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How To Take Care Of Your Nails
Figuring out how to take care of your nails can sometimes feel like an uphill struggle. You’d love for them to have perfect cuticles and zero chips, but that rarely happens.
The good news is that the difference between where you are now with your nails and where you want to be is purely a matter of knowledge. If you know how to make your nails stronger, you can start making changes today.
So, what do you need to do? Here is how to care for your nails, prevent common issues, and recognize when it’s time to see a professional.
Hygiene & Maintenance
First, you’ll want to keep your nails clean and hygienic. Preventing dirt and grime from accumulating is critical for maintaining their condition and preventing infection.
Don’t Share Nail Polish Or Wipes
Start by avoiding sharing nail polish and wipes where you can. Always buy your own and check the seal. Don’t use anything that looks damaged or previously opened. Sharing can lead to the spread of fungal infections that are challenging to eliminate once they become established.
Trim Your Nails
Also, make a habit of trimming your nails. Keeping them short reduces the risk of dirt and germs building up underneath.
If you don’t have a nail brush right now, it could be helpful to invest in one. These scrub out any remaining dirt under your nails, keeping them hygienic.
Wash Your Hands
Lastly, make sure you wash and dry your hands regularly. Washing them removes bacteria and fungal spores, while drying prevents biologicals from returning. If your hands are damp all the time, it can increase the risk of infection.
Protective Habits and Damage Prevention
You can also protect your nails by adopting protective habits and strategies for damage prevention. These can reduce risks substantially and deal with issues like damaged nails.
Start With Cuticle Care
A good place to start is with cuticle care by using nail care products like cuticle oil. These keep the delicate nail cuticle area hydrated while pushing them back so they don’t encroach upon the nail body. This action reduces the risk of cracking, increasing the likelihood of healthy nail growth.
Don’t Bite Your Nails
Another pro tip is to avoid biting your nails. Chewing on them increases the risk of damage and adds both moisture and bacteria from the mouth
If you are at risk of biting, you can coat your nails in a safe but foul-tasting substance. Over time, these train you not to bite your nails as much.
Wear Gloves When Cleaning Or Washing Up
Lastly, you can get into the habits of wearing gloves when cleaning and washing up. These shield your nails from harsh chemicals that can dry them out and make them more brittle. You also keep them relatively dry and prevent any cuticle oil from washing off.
Don’t Use Your Nails as Tools.
It’s a common practice, and we know it. But using nails as tools damages them and avoiding using them as tools prevents cracks and splits that slow nail growth.
Diet and Health
Finally, you can explore various diet and health habits to keep your nails in tip-top condition. These methods mostly add vitality from the inside out by enabling the formation of stronger nails and avoiding thin nails.
Eat More Zinc And Biotin
As a start, look into how you could add more zinc and biotin to your diet. These nutrients help the nail grow properly.
For example, biotin forms keratin in the cuticles, which strengthens nails during the growth process. You can find it in sweet potatoes, nuts, eggs, and salmon.
Meanwhile, zinc is a protein critical for protein synthesis that makes nails. It’s found in flaxseeds, walnuts, and various fatty fish.
Stay Hydrated
Another pro tip is to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water moisturizes the nail from the inside, improving its plasticity.
Aim for around three to four large glasses of water per day with meals. Your food should also provide you with plenty of hydration if you’re eating whole fruits and vegetables.
Ensure You get Enough Protein
Finally, if you want healthy toenails and fingernails, make sure you get sufficient protein. If your diet is deficient, your nails won’t grow properly because they won’t have the amino acids they need for proper synthesis.
Signs you need to see a professional
What do healthy nails look like? Ideally, they should be clear, have a pink bed, and be free from cracking, drying and other pathologies.
If your nails aren’t like that, then you may need to see a professional. Tell-tale signs include:
- Textural changes, where nails become brittle and crumbly
- Splitting and cracking of the nail (usually an iron or zinc deficiency)
- Painful redness and swelling in the nail beds (a sign of infection)
- Pitting (which could indicate psoriasis).
If you see these problems, speak to a health professional to get the treatment you need.
FAQs
What do Healthy Nails Look Like?
Smooth, slightly pink, without ridges, spots, or discoloration.
How Often Should I Trim My Nails?
Every 1–2 weeks for fingernails; every 4–6 weeks for toenails.
Can Diet Really Make Nails Stronger?
Yes. Nutrients like biotin, protein, and iron directly impact nail strength and growth.
Swissklip Team
Our blog is authored by the Swissklip founders alongside our trusted medical advisors. What began as a heartfelt solution for Opa’s thick toenails blossomed into a full line of premium self-care tools, all designed with quality and safety in mind. Working closely with podiatrists and dentists, we ensure every article carries medical-grade insights you can trust. Expect practical, expert-backed advice every time.
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