An easy nail-care guide you can follow at home

Maintaining your nails is important not just for a well-groomed appearance but also to identify potential health issues.

Nail health is often- overshadowed by vibrant polishes and intricate nail art.  However, the foundation of well-groomed nails lies in their health. Maintaining strong, healthy nails involves more than just in-salon services—it requires daily care based on the factors that influence their condition. 

But do you keep your nails cleanand well-maintained? There are multiple effective at-home strategies for nurturing healthy nails, ensuring they remain robust and aesthetically pleasing. From addressing common nail issues to selecting the right care products, here’s what you need to transform your nail-care routine into an integral part of your overall well-being. 

Understanding Common Nail Issues

Healthy nails are often hindered by several issues, such as brittleness, peeling, and discolouration, which not only affect their appearance but may also indicate underlying health issues.

Brittleness: This condition causes nails to break easily, often resulting from factors such as low humidity and prolonged exposure to dry conditions that strip moisture from the nails. Nutritional deficiencies—particularly a lack of biotin, calcium, or iron—can also contribute to brittleness. 

Peeling: This occurs when layers of the nails start to separate, often caused by the use of harsh nail products like acetone-based polish removers or frequent wetting and drying. 

Discolouration: Yellow or brown nails or developing white spots on nails can result from staining or health conditions like fungal infections or liver disease.

Nutritional Deficiencies: A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals is crucial for maintaining nail health. Deficiencies in vitamins such as vitamin D, B (particularly biotin), and minerals like iron and zinc can weaken nails and make them prone to various issues. For example, an iron deficiency can lead to thin, concave nails with raised ridges, while a lack of biotin—essential for nail strength—can cause increased brittleness.

External Factors: In addition to chemical exposures, physical activities that involve frequent hand washing or the using cleaning products without protective gloves can damage nails. Waterlogged nails from prolonged water exposure can weaken the nail structure, making them more vulnerable to peeling and breaking.

Understanding these underlying causes is essential for effective nail care. By identifying specific triggers affecting your nail health, you can tailor your routine to address these issues and maintain stronger, healthier nails.

Are salon manicures damaging your nails?

While a professional manicure offers relaxation, it's important to consider the impact on nail health. Frequent visits for treatments like acrylic or gel nail polishes can contribute to significant damage. 

Chemical Exposure:  Treatments like  acrylic nails require a mixture of a powdered polymer and a liquid monomer that creates a hard protective layer over your natural nails, severely dehydrating and weakening the nail plate. 

Similarly, gel polishes necessitate exposure to UV light to cure.  The removal process, especially with acetone, can strip away natural oils, , leading to dryness and brittleness.

Thinning of the Nail Plate: The frequent application of acrylic and gel polishes, combined with the mechanical stress of filing and buffing the nail surface, can cause nail thinning. Over time, this weakens the natural nail structure,  making it more prone to breakage. Thinner nails are also more susceptible to infections and diseases as the protective barrier is compromised.

UV Exposure: The use of UV lamps in nail salons comes with its own risks. While necessary for curing certain types of polish, repeated exposure to UV light can accelerate the ageing of the skin on the hands and increase the long-term risk of skin cancer. Acknowledging these potential hazards is essential in rethinking your nail care routine. Shifting from cosmetic enhancements to a health-oriented approach emphasises the need to protect and nurture your natural nails through safer, gentler practices.

Nail Wellness: Essential At-Home Nail-Care Techniques

Establishing an effective nail-care routine at home is vital for maintaining or improving nail health. Here are some essential tips that are gentle yet effective on your nails, ensuring they remain strong, flexible, and well-groomed.

Gentle Cleaning:  Use a soft-bristled brush and soapy water to scrub under and around your nails, removing dirt and reducing the risk of bacterial and fungal infections.  Ensure your nails are thoroughly dried afterwards to prevent water from weakening the nail structure, which can lead to splitting.

Proper Filing: Shaping your nails correctly can prevent many common issues. Use a fine-grit nail file and file in one direction rather than using a back-and-forth motion, which can tear the nail and lead to splits. Metal files can be too harsh, so opt for a ceramic or glass file for a gentler finish. 

Moisturisation is Key: Regular moisturisation helps in keeping nails flexible and resistant to damage. Natural oils like castor oil and sweet almond oil are rich in Vitamin E and fatty acids, which help strengthen and hydrate nails. These nutrients penetrate the nail bed, promoting healthier growth and resilience against breakage.

Top Products to Maintain Healthy Nails

Quality products can further elevate your at-home nail-care routine. Look for nail hardeners that contain proteins or keratin to reinforce the nail structure. Nourishing cuticle oils infused with jojoba or coconut oils keep the cuticles supple and promote healthy nail growth. 

For those who prefer a polished look, opt for non-toxic nail polishes that are free from harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde and toluene.

L'Occitane Shea Nourishing Nail & Cuticle Oil

For elevating your nail-care regimen, consider the L'Occitane Shea Nourishing Nail & Cuticle Oil. Known for its luxurious composition, this oil boasts a concentration of 30 per cent shea oil, softening cuticles and fortifying nails with every application. 

Price: ₹1,770

Chanel La Base Camélia

Incorporating a product like La Base Camélia is particularly beneficial for those with brittle nails or peeling. It comprises camellia oil as its active ingredient, known for its nourishing properties. It strengthens nails, smoothens texture, and provides a protective layer that enhances shine and reduces visible imperfections. With continued use, it significantly increases nail strength and natural shine, making them healthier and more resilient.

Price: ₹3,200

O.P.I. Repair Mode Nail Serum

O.P.I. Repair Mode Nail Serum is formulated with hydrolysed keratin and biotin that  strengthens and encourages healthy nail growth. It includes jojoba oil and panthenol, which hydrate and nourish the nails and cuticles, addressing dryness and brittleness. Its light, fast-absorbing texture suits all nail types, especially  those that are damaged or fragile.

Price: ₹2,996

Essential Nail-Care Commandments: Do’s and Don'ts for Healthy Nails

Do’s

• Apply a moisturiser or oil to your nails and cuticles daily to prevent dryness and cracking.

• Always use sharp, clean clippers or scissors to trim your nails, ensuring a clean cut without tearing.

• If you prefer a natural look, buff your nails instead of using polish. This enhances their natural shine without exposing them to chemicals.

• Keep your nails dry and clean to prevent bacteria and fungi from growing under the nail plate, which can lead to infections.

• Nutrition plays a critical role in nail health. Consume foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins to support strong and healthy nails.

Don’ts

• Refrain from cutting your cuticles. Instead, gently push them back. Cutting cuticles can cause infections and damage the nail growth area.

• Avoid exposing your nails to harsh chemicals without protection. If your nail-care products contain formaldehyde or toluene, consider switching to safer alternatives.

• Peeling nail polish can remove the top layer of your nail bed, weakening your nails. 

• Biting your nails not only damages the nail and cuticle but also can introduce bacteria from the mouth to the nail beds.

• Avoid using your nails to open lids or scrape surfaces, as this can cause them to break or chip.

When Should You See a Dermatologist?

Effective nail care at home can address many common issues, but some concerns require professional attention.  Knowing when to consult a dermatologist can prevent long-term damage.

Severe Discolouration: While mild yellowing from nail polish can be harmless, dark stripes or significant changes in nail colour should be checked. Dark or black streaks may indicate melanoma under the nail.

Persistent Pain or Swelling: Any ongoing pain, swelling, or inflammation around the nails that doesn’t resolve with basic care should be examined by a professional. This could indicate infection or other inflammatory conditions.

Nail Thickening or Thinning: Such changes can occur due to fungal infections or psoriasis. A dermatologist can provide targeted treatments to address these concerns. 

Nails Separating from the Nail Bed: Known as onycholysis, this can be caused by injury, infection, or conditions like thyroid disease. A dermatologist can determine the underlying reasons and recommend appropriate treatments.

Also Read: 8 nail artists to follow on Instagram if you’re looking for inspiration

Also Read: Are acrylic and gel manicures actually bad for you?

Also Read: Sonakshi Sinha wants to make beauty easy and accessible to all, starting with nails