Clean and healthy nails are a must-have if you want to keep them clean and look your best. However, nails are also easily damaged, either due to poor maintenance or daily activities that use hands and nails. However, by following a few simple habits, you can ensure that your fingernails stay strong and healthy, no matter what condition you're in!
Step
Method 1 of 2: Taking Care of Nails
Step 1. Cut the nails straight horizontally
This way, the tips of the nails won't get into the flesh and trigger an indentation. Also, try to trim your nails after you shower to make them softer. If you want to smooth out the corners of your nails, use a nail file (or emery board).
- File nails in a consistent direction to prevent weakening of the nails. Filing your nails from one end to the other, and back to the starting point repeatedly can cause serious damage to your nails over time.
- Remove germs on nail care kits monthly using 70% alcohol (or stronger isopropyl alcohol).
- To keep your nails flexible and prevent them from breaking, moisten your nails after trimming them.
Step 2. Avoid using nail polish that is too harsh
Products that contain ingredients like formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate can weaken nails. In addition, the use of nail polish with a color that is too bright or sharp can make the nails yellowish or easily damaged.
If you want to paint your nails in sharp, striking colors, try taking regular breaks between your nails by avoiding synthetic products
Step 3. Use a light nail polish remover, base coat and top coat
Acetone-free nail polish remover products are mild and prevent nails from drying out. When painting nails, a base coat product protects the nail surface from getting stained or yellowed. Meanwhile, top coat products reduce the risk of peeling nail polish so you don't have to remove the polish from your nails as often.
Step 4. Moisturize nails with oil to maintain flexibility and strength
As in other parts of the body, moisture is also useful for nails. Before going to bed, try dabbing a little almond oil or avocado oil on your nail bed and cuticles so they don't dry out, get rough, or crack.
- If you don't have almond oil or avocado oil on hand, use a lip balm.
- Cuticle moisturizer products are also available at pharmacies and beauty product stores.
Step 5. Add protein and omega 3 fatty acids to your diet
Keratin, the protein that makes up nails, can be produced better if you eat foods such as fish, beans, and peas. You can also try daily supplements such as biotin and fish oil, which are available at supermarkets or health food stores.
- B vitamins can strengthen nails. Zinc helps remove dark spots on the nails, while iron works to stop the formation of "jagged" on the surface of the nail (nail ridge).
- Vitamins A and C help moisturize and make nails look shinier.
- The recommended daily protein intake is 0.8 grams per 1 kilogram of body weight.
- There is no recommended daily dose of omega 3 fatty acids.
Method 2 of 2: Avoiding Habits that Damage Nails
Step 1. Do not expose your nails to a wet and dirty environment
These environments encourage the growth of bacteria under the nails, and this condition is very difficult to treat. In addition, repeated prolonged exposure to moisture also increases the risk of nails breaking or cracking.
If you frequently wash dishes, garden, or clean with harsh chemicals, try wearing rubber or plastic gloves that can protect your skin and nails from pressure or exposure to moisture and dirt
Step 2. Take steps to break the habit of biting your nails
This habit may be difficult to break, but it is important that you stop doing it because the mouth contains germs and bacteria that can enter the body easily through the abrasion created by the teeth.
- Try protecting your nails by coating them with clear gel, making them harder to bite.
- You can also use nail polish with a bitter taste so that the unpleasant taste makes you reluctant to bite your nails.
Step 3. Refrain from cutting or plucking the cuticle
Although it doesn't always look pretty, the cuticle actually plays a role in protecting the nail bed. Every time you cut your cuticles, you run the risk of small incisions that allow contaminants such as bacteria and fungi to enter your body. After that, both can cause infection.
- If you really need to make your nails look longer and neater, carefully push the cuticles inward (under the tip of the nail) using the blunt or flat side of a wooden orange stick.
- There is a myth that if you cut your cuticles regularly, they will grow faster when you stop cutting them.
Step 4. Be careful when getting a manicure and pedicure service
Ask the staff or nail nurse not to touch the cuticles and make sure the equipment used is sterilized. Also, make sure the bucket or basin used for soaking the feet has been cleaned with a bleach mixture before reusing it for the next guest to prevent the spread of foot disease.
- Acrylic and gel manicure products are hard on nails, and the ultraviolet lamp used to apply gel manicures can harm the skin, and even increase the risk of cancer.
- If you get a gel manicure service, don't peel off the layer of gel because the layer or surface of your nail will also be lifted.
Step 5. Consult a doctor if your nails often hurt
If your nails are healthy, they won't have spots and stains or discoloration. Each part of the nail has the same color and flexibility. Healthy nails also don't have holes or pressure marks. The cuticle will be visible and the nail bed will appear pinkish white. Pain, swelling, or blood around the nail area are conditions that need attention.
- You should also see a doctor immediately if your nails stop growing or start to curl.
- Keep in mind that vertical ridges along the nail surface are normal.
Tips
- The nail strengthener product used can protect your nails and make them look shiny!
- If you like or are good at playing an instrument, make sure your nails aren't too long so you don't have a hard time playing.
