How to have healthy and strong nails

Every woman dreams of having flawless hands and nails. And yes, having healthy nails is important not only for aesthetic appearance, but also because nails say a lot about our personality. The appearance of our nails can help us understand if we are suffering from some diseases or conditions that have nothing to do with our nails. Example? Did you know that we can see signs of circulatory or breathing problems by the color of our nails?

Our hands are very susceptible to stress because they are constantly exposed to atmospheric factors that attack and damage them. Not only fingers are affected, but also nails, which become brittle and break. Additionally, frequent use of harsh nail polishes and semi-permanent products does not promote balanced nail growth.

Also, “nails can be attacked by bacteria and fungi in case of minor injuries or peeling, which can lead to infections. This happens because your hands constantly touch objects that may be contaminated with bacteria. That’s why the advice is to protect your hands and nails as much as possible with a good dose of nourishing and moisturizing cream, which also acts as a barrier to external aggression,” notes Diana Maranduk, training manager.

The key to the perfect manicure?

Well, it's all in the care routine. And perhaps many of us don't realize how important it is to take care of our hands and nails, especially since they are used as much as any other part of the body. From washing dishes to other activities you do every day, they can all affect the health of your nails.

Here are 7 tips to help you have strong and healthy nails at home:

Take vitamins daily

Vitamins help strengthen nails. Also known as vitamin H or vitamin B7, biotin is an essential nutrient needed for the body's production of keratin, a fibrous protein that is a major component of hair, skin and nails. Biotin is found naturally in foods such as fish, eggs, legumes, whole grains and nuts, as well as some fruits and vegetables.

Take care of your cuticles and stop biting your nails

Small pieces of skin on the sides of the nails, as well as excess cuticles, should never be picked, bitten, or trimmed inappropriately. They actually act as a guard around our nails and if removed improperly, they can cause infections. For these reasons, it is also advisable to give up the habit of biting your nails. Apart from the fact that it is not at all attractive, it is a very bad habit for your nails and body. Cuticles, as well as overgrown cuticles, should be carefully removed with scissors or rearranged with a special (wooden) cuticle tool.

Avoid strong substances

“To keep your nails clean, avoid exposing them to harsh substances such as those found in antibacterial soaps, dishwashing detergents, or even nail polish removers. In addition, when washing dishes, wear gloves to protect your hands,” the specialist advises.

Take care of proper nutrition

Nutrition is also a fundamental factor in nail health. When our bodies lack certain substances, our nails can break more easily, become more brittle and even drier. Their growth is also affected by nutrition: lack of elements such as iron, sulfur and calcium can cause slow and faltering growth. On the other hand, vitamin B deficiency causes streaky and dry nails. For healthy nails, calcium should never be missing from your diet. You can absorb it by eating yogurt, salmon and green leafy vegetables. Don't forget about iron, which is equally important and also stimulates growth. It is found in red meat, shellfish, legumes and dried fruits. Foods rich in zinc, which is important for strengthening and durability of nails, are also irreplaceable: dairy products, eggs, legumes and brown rice are ideal.

Choose short nails

If you have never been able to have long and strong nails, stop insisting! Keep them short and the same length. This will make them much more difficult to break or snag.

moisturizes nails and cuticles well

When we talk about hydration, we always think about the skin. But don't forget that your nails and cuticles are exposed to solvents, nail polishes, detergents and everyday stress! Therefore, they need deep moisture to prevent them from hardening. Like our body, nails breathe, live and also “drink”. This is why it is so important to keep your hands moisturized. Especially during the cold season, it is very important to moisturize your nails and cuticles. Choose a nail lotion and be sure to apply the cream every time you wash your hands,” the specialist recommends.

Also, do not forget to drink at least one and a half liters of water per day.

Choosing a nail strengthener with keratin

Most nail polishes that promise to strengthen your nails are not always the perfect solution; they often make them so strong that they break with the slightest pressure. The real solution is found in keratin: naturally present in nails, if also added to a good strengthener, you can consider yourself to have found the ultimate cure for stubborn nails.