If your nails tend to break easily or are brittle, giving them some TLC is definitely a chore that should be topping your beauty to-do list. While gel, acrylic, and dip powder manicures may look hella cute, they can take a toll on your nail health. You can know if your nails are damaged by paying attention to the discolouration, changes in thickness, and changes in brittleness.
To get a headstart on understanding how we can restore your tips to their optimal health, we reached out to Sana Dhanani, founder of The White Door India which is a luxury spa and salon to give us 5 super easy-to-follow tips. The best part? Almost everything you need is already at home!
Some Expert Approved Ways To Strengthen Your Nails
Use Nail Strengthener
A nail strengthener is probably one of your nail’s newest BFF. Apply it just after you’ve put on your nail polish or once you’re back home after your gel manicure. This will help in bringing your nails back to life even after your extensions are off.
“This product keeps the nails protected and strong plus it’s easy to apply and really effective. I love the Cuccio Cuticle Oil,” says Sana.
Hot Oil Treatments Also Do The Trick
If you’re more of a DIY or an at-home remedy person, Sana has just the nail care hack for you- a hot oil massage. Contrary to what the treatment is called, you do not need to, under any circumstances have to dunk your digits in hot oil. Simply take a cup of almond oil and heat it in the microwave till it is lukewarm. Add in a few drops of your favourite essential oil and dip your fingers. Kick back and relax for 10 minutes and then massage the oil on your fingers, into your hands and nails. Almond oil works well for this as it is rich in essential antioxidants, Omega 6 and 9 fatty acids, and vitamins E, A, B1, B2, and B6 that protect the nails from peeling, cracking, dryness, and breakage.
“To maintain the lustre and shine of your nails, I recommend doing this every two weeks. It will rejuvenate and strengthen your nails,” Dhanani explains.
Olive Oil Is The Best Multitasking Product
“A good at-home alternative hand and nail moisturizer is the easily available and multi-tasking superhero, olive oil,” says Sana.
Use a few drops and massage them into your fingernails and hands. Olive oil is chock-full of Vitamin E which is extremely moisturising and locks in hydration.
Take A Holistic Approach
“When it comes to taking care of your hair, skin, and nails, a holistic approach is key,” advises Sana.
All these measures for healthier nails will ultimately amount to nothing if you do not eat well. So, make sure you’re getting enough protein in your diet (think paneer, cheese, and Greek yogurt) since protein is the building block of your nails. Fruits are essential because they (berries and grapes especially) are rich in antioxidants and make the nails more resilient to free radical damage and green leafy veggies provide your body with calcium and folate (read: Vitamin B).
Supplements Can Also Help
Sana further talks about supplements being helpful for your nails, she says, “Find out if you can take the Nutrova Complete Omega 3. It works on your nails from within while you treat them from outside and can prove to be a long-time solution to all your beauty woes.”
If you choose to take this route, we do recommend that you visit a doctor for a consultation first.
Bye bye, brittle nails!
Also Read: How to grow nail fast
Featured image: Instagram
