Strong healthy nails are an essential part of every human being, both male and female alike. When we have them, this tells us that our bodies are healthy as well. Women seek after length and strength in them because this is where they make a bold statement about themselves with professionally done manicures. Breakage due to brittle nails is very frustrating. This makes for repeated manicures.
To get strong healthy digits, there are certain factors we must take into consideration. One of the biggest problems that causes them to become brittle is dehydration. Hydrate yourself with plenty of water, drinking at least 8 glasses a day. Keep them further hydrated by using petroleum jelly around the cuticles, gently pushing them back at a 45 degree angle. Moisturize your hands with nail creams, hand creams, or soaking them in olive/sunflower/castor oils. This will bring them back to life.
Certain nutrients are important to the health of your hands, as well. Getting vitamins B, E, D, calcium and zinc are quite helpful. Get plenty of sun, drink milk, and eat yogurt and other dairy products for vitamin D. A hard-boiled egg, daily will give you zinc. A sign of zinc deficiency is white spots. Keratin, vitamin B (biotin) 4-6 times a day creates great strength. This has been seen in horses hooves, and we know how hard they are!
We know that massages are great for the body and very beneficial. Give your fingers or toes a massage as well. This will stimulate blood flow, and helps the essential nutrients to reach them. Keeping them filed is important, and taking care that one avoids ingrown nails and hangnails, especially when diabetes is involved.
Make sure you keep your hands and toes dry, rubbing them for 2 minutes after a shower or bath. Moisture for long periods of time can breed fungal infections. To ensure healthy toes, wear 100% cotton socks, as this reduces the risk of prolonged moisture.
Wearing rubber gloves is essential to your fingers when you’re doing all sorts of housework. Gardening, scrubbing floors, cleaning the bathroom, washing dishes, cleaning the oven, etc are all murderous to them because the chemicals can damage them greatly. For extra softness, apply hand cream before putting on the gloves.
Wearing polish, especially of clear color protects them, making them look shiny. If you prefer color, apply a base coat, 2 thin coats of color and a top coat. Reapply the top coat daily. Avoid polish remover that contains acetone and formaldehyde, as these are drying agents. Filing needs to be done correctly or damage will occur, as well. One direction, rather than back and forth is preferred. And filing directly after a shower or bath is not recommended because breakage is easier when they are weakened.
Women, more than men, seek to grow long, strong, healthy nails. For both men and women, however, strong nails are a sign of good health. There is always a reason behind why we have brittle, weak and broken ones, and it should come to our attention to seek improvement in the ways necessary to our bodies. A good manicure is beauty.
Thanks for the helpful info. I should be drinking more water (not just for nail health) and will try to reapply top coat every day.
Actually Charlotte, water is too important to be underestimated not only for nails. After all our whole body is made of water! It is essential for good health.