We all know just how important it is to keep our nails in top condition. After all, our nails can say a lot about our overall health. But all too often we forget to give them the care they deserve. To help you take better care of your nails, this article will discuss the most common nail problems and how to treat them. So read on to learn more about how to ensure your nails are healthy and looking their best.

1. Nail Health Basics: What You Need to Know

Nail health, like any other part of your body, matters. Taking the steps to keep them strong and healthy helps you look and feel your best. Here are the basics you need to know:

Keep An Eye On Your Nails

Your nails give you a big clue about your overall health and wellness. Keep an eye out for changes in size, shape, color, or any discoloration. Unexplained changes in your nails could be a sign of a medical condition and should be checked out by a doctor.

Choose The Right Products

• Lotions: Choose something that is formulated to help strengthen your nails and improve moisture. Look for products that contain lanolin, jojoba oil, keratin, and protein.
• Polish: When selecting a polish, opt for one that is acetone-free and is free of chemicals such as phthalates, formaldehyde, and toluene.

Give Your Nails A Break

Your nails need to breathe to stay healthy. This means taking some time away from nail polish and artificial nail enhancements. Take a break in between applications or wear natural looking colors for a few days to give your nails a much-needed break.

Practice Safe Nail Care

It’s always important to practice proper nail care habits to avoid nails diseases such as nail fungus. Wash your hands often with mild soap and water and dry them immediately afterwards. Trim your nails regularly with a clean, sharp nail clipper and avoid biting or picking at your nails.

2. Common Nail Problems: What to Look Out For

Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or just occasionally need to hang up some artwork, nails are the go-to tool for many of us. Though nails are incredibly versatile and handy for a vast number of tasks, they can also come with their own set of problems if not used properly. Here are a few common nail issues to keep an eye out for:

• Rust: Rust is the result of metal oxidization, so it’s no surprise that nails can become rusted if not cleaned or stored properly. Sometimes rust appears as an orangey discoloration along the edges of the nail, or even a white powder buildup. Rust left untreated can cause long-term damage to anything the nail is attached to, so it’s important to regularly inspect for this.
• Splitting: When nails are hammer into very hard materials like brick or concrete, they can sometimes break apart or split in half. To minimize the chance of this happening, look for nails with thicker shanks and sharper tips.
• Bending: Not using enough force when hammering nails can cause them to bend, leading to an unsightly finish. Make sure you give a good hit to each nail and use a rubber or wooden mallet if possible. Plus, a good set of nail clippers can help straighten out any misaligned strokes.

On top of these potential problems, nails are only as good as their installation. When hanging heavier items or installing in hard materials, it’s usually best to use multiple nails rather than one large one. Doing this can help balance the weight of the item and provide greater stability.

Using the right type of nails and hammering them in with the proper force can help prevent many of these common issues. Plus, checking in regularly can help stay ahead of any potential damages. Keeping an eye out for these problems, can ensure smoother use of nails for all projects.

3. Treatment Options to Care For Your Nails

Nails are a window to health, so it’s important they receive proper attention. Here are some treatment options that can help keep them looking their best:

• Manicure/Pedicure: Manicures and pedicures are great ways to pamper and care for your nails. During a manicure or pedicure, your nails will be trimmed, shaped, and buffed. Nail polish may also be applied to finish off the look.
• Biotin: Biotin is a naturally occurring B-vitamin that helps to promote healthy hair, skin, and nails. Studies suggest it can be beneficial in keeping nails strong and nourished. Biotin can be found in foods such as egg yolks, nuts, and whole grains as well as supplements.
• Cuticle Oil: Cuticle oil helps to nourish the skin around the edge of the nail bed. Applying cuticle oil daily can help keep the area hydrated and add shine to the nails. It can also help to reduce the appearance of dry and cracked cuticles.
• Proper Diet: A healthy diet is also essential for strong and healthy nails. Incorporating foods such as lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats into your diet can help nourish your nails. Keeping hydrated with plenty of water can also help to keep nails looking good.

Vitamins and Minerals: Incorporating vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin B complex, biotin, iron, and zinc into your diet can help promote healthy nail growth. Vitamin A is beneficial for the appearance of the nail bed and cuticles. B vitamins can help with nail strength and growth, while iron helps to strengthen them. It’s important to consult with your doctor to determine the right amounts for your specific needs.

Wear Gloves: Wearing gloves when cleaning, gardening, or doing other activities that involve solvents or harsh chemicals can help protect your nails from damage. It can also help minimize contact with allergens and irritants that can contribute to nail issues.

Avoid Biting Nails: It’s important to try and stop ourselves from biting our nails as it can lead to a number of problems. When nails are bitten, they can become jagged and break easily. Biting can also lead to infection as it introduces bacteria into the nail bed.

4. Easy Ways to Enhance Nail Health and Appearance

1. Eat Healthy Nail-Boosting Foods
Eating nutrient-rich meals can have a major impact on the health of your nail beds and nails. Omega fatty acids, calcium, and iron are essential for strong and healthy nails. Make sure to fill your plate with items such as lean proteins, whole grains, nuts, and leafy greens. You can also try biotin supplements.

2. Dampen Your Nails Regularly
Dampening your nails in warm water can keep them hydrated and prevent them from becoming brittle. Let your nails soak in a warm bowl of water for five to seven minutes to keep them moisturized. You can also use lotion or a moisturizing hand cream afterwards.

3. Use Nail Polish with Care
It’s quite tempting to paint your nails every week, but it’s a good idea to abide by the ‘less is more’ mantra. Now, that doesn’t mean you have to skip polishing forever. Instead, use breathable and protective polishes that form a barrier to prevent moisture and pollutants from entering your nails.

4. File & Trim with Precision
Maintaining a healthy nail routine isn’t just about applying nail products; it’s also about filing and trimming nails to ensure they don’t break. Make sure to file in one direction and not back and forth to prevent nails from becoming weaker. Also, trim nails as soon as you notice them becoming too long and jagged.

5. Give Your Nails a Break
Your nails need some rest and relaxation time to recover. Avoid filing, trimming or polishing your nails over consecutive weeks. Allow them some rest and give your nails a break week by week or bi-weekly to restore and rejuvenate their appearance.

It’s important to pay attention to your nail health. Common nail problems and how to treat them can be found through a simple Google search. However, remember that it’s best to seek professional help and advice if you’re ever in doubt. So, stay healthy, stay informed, and take care of your nails.