6 tips to make your nails healthier and stronger
As we age, our nails can become weaker and more brittle, making the little everyday things in life a struggle – not to mention causing a hefty amount of pain when they break.
If that sounds like you, you’ll be happy to learn you don’t need to fork out for expensive treatments or put up with that gross chemical smell that often comes with many nail products.
Here are six natural solutions that will leave you with healthier, stronger nails in no time.
1. Olive oil
This miracle ingredient has uses well beyond the kitchen. For an inexpensive remedy for damaged, weak or peeling nails, simply soak them in extra virgin olive oil for 10 to 15 minutes each day for a month, then two times a week after that.
2. Vitamin E cream
Choose a natural cuticle cream containing vitamin E and massage it into your nails and around the nail beds every night before bed. This will nourish your dry cuticles, improving the overall health of your nails.
3. Gloves
Dishwashing liquid, detergent, cleaners and other substances used during housework can wreak havoc on already damaged nails. The simplest way to prevent further harm is by wearing gloves while completing chores, then washing, cleansing and moisturising your hands and nails afterwards.
4. Biotin
Biotin is a B complex vitamin which helps keep your skin, hair, nails, eyes, liver and nervous system healthy. To increase your intake, ensure your diet includes biotin-rich foods such as avocado, cooked eggs, whole grains and cauliflower. Supplements are also available.
5. Avoid nail polish remover
This shouldn’t come as a surprise, but most (if not all) nail polish removers will cause damage of some kind. If you can’t resist a manicure, try to avoid using nail polish remover more than once or twice a month, and never use one containing acetone.
6. Drink water
It seems like most of our health complaints can be solved with those two words, but it’s true – staying hydrated on the inside will keep your outside (including your nails) hydrated, too.
Tell us in the comments below, have you successfully treated brittle nails before? We’d love to hear your tips!