Working with your hands every day can possibly take a toll on your nails.
Our nails are made up of layers of protein called keratin. They grow from an area at the base of the nail under our cuticles, explains Mayo Clinic. To know if your nails are healthy, they should be smooth, without pits or grooves. It would also be uniform in colour and consistency and free of any spots or discolouration.
Healthline notes that we can make a change in our habits and lifestyle to better care for our nails and get them to where we would want them to be.
Below is a list of tips to help strengthen your nails, provided by Healthline.
Take a break from getting acrylic and gel nails.
This tip might be painful to nail fanatics.
Frequent use of gels and acrylics can cause your nails to peel. This unfortunately weakens your nails. Although more research needs to be conducted, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light has been identified as a risk for cancer. (Sunscreen at least 20 minutes before being exposed to UV lights should help).
However, if you are still keen to rock those nails, give them a break in between applications.
Keep your nails short.
When having long nails, it often gets caught on things and is more likely to break. Consider keeping your nails short as they are less likely to chip, split or crack.
Lotionise your nails.
Moisturise your nails with hand lotion after removing your nail polish or if you feel that your hands are dehydrated. This can also be done every time you wash your hands.
Minimise your exposure to H2O.
You may constantly come in contact with water; however, too much soaking can cause your nails to become brittle and weak. If possible, wear gloves when washing the dishes. Also, try to keep your hands clear of water when bathing.
Granted, it sounds impossible to avoid submerging your hands in water… but try to minimise this activity.
Avoid using your nails as tools.
Trying to open that can of cooldrink with your nails is a no-no if you want to keep your nails strong. Instead, use the pad of your finger.
If you are trying to reach something in a small space, opt for a paperclip or pen.
Using your nails as a tool results in breakage and chipping and can weaken your nails over time.
Also see: Winter care for natural hair
