Nails give out the hint about your lifestyle.
Weak and unhealthy nails are often due to negligence and improper care. They
get weak when they dry out and become brittle. Long-term exposure to water or
chemicals, such as detergents and nail polish, are the main reasons behind weak
nails.
Here are 6 Tips for a Healthy and Strong
Nails:
A healthy lifestyle, dietary changes, a
proper nail care regimen and some simple home remedies can help fix the problem
and make your nails strong and healthy.
1. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is another versatile ingredient
that can repair and strengthen damaged nails. Its antiseptic property helps
prevent and treat fungal infections that are often the cause of weak and
brittle nails. It can also help get rid of discolored or yellow nails.
- Put
a few drops of tea tree oil in a small bowl of warm water. Soak your nails
in this solution for 3 minutes, a few times a week.
- Alternatively,
prepare a solution with ½ teaspoon of vitamin E oil or jojoba oil and 4 or
5 drops of tea tree oil. Apply this solution on your nails and massage
gently for a few minutes. Allow it to dry, then rinse it off with lukewarm
water. Do this once a week.
2. Beer
Beer is a rich source of silicon, which can
help treat weak nails. It also has selenium, potassium and biotin that help
make your nails strong and healthy.
1. Slightly warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the
microwave.
2. Mix in 1 tablespoon each of beer and apple cider
vinegar.
3. Soak your nails in it for 15 minutes.
4. Use
this remedy a few times a week.
3. Olive Oil
Olive oil is an excellent remedy for weak
nails. The oil helps moisturize the nails. It also helps repair damage and
softens nails and cuticles, which in turn leads to strong and healthy nails.
- Massage
your nails thoroughly with some warm olive oil, covering both the top and
underside of your nails. Wait 15 minutes, then wash it off with water. Do
this 2 or 3 times daily.
- Alternatively,
mix together 3 teaspoons of warm olive oil and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice.
Apply this mixture to your nails using a cotton swab. Allow it to dry,
then put on a pair of soft, cotton gloves. Do this daily before going to
bed, and in the morning, rinse it off with warm water.
4. Eat Protein-Based Foods
To attain strong and healthy nails, experts
suggest increasing protein intake. Nails are made of keratin, a kind of
protein. Therefore, protein-based foods will provide the building blocks for
growing strong nails. On the other hand, lack of protein can cause white spots
on your nails and make them weak.
- Include
protein rich foods in your diet, such as chicken, eggs, lean meats,
low-fat dairy, nuts, seafood, soybeans, quinoa, beans, and tofu.
- You
can also drink protein shakes or add protein powder to a glass of milk.
Before taking any protein supplement, consult a doctor.
5. Green Tea
Green tea can also make your nails strong and
healthy. The antioxidants in green tea help prevent brittle nails as well as
strengthen them. At the same time, green tea helps get rid of yellow
discoloring.
- Brew
a cup of green tea and allow it to cool. Soak your nails in it for 10 to
15 minutes, twice a week.
- Alternatively,
prepare a nail soak with 2 teaspoons of green tea, a pinch of salt and a
few drops of wheat germ oil. Soak your nails in this mixture for 5
minutes, then wipe it off with a dry cloth. Repeat this procedure twice a
week.
- You
can also mix a few drops of green tea essential oil with coconut oil or
aloe vera gel and massage your nails with it once or twice a
week.
6. Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E oil is another good remedy for
stronger nails. Its moisturizing property helps keep your nails hydrated and
healthy.
1. Break open a vitamin E capsule to extract the oil.
2. Apply the oil on your nails and massage gently for a
few minutes.
3. Do this daily before going to bed for a few weeks.
For added benefits, take vitamin E capsules orally after consulting a
doctor.
7. Massage Your Nails
Another easy, cost-effective way to have
strong and beautiful nails is regular massage. Massage will improve blood
circulation, making your nails stronger and healthier. You can use a
moisturizing lotion, nail cream, almond oil or coconut oil to massage and also
keep your nails moisturized.
1. Apply your chosen product on each nail.
2. Massage gently and thoroughly for 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Slip on cotton gloves, then go to sleep.
4. The next morning, wash your nails with warm water.
5. Follow this remedy daily for several weeks.
Additional Tips
- Be
patient as you cannot get rid of weak and brittle nails in a day. Allow
time for your nails to recover.
- Start
eating healthy foods more often.
- Keep
your nails free from nail polish and fake nails.
- Limit
your nails’ exposure to harsh chemicals.
- Avoid
spending a lot of time with your hands in water as it can soften your
nails, causing them to break easily.
- When
working with your hands, wear gloves to protect your nails.
- Keep
your nails short. The shorter your nails are, the stronger they tend to
be. However, do not cut your cuticles.
- Avoid
picking things and hard surfaces with your nails. Also, stop biting your
nails
- Dry
your toenails and fingernails thoroughly after swimming or showering and
be sure to apply lotion.
- Do
manicures and pedicures at least once a month for healthy and strong nails.