Over $8 billion is spent on nail salon services annually in the USA alone. And the number of people getting artificial nails and nail extensions is increasing year on year too.
But there are plenty of ways to achieve beautiful nails naturally. You don’t need to spend your hard-earned $$$ in a nail salon when there is a lot you can do at home.
Here are five of the best ways to improve your nail health and have naturally longer and stronger nails.
1. Keep Your Hands (and Cuticles) Moisturized
Nails love moisture. And healthy nails need a lot of it! If you wash your hands more often than most (say you work in the medical profession) then you need to be moisturizing your hands more often too.
Make sure you are massaging your moisturizer into your nails as well as your skin.
Your cuticles help keep out bacteria, so they’re very important! And they need some extra care, especially if you wear nail polish. Whenever you give yourself an at-home manicure, gently rub some coconut, olive, or ideally almond oil on your cuticles.
2. Learn How to Take Care of Your Nails Properly
If you do give yourself manicures, make sure you’re following the best practices to take care of those beautiful nails.
Never drag an emery board/nail file back and forth. Always file in one direction, and start from the corner of the nail and work inwards. This will give you longer nails as they’ll be less prone to breakages.
You can push back your cuticles but use a clean, wide metal tool. And gently buffing your nails will give them a nice healthy shine.
3. Only Use Non-Toxic Nail Polish
There is an overwhelming amount of choice when it comes to nail polishes. And you can buy so many different colors from drug stores for only a few dollars.
But if you’re mindful about what you put in your body, you need to be mindful of what you put on your body, too.
Always check the ingredients on the back of nail polish bottles. And if they’re not listed, they will be online. Look out for chemicals like Dibutyl phthalate (DBP), Triphenylphosphate (TPHP), Formaldehyde, and Toluene.
These are big no-nos for beautiful, natural nails!
You want to look for brands that make nail polish without nasty chemicals. The Apres Nail System, for example, has a lot of affordable sets.
4. And Use Non-Toxic Nail Polish Remover
While we’re on the subject, there is no point in making the effort to use non-toxic nail polish if you’re using an acetone-based nail polish remover.
Always choose acetone-free removers. You can purchase many removers that are made with natural ingredients like bamboo, ginger, soy, corn, and wheat. The best removers also have an oily texture that doesn’t dry out your beautiful nails.
You could also try making your own, too!
5. Eat and Drink Well
One of the biggest factors in nail health is what you’re consuming. Eating a lot of fruit and vegetables and drinking a lot of water is known to improve hair and skin. But it greatly affects your nails, too.
If you want beautiful nails that are strong and long, make sure you drink at least 64 ounces of water every day. More is better!
Omega 3 fatty acids, protein, and biotin are all essential for healthy nails. If you have a deficiency, it may be worth researching supplements.
Now Show off Your Natural, Beautiful Nails
If you take care of them properly, you will have healthy, beautiful nails in no time. It’s not a quick process. But if you spend the time at home caring for your nails, you will spend far less time and money in the nail salon.
And they will be all-natural, too.
Check out our beauty articles if you want more natural beauty and wellness advice!
