How to Keep Healthy Nails

You do an awful lot to your nails. And, they have a lot to say, in turn, about your health. If you want to maintain healthy nails on your fingers and toes, here are a few ideas on how to care for them properly.

Some people polish their nails to keep them covered up. Why? Because their natural ones don’t look so hot. Whether you like color or not, always begin with the healthiest fingernails (and toenails) that you can. Here are some healthy tips for nails.

What Not to Do for Your Nails

Let’s begin here. If you have developed bad habits over the years, knowing what they are is the first step to breaking them.

• Don’t bite your nails – It may calm your nerves, but will damage the delicate tissue. Tearing with your teeth can hurt the cuticles, split the nail and lead to infection in the nail beds.
• Stop using your nail as a can opener – If you don’t have a tool handy, WHY NOT use your fingernails? Unbeknownst to the naked eye, you could be inflicting more damage than you know in this way. Avoid the urge to poke things, twist nail heads, pick or pry your way through if you want to prevent damage.
• Don’t pull or bite – Got hangnails? We all do from time to time. Instead of pulling them off or worse–biting them, use nail scissors. Pulling can remove fresh, healthy tissue as well as the dead bits.
• Ignore changes in them – Most of us use our hands every day. Take a moment to notice any differences to your actual nail or the nail beds underneath: streaks in the nail, spots on the nail, thickening, and discolorations, bleeding or swelling.

Are you guilty of any of these behaviors? It’s not too late to reverse the damage and sport stunningly beautiful and healthy nails.

Caring for Your Nails the Correct Way

Whether it be fingers or toes, nails are important. With a few routine changes, you can keep them looking and feeling their best.

• Moisturize your nails – This is quite helpful if you work in a profession where you wash your hands a lot during the day. Use a moisturizing lotion or baby oil after a bath. Pay particular attention to your cuticles. If you have a problem holding in moisture, wear gloves and socks to bed after applying lotion.
• Dry your nails as often as possible – Bacteria and other germs love warm places to grow. Removing all signs of wetness can keep them at bay.
• Trim the right way – Soften nails with warm water and soap first. Then, file them in one direction so as not to cause stress. Move straight across and then round the edges gently.

Begin with a proper canvas for your polish colors. Maintain healthy nails on your fingers and toes. And here’s more reading on healthy tips for nails:

Choosing the Right Nail Salon

That’s it for now. Until next time Divas, wear your heels well and Be Blessed!

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