Gorgeous nails are goals for us girls, so we want to keep it as clean and healthy as possible. Here are some rules that we must follow to maintain healthy nails:
1. Oil your nails daily
Dehydration often results in flaky nails and dry cuticles. It’s important to regularly apply cuticle oil to keep your nails nourished and hydrated. When you’re cooking with coconut or olive oil in the kitchen don’t forget to rub some into your cuticles – it’s an easy hydration hit.
2. Eat a diet rich in nail-loving nutrients
Fingernails grow about one eighth of an inch per month, so adding oils high in fatty acids, anti-oxidants and nutrients will help with natural nail growth. Nails thrive when you eat foods like salmon, chicken, eggs, coconut oil and green vegetables like spinach and avocados. However, if you’re a fussy eater then help maintain healthy, strong nails by taking supplements rich in zinc, vitamin E and biotin – this has got the added bonus of being great for hair as well!
3. Never pull at hangnails!
Avoid touching hangnails at all costs. Those loose/dry bits of skin around the cuticle are all too tempting too pull off – but don’t. Biting or pulling them off can lead to bleeding and potential infection. You can prevent hangnails by keeping your cuticles nourished.
4. Find your most flattening nail shape
Squoval shaped nails – in between square and oval – give the illusion that your nails are longer, whereas having round nails can actually make your fingers look shorter – so pick a shape that suits your fingers. In theory everyone should mirror their tips to their cuticles for the ideal nail shape.
5. Always file in one direction
Get in the habit of filing in one direction, and try using long light strokes as this will minimise friction and heat build-up which can split and damage the nail. Keeping a mini nail file in your bag is a handy way of not being caught out if you break a nail while you’re out.
6. Wear gloves for chores and take showers, not baths
Hot water, detergents and harsh cleaning chemicals can ruin your mani so if you have to do the washing up and cleaning – wear rubber gloves to protect your nails. Soaking your nails for any length of time will let water seep into the nail plate and weaken the polish, so avoid it where possible.
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