Are you tired of having weak and brittle nails? Do the cracks and roughness in your hands drive you crazy? Fortunately, there are preventative measures that can be taken to keep your nails healthy. Taking care of your hands and nails is an essential part of self-care; however, it doesn’t have to break the bank.
In this article, we’ll go over some easy DIY hand and nail care tricks to help strengthen and nourish them while avoiding harsh chemicals found in expensive store-bought products. Read on for simple tips that will give you healthier-looking hands & nails.
Start Basic to Get the Best Results
Before diving into an elaborate nail care routine, it’s crucial to prioritize the basics. Start by ensuring that your nails are consistently clean and well-trimmed. Long nails can easily trap dirt and bacteria, potentially leading to infections and weakening of the nail bed. Maintain cleanliness by regularly washing your hands and nails with a gentle soap and warm water.
When trimming your nails, opt for sharp nail clippers instead of scissors. This precautionary measure helps prevent splitting or creating ragged edges that could cause further damage. Additionally, always remember to file your nails in one direction only, as repetitive back-and-forth filing can result in peeling or breakage.
Jelly nail polish is an excellent alternative to traditional nail polishes that can be harsh on your nails. It is a gel-based polish, making it more durable and long-lasting than regular nail polish. Not only does it provide a glossy finish, but it also helps protect your nails from chipping or breaking.
Pamper Yourself with Hand Creams and Oils
The skin on our hands is constantly exposed to the elements, making it more prone to dryness and cracking. It is where hand creams and oils come in handy. When selecting a hand cream or oil, opt for products that contain natural ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil, or vitamin E. These ingredients help nourish and hydrate your skin while providing a protective barrier against external irritants.
When applying hand cream or oil, massage it into your cuticles. Cuticles play a crucial role in nail health by protecting the nail bed from bacteria and infections. By keeping them moisturized, you can prevent them from becoming dry and cracked, leading to painful hangnails.
Avoid Damage from Nail Polish and Removers
While nail polish can be a fun and easy way to add color to your nails, it can also cause damage if not used correctly. To avoid weakening your nails, make sure to give them breaks in between polish applications. Leaving nail polish on for too long can lead to discoloration and dryness.
When removing nail polish, remove acetone-free removers, as they are less harsh on your nails. Try to limit the use of nail polish removers, as they can strip away natural oils from your nails and cuticles, leaving them dry and brittle.
Use Natural Remedies for Extra Strength
If your nails are still weak even after following these tips, try some natural remedies to give them an extra boost. Almond oil, castor oil, and jojoba oil can help strengthen and nourish your nails. Apply a small amount onto each nail bed and massage it for a few minutes before washing it off.
Another common household item that can help with nail strength is garlic. Crush a clove of garlic and mix it with olive or coconut oil. Apply this mixture onto your nails and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off. Garlic contains selenium, which helps promote strong and healthy nails.
Keep Hands Hydrated with Regular Moisturizing
Apart from using hand creams and oils, it’s essential to keep your hands well-hydrated throughout the day. It means drinking plenty of water and incorporating hydrating foods, such as fruits and vegetables, into your diet. By nourishing your body from within, you’ll support optimal skin health and moisture retention.
Additionally, our hands can lose moisture due to frequent washing, so it’s crucial to apply hand cream or oil after each wash to replenish and lock in hydration. This simple step can prevent dryness and maintain soft, supple hands.
In addition to external hydration, regular exercise can also contribute to the overall health of your nails. Activities that increase blood flow, like cardiovascular exercises or yoga, help deliver essential nutrients to your nail beds. It promotes stronger and healthier nails, reducing the likelihood of breakage or brittleness.
Protect Hands During Daily Chores
Lastly, it is crucial to prioritize hand protection during your daily chores, such as washing dishes or gardening. By wearing gloves, you can effectively shield your hands from direct contact with harsh cleaning products and chemicals that can strip away the natural oils from your hands and nails.
It not only helps maintain their health and vitality but also prevents water from getting trapped under your nails, which can result in weakening and brittleness over time. Taking these proactive measures ensures that your hands remain strong, supple, and resilient, enabling you to tackle any task with confidence.
Conclusion
Keeping your hands and nails healthy doesn’t have to be a tedious or expensive task. Following these simple DIY hand and nail care tips, you can achieve stronger nails and silky smooth hands without breaking the bank or using harsh chemicals. Remember to prioritize the basics, pamper yourself with hand creams and oils, avoid damage from nail polish and removers, use natural remedies for extra strength, keep your hands hydrated, and protect your hands during daily chores.
