Pic credit: Vita-sol Ingestible Beauty
In an ideal world, nails should look light pink and be firm, yet flexible and able to absorb normal shocks without splitting or chipping. Their surface should be smooth with a subtle sheen that does not flake or peel at the tip. If you suffer from brittle nails or are experiencing ongoing breakages, follow these tips from Mavala Australia’s National Trainer Tracey Winder to protect your nails.
Tip #1: File in one direction only
Most people tend to file nails in both directions. The backwards and forwards sawing motion can cause nails to separate and fray. Rather stick to one direction, sweeping from one side to the other. Filing and cutting nails frequently encourages nails to be strong, just like trimming the ends of your hair.
Tip #2: Use topical products to nurture nails
Nutrient-rich treatments are available to help strengthen and protect nails OR offer additional moisture balance and flexibility. Incorporate a penetrating nail hardener to help with the natural nail growth process and use together with a strong base coat to provide external strength. Add another protective layer to the nails with a physical nail shield to give your nails resistance and protect them from daily tasks and other damaging elements. Nails can also break because they are already too hard and using a hardener only makes the problem worse. In this case, look for topical products that add oil and moisture to the nails to increase their flexibility so when the nail collides with a solid object it bends rather than breaks.
Tip #3: Stop peeling off synthetic nails
We see this as a common concern for destroying nail strength, particularly during lockdown. Long-term use of synthetic nail treatments will weaken the nail, through chemical exposure and literal suffocation of the nail, which is worsened by picking or peeling off synthetic nails. To regain natural nail health and strength, visit a qualified nail technician to treat your individual nail concerns and begin the process of restoration.
Pic credit: The Parlour Room
Tip #4: Pay attention to the shape
When it comes to clipping and filing, there’s no right or wrong shape, but it’s advisable to keep them short if you can. Short, rounder nails are simply easier to clean and maintain. The longer the nail grows and the older we get, the drier the nails become. The result is that the nail, having lost its "glue" (moisture and oil), starts to lift apart and the nail flakes. Don't use your nails as tools. They won't put up with being used to scratch labels off jars or tear open packages.
Pic credit: Into The Gloss
Tip #5: Choose your antibacterial sanitiser wisely
Frequent sanitiser use is essential today but using poor quality formulas will strip nails and hands of moisture. Look for more gentle products that contain essential oils. Overuse of acetone can also cause nails to dry out. Switch to a low or nil acetone remover, but still try to use it only once to twice a week.
Tip #6: Steer clear of harsh chemicals
Cleaning with detergents or harsh soaps can damage your nails, not to mention break down polish faster. Over exposure to these types of chemicals can start to thin and dry out nails, so where possible, try to make sure you’re wearing gloves when cleaning.
Tip #7: Invest in plenty of cuticle oil
Its no secret cuticle oil is beneficial for nails. Use it all over the nail, right down and around to the cuticles. It’s a great way of keeping the whole area nourished and preventing dryness. This is also ideal for making cuticles thinner and more malleable, a great product to apply to the nails overnight for moisture to soak in.
Tip #8: Nutrition is key
One of the cornerstones of nail health is a nutrient-rich diet that feeds the nails with vitamins, minerals and healthy fats to optimise the keratinisation or nail formation stage. Nails can be a reflection of your inner health and bad dietary habits so if we ‘feed’ the nail with the correct nutrients, they will grow stronger and be more resistant to breakage and deterioration. Nutrients work synergistically and are best found via quality, natural food sources. However we can also supplement the diet, look for high quality natural supplements derived from whole foods and without synthetic ingredients or additives.
Pic credit: Vita-sol Ingestible Beauty
