13 Best Nail Tips: Here’s What You Need to Know
Nails can say a lot about you and your health. And let’s be honest, no one ever wants them to be weak, peeling, and brittle. So before you cover them with your favorite nail polish, first, make sure they’re strong and healthy. But how can you do that? No worries, we’ve got your back.
We asked a few beauty industry experts, nail care specialists, and self-care enthusiasts to share their best tips and tricks to help you grow your nails faster and prevent them from breaking.
Keep Your Nails Clean and Dry
“Always ensure your nails are dry and kept clean. When washing dishes or engaging your hands in any other activity involving the use of harsh substances, always wear rubber gloves lined with cotton. Additionally, try to avoid soaking yourself for extended periods in the bathtub.”
Dean, Representative at NicelyPolished
Avoid Nail Hardeners
“Avoid nail hardeners and instead, try conditioning treatments that can strengthen your nails. The best ones are those that contain CF formulas.”
Claire Grayson, Co-founder of Personality Max
Handle Your Nails With the Same Care That You Would Your Hair
“It's been dubbed the new golden rule. Because keratin proteins are found in both nails and hair, most of the same treatment guidelines apply. Over-processing can cause dehydration and damage to both hair and nails. Nails are affected by constant polish removal, gels, and acrylics in the same way as hair is affected by dyes, chemicals, and heat application*. Moisture may help improve dry and brittle nails, just as it can assist with hair concerns like frizz and split ends.”
Tal Shelef, Co-Founder of CondoWizard
Stay Hydrated
“Drinking a good amount of water keeps your nails and even your skin hydrated and healthy. And if you want to provide your nails with even more hydration, prepare some warm extra virgin coconut oil in a bowl to dip and massage your nails and fingers in. This helps in blood circulation and promotes strong nail growth.”
Emily Cooper, Founder and General Director at Oliver Wicks
Don’t Use Your Nails as Tools
“Never use your nails as alternatives for tools no matter how tempting and convenient it is to use them to, let’s say, open cans or scrape hard-to-remove objects. Your nails may get cracks that may or may not be visible to the naked eye, allowing bacteria to seep through the nails and settle into the nail bed, causing infection.”
Kryz Uy, Beauty Influencer
Use Moisturizers
“Moisturize them with a lotion or oil of your choice every day, preferably those made from natural ingredients like coconut, almond, or avocado oils which have a light scent and are full of vitamins A and D.”
Lori Lam, Founder of WigReports
Do Not Bite Your Nails
“This is a very serious problem for those of you who are nail biters. The consequences can be worse than just unappealing nails, and they could result in an infection that may require medical intervention and/or leave permanent damage to the nail bed.”
Lynda Le, Nail Technician and Founder of Polish Perfect
Don’t Use Fake Nails
“When I tried acrylic nails, I immediately noticed that they were doing more harm than good to my natural nails. I try to keep them painted at all times because nail polish is like a barrier and provides a layer of protection – the darker the shade, the thicker the polish and thus the stronger the outer layer.”
David Gray, Beauty Blogger at Talking Tan
Take a Break From Nail Polish
“We all love a fresh coat of nail polish, but try giving your nails a break from those weekly manicures. Your nails need the opportunity to breathe. The constant use of nail polish, even nail polish that is non-toxic, can really weaken your nails. After you have worn your nail polish for a week, remove it with an acetone-free remover and then give your nails a week off.”
Eymel Daniel, Co-Founder of ForChics
Try Biotin Supplements
“There’s a reason why “Hair, Skin, and Nail” supplements have become so wildly popular. They work. There are a few great ingredients in these products, but biotin plays the biggest role in nail health. Studies have shown that biotin, also known as Vitamin H and Vitamin B-7, can thicken and strengthen the nail. So, consider adding more biotin-rich foods to your diets, such as eggs and legumes, or take a biotin supplement.”
Michelle Bareid Founder of Hair Extensions Advisor
Watch Your Diet
“Your diet can affect your entire body, and your nails are no exception. Ensuring you’re getting the proper vitamins and nutrients is important to keep your nails strong and healthy. Foods like lean meats such as turkey and chicken are vital because your nails are made of protein.
Fruits are also good sources of vitamin C which helps produce collagen, which can naturally make nails more resilient to damage. Lima beans and lentils are rich in biotin, a true powerhouse when it comes to nail health. If you can’t seem to get enough vitamin-rich food into your diet, try adding a multivitamin to your morning routine.”
Benjamin Smith, Founder of Disco
Wash Your Nail Beds
“To keep your nails looking their best, make sure you wash your nail beds as well when you wash your hands. Also, moisturize your hands after you wash them and use cuticle oil which can help strengthen your nails.”
Sheila Chaiban, CEO of One Ocean Beauty
Consider Getting Professional Manicure and Pedicure
While it’s possible to take good care of your nails at home, this process might be time-consuming and not as efficient as in a nail spa salon. Visiting a nail care specialist can help you enjoy treating your nails, get them into perfect shape, and receive helpful professional advice. In addition, this treatment allows you to maintain nails healthy, clean and exfoliate the hands and feet, giving them a well-groomed look.
At ZZ Day Spa, we strive to provide our customers with the best mani-pedi experience in New York. Mani-pedi is an amazing service to look and feel your best. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about our spa services or are ready to book an unforgettable nail care session with us.
