Strong Claws or Brittle and Broken?
We love indulging in a good manicure now and then, but your daily habits play a much bigger role in nail health. Everything from your diet to your chores can impact how they look, so let’s explore which bad habits to kick and which keep you healthy.
1. Nail Biting
We’ve all chewed our nails once or twice, but chronic biters need to kick the habit. Frequent nail biting causes all kinds of problems from risk of infection to potentially stunting nail growth permanently. It also leaves behind a pretty unsightly nail bed.
2. Using the Wrong Nail Polish Remover
While it isn’t ideal to leave nail polish for too long, it’s equally harmful to use the wrong nail polish remover. Harsh chemicals not only strip your nails but can also dry them out and leave them brittle.
3. Leaving Your Nails Long
Everyone appreciates the look of long nails—but there’s a difference between press-ons and the real thing. Letting your nails grow opens the door to bacteria and dirt under the nail bed. It also increases the risk of damage due to snags or breaks.
4. Cleaning Without Gloves
Bust out those rubber gloves because our nails need protection! Tackling the dishes without them can dry out your nails, cause breakage, and lead to nasty cracks. Those gloves may look a little ‘50s wife, but they’re worth it to protect yourself.
5. Removing the Cuticles
Some nail technicians swear by cuticle removal but it may prove more harmful than we thought. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, removing the cuticle damages your nail and leaves you susceptible to bacteria.
6. Using Nails as Everyday Tools
Have you ever peeled a label with your fingernails? What about opening a can of soda? Time to kick the habit! Our nails make handy tools on the surface, but using them in lieu of actual tools causes all sorts of damage.
7. Leaving Nail Polish on Too Long
As stunning as that color is, it’s important to remove polish before it ruins your nails. You should remove nail polish within two weeks of application—leave it too long and you’ll likely see dry, damaged nails. You should also avoid painting them too much so you don’t expose them to constant chemicals.
8. Picking Off Nail Polish
Using the wrong nail polish remover might be harmful, but it’s nothing compared to picking it off yourself. Our nails deserve as much TLC as the rest of us, and picking your polish scrapes cells clean off. Don’t be surprised to see cracked, damaged surfaces afterward.
Kateryna Hliznitsova on Unsplash
9. Unhealthy Diets
Believe it or not, unhealthy diets contribute to poor nail health as well. Nutrient deficiencies can cause common problems like brittle nails, breakage, and slower growth. Eating the right foods ensures those nails glow as bright as you!
10. Ignoring Problems
We learn a lot about overall health from the look of our nails. Weak, peeling, or discolored ones can all be signs of something larger; speak with your doctor if you notice any prolonged issues. Even if it’s nothing, at least you’ll have peace of mind.
With all that said, let’s explore some quick and easy ways to keep nails in tip-top shape.
1. Keep Your Nails Short
Like it or not, short nails keep bacteria and breakage to a minimum. Clipping them also prevents stains and debris from causing further damage, so make sure you keep them an appropriate length.
2. Use Healthier Removers
Acetone-free nail polish removers are your best bet for healthy nails; acetone not only strips nails but also carries a much harsher scent than other removers. Invest in better options like soy-based removers or those with essential oils.
3. Moisturize Your Nails
You already know that moisturizer benefits our skin, but it’s just as crucial for our nails! Hand cream prevents cracked skin and broken nails, ensuring your mitts are kept in optimal health. You can also try cuticle butters that specifically target problem areas.
4. Avoid Too Much Water
We’re not talking about hydration—that’s still important! No, we’re talking about the time your hands spend submerged. Whether it’s doing the dishes or spending time in the pool, our nails can crack with too much exposure.
5. File Nails the Right Way
Nail filing seems pretty straightforward but there’s actually a right way and a wrong way to do it. Take your time and don’t saw back and forth as that aggressive movement damages nails. You should also clip your nails beforehand, not use the file a means to shorten them.
Farhad Ibrahimzade on Unsplash
6. Give Them a Break
Our nails deserve a chance to breathe, so keep them polish-free for a while. They’ll thank you for the break from press-ons and harmful gels, and you’ll keep them in good health until it’s time for a fresh coat.
7. Wear Gloves
Don’t even think about doing the dishes without protection; now that we know the dangers of bare-handed washing, it’s time to invest in a thick pair of rubber gloves! Remember: it’s not only the water that damages your nails, it’s detergents too.
8. Invest in Proper Shoes
We’ve spent a lot of time talking about our fingernails, but our toenails arguably need even more attention. The right pair of shoes won’t squish your feet or crack your nails, so invest in comfortable pairs.
9. Eat the Right Foods
Leafy greens, eggs, and salmon do wonders for our health—including our nails. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and iron keep our nails nice and strong while also providing us with the nutrients we need for a balanced diet.
10. Speak With Your Doctor
Remember how we talked about the dangers of ignoring problems? If you notice anything weird with your nails, book a doctor’s appointment! They’ll properly diagnose any issues and give you the right steps to fix them.
