The sight of beautiful, manicured nails makes us all wonder: If only my nails were that pretty! Nails are an essential part of a woman’s attractiveness, but not all are blessed with strong nails. And manicure at nail salons is certainly not cheap. So, today’s blog is all about how to achieve Insta-worthy nails at home.
Why is DIY nail care at home important?
Having gorgeous nails is not just about aesthetics. Our nails reveal a lot about our self-care habits, personality, and overall well-being.
Nails indicate the health condition of a person. A sudden change in shape, texture, or color of nails can be because of hormonal imbalances or nutritional deficiencies. For instance, brittle nails are due to vitamin deficiency. On the other hand, nails turning yellow may hint at respiratory ailments. So, paying attention to your nails will help you with early identification of several diseases.
If you are a working woman, your well-maintained nails will boost your professional identity, especially if you work in the beauty or fashion industry. When your nails are well-groomed, you’ll be ready to conquer the world.
Besides making you feel confident, your nails also show that self-care tops your priority list. When you keep your nails clean, it tells people that you are a hygienic person. Moreover, poor nail hygiene results in the accumulation of germs and dirt under the nails. It also increases the chances of ingrown nails and fungal infection, with is unpleasant and painful.
Therefore, from enhanced appearance to improved mood, the benefits of nail care are many. So, without further ado, let’s find out how to have strong, hydrated, and long nails.
Beginner-friendly DIY nail care at home
Do you have brittle nails? Or do your nails take forever to grow? Whatever your nail concern, here you’ll find a solution. We will tell you how with the right habits, products, and tools, you can always have well-maintained and gorgeous nails.
1. Get a grooming kit
Nail clippers are a must-have in every home. For precise trimming, start with investing in a high-quality nail clipper, made of stainless steel. However, if your nails are long, we recommend using nail scissors. Scissors will make it easy for you to give those nails the desired shape.
2. Trim regularly
Regular trimming of nails strengthens them and give them a uniformity. But how often should you trim? According to nail experts, you should do once every week.
First, use sharp clippers or nail scissors to cut properly. If your nails are too hard, soak them in lukewarm water for 5 mins to trim effortlessly. Once the trimming is done, make the tips slightly round. This will prevent breakage and snagging. Regular trimming is crucial as it makes your hands look presentable and keeps painful splits at bay.
3. Clean your nails daily
Buildup of bacteria, fungi, and dirt can cause nail infections and several other issues. Hence, the first step to DIY nail care at home is keeping nails clean and white.
Washing hands with mild soap usually gets rid of most of the dirt from nails. You may keep a nail brush in your washroom to remove stubborn dirt particles. An old toothbrush can be equally effective in gently scrubbing the undersides and tops of the nails. It’s also essential for nail strengthening as when nails are clean, they will be more resilient.
If your nails look yellowish, baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice work like magic.
4. Limit water exposure
If you are growing your nails for a special occasion, you need to be extra careful. Excessive exposure to water will make your nails brittle.
While it’s impossible to keep hands dry at all times, being mindful will make a difference. You can wear gloves when doing chores like washing dishes. Try to take a quick bath instead of a long, relaxing one.
5. Don’t skip cuticle care
Cuticle is the protective barrier surrounding your nail’s base. It guards your nail against infection-causing bacteria and fungi. Neglecting your cuticles can also lead to cracks, dryness, and unsightly appearance.
Caring for cuticles is not at difficult. You simply have to apply a nourishing hand cream or moisturizer before going to bed. To stimulate faster nail growth, you may apply cuticle oil as it increases circulation. For cuticle maintenance, you should also switch to nail polish removers that are devoid of acetone.
6. Always apply a base coat
Even if you aren’t a fan of nail polish, applying a base coat or nail strengthener is a must. It will make your nails look shiny and make them strong.
When you polish your nails, then also it is better to apply one layer of the base coat. This increases the longevity of the nail paint, keeping your nails radiant for a long time.
7. Eat biotin-rich foods
If your nails are naturally brittle, increase the intake of biotin as part of nail-care routine. Biotin, a water-soluble vitamin, assists our nervous system to function optimally and strengthens nails and hair.
Eggs, legumes, and sardines are incredible sources of biotin. You may even take a vitamin B supplement after consulting your healthcare provider.
8. Stay hydrated
Wondering what could be the connection between nail health, feet care and hydration? You’ll be surprised to know that drinking sufficient water will make your nails naturally strong. That’s because nails are made of a protein named keratin and keratin and keratin needs water to stay strong.
If you are constantly dehydrated, your body will be forced to prioritize the main organs. So, water from the nails and other inessential tissues will be pulled away, leading to cracked nails.
Therefore, drink plenty of water to ensure the supply of oxygen and nutrients to your nails.
The Bottom Line
Lastly, strong, healthy nails aren’t just sexy but also a sign of good health and hygiene. When everyone compliments your nails, you will feel fabulous. With our simple DIY nail care at home, you too can achieve celeb-like stunning nails without expensive salon visits.