Lily and Fox's Ultimate Guide to Strong and Beautiful Nails
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A beautiful manicure starts with healthy nails, making taking good care of them important. In this blog, we'll share with you some tips on how to have strong and beautiful nails that you'll be proud to show off.
TIP 1: ADD CUTICLE OIL TO YOUR DAILY ROUTINE
Many options include fatty acids and vitamins that nourish the nails and fill in any micro-cracks in the skin. Regularly using cuticle oil on the cuticles of your hands and feet is an excellent method to keep them in the best condition. Here are some effective cuticle oil brands for you to try:
Best Overall Cuticle Oil: CND SolarOil Nail & Cuticle Conditioner, $10
Best Drugstore Cuticle Oil: Sally Hansen Cuticle Massage Cream, $7
Best Multiuse Cuticle Oil: Lano The Original 101 Ointment Multipurpose Superbalm, $17
You can check out more recommendations from the Glamour article here.
TIP 2: TAKE BIOTIN OR COLLAGEN SUPPLEMENTS
Biotin and collagen are two essential nutrients that play a role in maintaining healthy fingernails.
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is responsible for supporting the growth and strengthening of nails. It helps to form the nail bed and improves nail thickness, which can help prevent brittle or weak nails. Biotin also promotes the production of keratin, the protein that makes up a large portion of our fingernails.
Collagen supplements can help strengthen our nails by providing our body with the necessary building blocks to create stronger and healthier nails. Collagen also helps improve hydration and elasticity in the skin surrounding the nails, improving overall nail health.
TIP 3: PUSH YOUR CUTICLES BACK
Cuticles protect the nail bed from infections and fungus, but they can stick to the nail and cause peeling or splitting when they grow too much. Pushing them back gently once a week with a cuticle pusher helps keep them in place and promotes healthy nail growth. It also helps improve the appearance of the nails and makes them easier to polish. It's important to note that while pushing back the cuticles can have benefits, it should be done gently and with caution.
TIP 4: USE A NAIL STRENGTHENER
Using nail strengtheners can provide several benefits for improving the health and appearance of your nails. Brittle nails are more likely to chip, crack, or break easily. Nail strengtheners can help combat nail brittleness by providing essential nutrients and moisture to the nails, making them more flexible and resistant to damage.
Nail strengtheners also create a protective barrier on the surface of the nails, shielding them from environmental stressors, such as chemicals, water, and excessive moisture. This barrier helps prevent damage caused by everyday activities and exposure to harsh substances. Sally Hansen's Hard as Nails Advanced Strengthener Base Coat is a good one that our customers and ourselves use!
TIP 5: USE LOTION
While you're still in the process of strengthening your nail beds, using lotion can prevent your nails from cracking. One of our customers recommended using CeraVe Moisturizing Cream daily. Customers also love using Vaseline Healthy Hand & Nail Conditioning Lotion because it serves a dual function. Not only does it provide effective moisturization to the skin through the inclusion of Vaseline Jelly, but it also incorporates mineral oil and keratin, two ingredients recommended for any nail strengthener.
Engaging in a nail care routine can be a relaxing and enjoyable self-care activity. Taking the time to pamper your nails, whether through soaking, moisturizing, or giving yourself a manicure, can be a calming and therapeutic experience. It allows you to unwind, focus on self-care, and indulge in a little personal time.
Remember to personalize your nail care routine based on your individual needs and preferences. Consider consulting a nail care professional or dermatologist for specific advice and recommendations tailored to your nail health.
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What's Your Nail Health Score?
Be honest — when was the last time you really thought about your nail health?
If your answer is somewhere between “uh…” and “only when one breaks five minutes before an event,” you’re definitely not alone.
The good news? You don’t need a microscope or a salon visit to get a quick read on how your nails are doing.
That’s where this quiz comes in.
In just a couple of minutes, you’ll:
- Discover your Nail Health Score
- Learn what your score actually means
- Get personalized tips to help your nails grow stronger
- Pick up easy habits that make a big difference
Rebecca Fox
Author