Your nails are more than a fashion statement, they can be a reflection of your overall health.
Weak or brittle nails can result from a variety of factors, including excessive exposure to water, harsh chemicals, dehydration, or even underlying health conditions.
If you're tired of dealing with peeling or easily broken nails, it’s time to take steps to improve their strength and vitality.
Here are practical and effective tips to help you achieve healthier nails.
Limit water exposure
Frequent or prolonged soaking in water can weaken your nails, making them brittle and prone to breaking.
To minimise exposure, wear gloves when doing household chores like washing dishes, and try to avoid keeping your hands submerged in water for long periods while bathing.
While it's impossible to avoid water entirely, being mindful of how often your hands are exposed can make a significant difference.
Stay hydrated
Hydration is essential for healthy nails.
Without enough moisture, your nails may become brittle, peel, or crack easily.
Drinking plenty of water each day helps your nails retain their natural flexibility and strength.
Be cautious with certain products
Nail polish and removers: Many nail polishes and treatments contain harsh chemicals that can weaken nails over time.
Additionally, acetone-based nail polish removers are particularly damaging, as they strip moisture from your nails.
Hand sanitisers and cleaning products: Alcohol-based hand sanitisers can dry out both your hands and nails, leading to brittleness.
Similarly, many cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can weaken nails.
Wearing rubber gloves when cleaning helps protect your nails from damage.
Shampoos: Ones that are designed to strip oils, particularly those meant for oily hair, may dry out your nails as well.
Avoid gel and acrylic nails
Although gel and acrylic nails may offer a quick fix for short or weak nails, frequent use can lead to long-term damage.
These treatments can cause your natural nails to peel and weaken, especially if applied and removed incorrectly.
If you choose to wear gel or acrylic nails, give your nails a break between applications to recover.
Additionally, protect your skin by applying sunscreen to your hands before UV exposure during gel polish curing.
Let your nails breathe
Even nontoxic nail polish can weaken nails when worn constantly.
Give your nails a break by going polish-free for a week after wearing polish for several days. This allows your nails to 'breathe' and recover naturally.
Keep nails short
Shorter nails are less likely to snag, chip, or break.
Regularly trimming your nails to a manageable length can help maintain their strength and prevent damage.
Avoid using your nails as tools
Your nails aren’t designed to open coldrink cans or pry objects apart.
Using them as tools can lead to breakage, weakening, and long-term damage.
Moisturise your nails
Hydration isn’t just about drinking water. Your nails benefit from topical moisture too.
After washing your hands or removing nail polish, apply a hand cream or cuticle oil to keep your nails and surrounding skin nourished and healthy.
File nails correctly
Filing your nails incorrectly can weaken them over time.
Avoid moving the file back and forth. Instead, file in one direction for a smoother, healthier result.
IOL Lifestyle