10 Tips For Healthy Nails

Posted: Wednesday 28 September 2011 09:05am

Nails become more brittle and weak with age. But that doesn’t mean you can’t keep them groomed and growing strong. Follow these tips for a healthy manicure.

A nail-nourishing diet

Just like your skin and hair, nails needs nutrients to grow and look their best. A healthy diet can do wonders for improving the condition of your nails. Increase your intake of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, such as cauliflower, papaya and kiwi. Foods with essential fatty acids, like almonds are also a great source for nails.

Take supplements

There are plenty of vitamin supplements available that will further help you repair and restore your nails. Best used in conjunction with a healthy diet, supplements with vitamin B, vitamin E, iron and calcium are beneficial for nail growth. We like Blackmores Nails Hair and Skin, $20.95, as it provides essential nutrients for strengthening brittle nails, increasing nail thickness and reducing nail brittleness.

Pamper with a moisturising cream

Hands can easily become dry, especially during winter, so a hand cream is essential for replenishing lost moisture. We love Nivea Hand Age Control Creme Q10PLUS, $4.37, which helps protect hands from the premature visible signs of ageing while complementing the skin’s natural repair processes, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, and leaving hands nourished and soft.

Stop your bad habits

One of the biggest causes of poor nails is yourself, and your bad habits. Biting and picking at your nails is going to hinder not only their growth, but their health too. Learn to get these bad habits under wraps. To help resist the urge to bite your nails, try Sally Hansen Nail Biter, $12.45. This bitter tasting polish will have you thinking twice each time you put your nails to your mouth.

Protect your hands and nails

Nails endure a lot of trauma on a daily basis. When washing dishes, gardening or using harsh cleaning products, protect your hands with gloves. Afterwards apply a nourishing hand and nail cream. Before bed, apply your cream and cover with a pair of gloves, like The Body Shop Moisture Gloves, $6.95, to help boost moisture absorption whist sleeping.

Help them grow stronger

There are plenty of nail treatments that are specifically formulated to strengthen your nails. OPI Dry & Brittle nail Envy, $34.45, is perfect for repairing dry, brittle nails with its moisturising and antioxidant-rich formula.

Revlon Calcium Gel Nail Hardener, $15.95, bonds to weak, thin nails and increases nail thickness and strength over time with its calcium-rich formula.

Keep your nails trimmed

By regularly trimming your nails you will encourage them to grow back stronger and healthier. Always use a sharp pair of manicure scissors or nail clippers and cut straight across to nail. Smooth any rough edges with an emery board.

Try a nail-nourishing polish

Nail polish can give your nails a protective barrier. When choosing your polish look for a 2-in1 formula that not only provides colour, but a treatment too. We like Sally Hansen Diamond Strength No Chip Nail Colour, $17.95, which comes in a wide range of colours. The bio-marine protein formula bonds with the nail to create a protective shield, while also repairing.

Use an acetone-free nail polish remover

The acetone used in many nail polish removers are drying on your nails. Look for an acetone-free nail polish remover that nourished and cares for your nails while removing your polish, such as Manicare Extra Gentle Non-acetone Remover (60ml), $3.95, which is enriched with vitamin E and panthenol.

Caring cuticle oils

Cuticle oils are designed to repair damaged cuticles while also replenishing the oil in the nails to make them stronger. Use a massaging motion to help the oil soak in, and also encourage blood circulation around your nail bed. OPI Avoplex Cuticle Oil To Go, $17.95; it contains vitamin E, avocado, sunflower, sesame and kukui nut oils.

How do you keep your nails healthy? What problems to you have with your fingernails? Share with us below.

by Chelsea Tromans

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