As seasons change, you may notice that your nails do too. The bitter winter may have taken a toll on your nails causing brittleness, pealing and breaking, but spring has sprung and what better time to get them in tip top shape?
Nail care products alone aren’t going to give you healthy nails. It takes good nutrition and proper care to keep them strong and beautiful. Although regular manicures can help, be sure that you are having them done by a nail technician who cleans and sterilizes her tools. Further, be sure that she doesn’t remove your cuticles. Cuticles are important in protecting your nails and avoiding infection. The below guidelines will help you care for your nails the best that you can so that they look their best for the spring and summer.
- Protect your nails: Where a protective coat of nail polish that is safe (no toxic chemicals like toluene sulfonamide, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) or formaldehyde. When washing dishes or cleaning, wear cotton-lined rubber gloves to protect your nails from irritants. Check out Amazon for some formaldehyde free nail polish
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- Have Routine Nail Maintenance: Trim fingernails and clean under the nails regularly. Use manicure scissors or clippers and an emery board to smooth nail edges. If you have hangnails, clip them off. Never pull at them because this will tear at live tissue and can scar.
- Moisturize: To keep nails from becoming brittle, rub lotion into your nails when moisturizing your hands. Always apply a moisturizer after you wash your hands.
- Treat with Care: Avoid the urge to use your fingernails as tools. They aren’t meant to pry, poke or pick things. Don’t bite your nails. Always use a file or Emory board. Limit use of nail polish remover to no more than once a week. It contains alcohol and other chemicals which make nails brittle.
- Eat for Healthy Nails: Nails can tell us a lot about our health, including whether we are getting proper nutrition in our daily diet. If nails become brittle or develop lines and ridges, it may mean that you are lacking certain nutrients. Check out the chart below to understand what nutrients help you maintain beautiful, strong, healthy nails.
| Nutrient | Benefits to Nails | Foods Containing | ||
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| Biotin | Biotin keeps nails beautiful and also keeps your hair healthy and shiny. |
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| Iron | Smooth nails that are strong | Heme Types:
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Non-Heme types:
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| Protein | Strong nails that don’t crack or break easily |
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| Zinc | Promotes clear pink nails |
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What do you do to keep your nails in tip-top shape?
