A beginner’s guide to healthy and happy nails

When was the last time you headed off to bed without looking like a glazed doughnut (as Hailey Bieber so eloquently put it)? However, think about it like this. Your skin and your scalp both have the ability to produce oil naturally but still, you douse them in serums and hydrating masks. Your nails, on the other hand, don’t have this superpower to moisturize themselves. To top that, frequent washes and the overuse of sanitiser (a COVID habit we might never lose) strips away whatever little nourishment your nails get. 

Despite what you may think though, the answer doesn’t lie in frequent manicures. Even if you’re someone that gets coats of nail polish applied every time they need a boost of self-love, without everyday nail care it’s purely decorative. Like an empty vase placed in the corner of a room to give it a pop of colour. 

Even if your everyday skincare routine is complex and time-consuming, like a maze, keep a few minutes aside to pay attention to your nails. They’re always in need of some TLC. To help you get started, we rounded up a few habits and tricks you can inculcate in your day to ensure happy, glowing nails. 

Moisturize your nails

The first habit to inculcate in your daily routine, if you want your nails to thrive like the one plant you’ve managed to keep alive, is moisturizing. Just rub some hand cream a few times a day. It makes all the difference. You can also rub some coconut oil or petroleum jelly on your nails before bed for that extra boost of moisture. This will prevent dryness, cracks, and brittle nails. What’s one more itsy-bitsy step in your already complex night skincare routine? 

Do not scrape off nail polish 

If your nail polish has started to chip, don’t start scraping it off your nail. Sure, it might have the same satisfying allure as popping a big angry pimple but it’s never a good idea. It strips off the protective layer and completely ruins the texture of the nail. Not to mention, scratching and scraping your polish off will leave your cuticles as arid as the Thar desert. Okay, we exaggerate slightly, but you get the point. 

So, suppress the urge, pull out your trusty remover and spend 5 minutes neatly wiping off all the polish. Another thing you might want to note is that it’s high time you ditched acetone (think of it like your nail’s toxic friend) and put your faith in some nail polish removers that won't dry your nail out. Look for a product that has ingredients like Vitamin E, tea tree oil and other essential oils. 

Invest in a good cuticle oil 

Are your nails brittle and your nail beds cracked? A worthy-of-its-name cuticle oil provides enough hydration to fix all that and does some damage control. It improves circulation that strengthens the nail and fosters growth. As is the case with oils, less is more. You’ll only need a few drops of cuticle oil on each finger and that will go a long, long way. Most cuticle oils are a mixture of a few different oils. You need to find one that is light, non-sticky and gets absorbed quickly. Remember to keep an eye out for ingredients like vitamin E or jojoba oil. 

Sure, cuticle oil is not the most important product to have in your skincare drawer. But it’s a worthwhile step to include in your daily routine. Not to mention, a service for your nails. 

Be precise when filing your nails 

You’ve seen your parlour aunties do this countless times but have you ever paid close attention to their technique? It’s not trigonometry but it still requires some precision and practice. If you go about filing your nails in an arbit or aggressive manner, you risk excessive breakage. Also, the shape of your nail will be wonky and not what you envisioned. 

Instead of moving the nail file back and forth randomly, what you want to do is file your nails in one direction. Start from one corner of the nail and move to the centre. Then do the same thing on the other side. This will make it easier for you to shape your nails and maintain the desired length at all times. After all, isn’t that the goal? 

Take a break from polish and extensions

We’re all for elaborate manicures. Having boldly-coloured nails with some intricate nail art is one of the small joys in life. But sometimes, it’s good to leave your nails naked. No polish, no acrylic, no extensions. Give them time to heal and breathe freely. Not doing this will cause your nails to turn a dirty shade of yellow and make them as brittle as glass. 
Giving your nails some time and space to recover is the key to good nail care. That, and applying a base coat before dunking it in nail polish. This is a beauty 101 rule. It protects the nail and as a bonus, keeps your polish from chipping off. A win-win situation. 

Ask your doctor about biotin 

Biotin is a B-complex vitamin that promotes healthy cell growth and assists in the production of protein-building amino acids which are essential for nail growth. If you’re facing numerous problems due to brittle nails, biotin supplements might be the answer you’re looking for. The vitamin is also found naturally in egg yolk, dairy products, yeast, avocado, nuts, seeds and even cauliflower. Basically, eat your way to healthier nails. 
 

Lead image: rosiehw/ Instagram