Is nailcare routine really important or just a luxury? Yes, it is extremely important to have a healthy nailcare routine as, hygiene is the valid and huge reason to keep your nails trimmed and clean. 

There is a great misconception that, for maintaining beautiful and healthy nails you need to go to salon every single time, but that’s really not true. You can have beautiful and healthy nails just by giving 5-10 minutes of your day on regular basis.

Also, clean and healthy nails prevent germs and bacterias from entering into your stomach thus, prevents serious health issues.
 

Signs of Healthy nails:

  • Cuticles are visible
  • Nails are pinkish in color
  • Prominent half-moon shaped white section

Signs of Unhealthy nails:

  • Change in nail shape
  • White line/spots on nails
  • Vertical ridges (signs of aging)
  • Discoloration of entire nail or some part of the nail
  • Swelling around the nails
  • Bleeding around the nails

Here, I will be giving you a few simple tips and steps to follow, through which you can get beautiful and healthy nails:

 

1. Oil/Moisturize your cuticles

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The cuticles are the layer of the transparent dead skin situated at the base of toenails and fingernails. It protects your nails from infections and fungus.  
 
Cleaning, washing dishes and other household chores can dry out your cuticles. Moisturizing your cuticles will keep them moisturized and soft. 
 
If you do manicure, push back your cuticles with an orange stick when your fingers are wet. Gently massage your cuticles with cuticle oil or moisturizing cream for 2 minutes. 
 
 
Tip : Don’t ever cut your cuticles, if you cut your cuticles they will get dry and damaged.
 

2. Moisturize your nails daily

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Just like you moisturize your face and hairs, moisturizing your nails is also equally important. Whenever you use nailpaint remover, it dries out your skin. 

Using moisturizer can protect your tips and toes of fingers. Use any moisturizer that will lock in moisture in nails. You can also use oil and massage it on your nails. 
 
 
Not moisturizing your nails can occur a lot of problems:
  • Brittle nails
  • Jagged and broken nail
  • Rough edges
  • Spitting nails
  • Peeling nails
  • Cracky nails

When to apply moisturizer?

Apply moisturizer everyday, once right after you take a bath and before going to sleep at night. This step will seal hydration in your nails and fingers.
 

Which ingredients to look for in a moisturizer?

Choose a moisturizer that contains ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acids, collagen, shea butter, avocado oil and Vitamin E.
 

3. Limit your nail’s contact with water

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Excessive contact of nails with water can make your nails very soft and weaken them which often leads to breakage of nails.

So whenever you are spending time in water for longer duration of time, do wear gloves.

4. Remove your old nail polish

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The health and appearance of your nails depends on what quality of nail polish remover you use. So, use a good quality nail polish remover and remove the nailpolish from your nails. Look for non acetone nail polish removers as they are less harsh on your skin.

 

Ingredients to look for:

Look for natural ingredients such as essential oils, fruit extracts and Vitamin E.

Whereas acetone nail polish removers are very harsh on your nails and skin and removes the natural oils from your skin and leaves your skin, nails and cuticles rough and dry.

 

5. Trim and file your nails

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Trimming and filing your nails is very important because if they grow up too long they can be dangerous and sharp.  

Always trim from side to center (in one direction) using glass nail files instead of emery boards. Emery boards can create breaking and splitting in your nails.
Trim your nails when they are as they are much easier to cut the edges.
 
Tip: Avoid trimming your nails back and forth as it can make the edges of your nails very rough.
 

6. Buff your nails

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Buffing is a nailcare routine that polishes your nails  and make them look more beautiful, brightening and also helps you to get rid of any ridges.

It also helps in faster growth of nails as it improves the blood circulation to the nail bed. Buff your nails after you have given shape and filed your nails and make sure they are dry and you have pushed back your cuticles.

How to buff?

Rub it lightly against the nails. While buffing be gentle and buff your nails in one direction instead of back and forth motion. Use only 6-7 strokes to buff your nail as over buffing can cause damage and can take away shine from your nails.

Tip : Avoid buffing if you already chipped, thin or bendy nails and also avoid too much buffing as it can cause damage.

How often? 

Once a month.

7. Use a nail primer

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Using a nail primer is the first step of manicure pedicure. The application of nail primer removes excess oil, smoothens the nails and also prevents the creation of any air bubbles for better adherence. Apply nail primer to your nails after buffing.

Nail primer helps the manicure to stay for longer duration of time. Also primer prevents nailpaint from fading, chipping and keep fake nails from prematurely lifting. 
 

How to apply?

Put a dot on the nail and spread it with a brush or let it spread by itself. Apply nailprimer and let it dry for 1 minute. Let it dry fully before moving towards next step or else it won’t adhere properly.

Tip: Also remember not to use nail primer continuously as it will severely damage your nails and the thinning of the nail plate will occur.

8. Apply base coat before nailpolish

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Using a base coat is mandatory before using a nail polish as it protects your nails from filling ridges and getting stains. 

Applying base coat gives you a smoother look and also strengthens your nails.
 

9. Apply nail polish

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After your base coat dries, you can polish your nails. Always apply your nailpolish in 2-3 coats, because applying a nailpolish layer which is too much thick can take a lot of time to dry. Also, applying nailpolish in 2-3 coats will give your nails the best look.

Don’t use nailpaints that contain formaldehyde as they can dry your nails. If your nails are excessively dry, limit your nailpolish twice a month.

10. Apply top coat after nailpolish

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The next step is to lock your nails with the layers of top coat. Applying top coat to your nails will give your manicure longevity and make it last all week.
 
Top coat also adds shine and gloss to your nails.

Avoid:

  • Avoid biting your fingernails.
  • Avoid opening a can of soda with your fingernails.
  • Avoid peeling/picking a sticker from any object.
  • Avoid peeling off your gels
  • Avoid using harsh nail products