It can be frustrating to grow your nails. Nails break and chip and can look dull and unhealthy. Sometimes, our nails are just too soft. This discouraging scenario leads many women to stick damaging acrylic or gel nails to our real ones, which damages our natural nails over time.
What Causes Unhealthy Nails?
Negligence. It’s really easy to ignore your nails when they’re hiding under fake ones, or when you’re busy doing other things. Nails that aren’t properly cared for get weak when they dry out and become brittle. Nail biting doesn’t help the situation either.
Weak nails are also a result of constant exposure to water or harsh chemicals that are found in detergent and nail polish. (Some people think that nail polish hardens your nails!)
How Do You Get Healthy Nails?
Nails are made of laminated layers of protein called keratin. Healthy nails have layers that are smooth, without pits or grooves. They are also uniform in color and consistency and free of spots or discoloration.
So how do we get those nails? Luckily, our nails have regenerative properties, so it’s not too late to improve your nail health. This is done through a healthy lifestyle, dietary changes, a proper nail care regimen, and some simple home remedies:
Olive oil
Moisturizing your nails with olive oil will soften the nails and cuticles and help your nails repair damage. Simply massage the nail all over with warm olive oil, leave it on for 15 minutes and then wash it off with water. Do this two to three times a day.
You can also mix three teaspoons of warm olive oil with one teaspoon of lemon juice. Apply the mixture to your nails with a cotton swab. Allow the mixture to dry on your nails, then put on a pair of soft cotton gloves. Do this daily before bed. In the morning, rinse the mixture off with warm water.
Green tea
Green tea has antioxidants that prevents brittle nails and strengthens your nails. It also helps to get rid of yellow discoloring. Soak your nails in a cool brew of green tea for 10 to 15 minutes for twice a week.
Tea tree Oil
This oil has antiseptic properties that can treat fungal infections. It can also get rid of discolored or yellow nails. Put a few drops of tea tree oil in a small bowl of warm water and soak your nails for three minutes. Do this a few times a week.
Vitamin E Oil
Vitamin E oil has moisturizing properties that keep your nails hydrated and healthy. Apply the oil on your nails and massage them gently for a few minutes. Do this daily before going to bed for a few weeks.
Flax seeds
Flax seed has vitamin B, magnesium, potassium, lecithin, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids and protein, nutrients that are necessary for nail health. Simply add two tablespoons of ground flaxseed to your cereal or smoothies.
Diet wise, increase your biotin and protein intake. You can do this by eating salmon, corn, carrots, egg yolks and sweet potatoes among other things.
Sources:
http://www.top10homeremedies.com/how-to/how-to-make-your-nails-stronger.html
Image Source:
http://contentinjection.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/best-healthy-nails-tips.jpg
Nicole Penguin