when performing activities like typing or lifting, as repeated strain can weaken the nails over time.
- If you’re using your nails to perform a job, wear gloves to protect them from impact or rough surfaces.
7. Give Your Nails a Break from Enhancements
Why it Matters:
While nail enhancements such as gels, acrylics, or shellac can give your nails a polished look, they can cause damage if used too frequently or improperly. Prolonged use of these enhancements can cause your nails to become weak, thin, or discoloured. Giving your nails a break allows them to recover and grow back stronger.
How to Do It:
- If you regularly wear nail enhancements, take occasional breaks to allow your natural nails to grow and strengthen.
- Opt for more natural looks, such as a simple polish or clear coat, during your break periods.
- Always remove enhancements carefully, avoiding aggressive scraping or peeling, which can cause damage to your natural nails.
Conclusion
The healthiest thing you can do for your nails is to adopt a holistic approach to nail care, focusing on both maintenance and protection. Keeping your nails clean, moisturised, and trimmed, along with avoiding harsh chemicals and practising gentle nail care habits, will go a long way in promoting strong, beautiful nails. A balanced diet and regular breaks from enhancements also play key roles in nail health. With these simple yet effective practices, you can maintain nails that are not only stunning but also strong and resilient.
For professional-grade products to support healthy nails, consider Star Nails – our range is designed to help you protect, nourish, and maintain your nails at their best, every step of the way.
