This year has seen its fair share of nail trends, from metallics and 3D art to skinny French tips and mismatched manicures. But one trend never goes out of style: healthy nails. Read on to find out how to keep your nails in the best shape ever, along with the nail care products to help you along the way.
What healthy nails look like
Take a good long look at your nails, paying attention to their shape, texture and overall appearance. What do you see? If they appear strong and clear, you are looking at some healthy nails.
“Healthy nails are strong, smooth, uniform in color and exhibit a healthy pink nail bed underneath,” says Dr. Stacey Tull, founder of St. Charles County Dermatologic Surgery.
Signs of unhealthy, weak nails
Do your nails bend easily or break often? Does the color, texture or thickness of your nails seem amiss? Then, you might need to take a closer look.
“The condition of the nails can be a sign there may be an underlying health issue. For example, the appearance of pale nails can be a sign of anemia, dietary deficiencies or heart disease,” says Dr. Michael I. Jacobs, clinical associate professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College and medical technology director at Cortina. “Nails that are splitting frequently can be caused by thyroid complications, as well as psoriasis, eczema and trauma to the nails.” When in doubt, consult your doctor.
But nail problems aren’t always so serious. Weak and brittle nails could be caused by something as simple as overexposure to chemicals (like detergents and nail polish removers) or excess moisture.
Tips for healthier nails
If your nails are less than healthy, there is no need to worry. There are easy ways to treat common nail concerns and improve overall nail health. According to the pros, here are a few you can easily implement into your nail regime.
Keep your hands clean
We all know to wash our hands frequently to stop the spread of germs. But it also plays a crucial role in our nail health, as it helps keep nail infections at bay. And don’t forget to follow up with hand cream!
Trim your nails regularly
Long nails might look nice, but they should be cut if they aren’t healthy. This means filing breaks and prioritizing health over length.
Eat right
Weak nails can sometimes be a sign of a vitamin deficiency. Increase your consumption of foods high in biotin, which helps contribute to healthy nails.
“Biotin-rich roods such as eggs, nuts, seeds, sweet potatoes, beans, spinach, almonds, sunflower seeds and omega-3 fatty acid-containing foods like fish and flaxseed are great for your nails,” says Dr. Beth Goldstein, a board-certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon and founder of Modern Ritual Health.
Care for your cuticles
Cuticles play an important role in nail health. They act as a barrier, preventing bacteria and fungus from slipping between the skin and nails. Avoid picking or cutting your cuticles on your own, which could lead to irritation or infection. Instead, moisturize them with a balm or cuticle oil.
Give your nails a break
It’s easy to see why people favor long-lasting gel manicures. But they can wreak havoc on otherwise healthy nails, causing brittleness and damage. Use the break for treating your nails to a strengthening treatment.
“Nail-strengthening polishes typically contain ingredients designed to fortify the nails and promote resilience,” says Dr. Divya Shokeen, a board-certified dermatologist at the Ocean Skin and Vein Institute.
According to Shokeen, strengthening ingredients may include the following:
- Keratin: A protein that strengthens and protects the nail structure.
- Biotin: Known for supporting healthy nail growth and strength.
- Vitamin E: Helps moisturize and nourish the nails and cuticles.
- Calcium: Supports nail structure and resilience.
- Silicones: Form a protective barrier and help prevent nail breakage.
