How to get Healthy, Strong Nails
Hey there everyone, before I get started I just want to say a big thank you to the lovely Jessica for inviting me to guest post on her blog. It’s been an awfully long time since I’ve guest posted, so this is a fun break in routine! If you would like to know How to get Healthy, Strong Nails - keep on reading!
Maybe I should start with a little bit of background as to who I am, and why you should even consider taking nail care tips from me. Well firstly I can tell you that I’m not a qualified nail tech, I’d love to be, but I know that along with doing people’s fingernails, you also have to look after people’s toenails...and well, I just don’t think I could do it. Toes creep me out. It’s no secret!
I used to be an acrylic nail wearer, then moving on with the times started wearing Shellac. Both of which didn’t do my natural nails any good, but I was far too impatient to wait for them to grow, and also I was a nail-biter. I know, I know, gross right?! Wearing an armour of acrylic or Shellac stopped me from being able to chomp on the nubs.
Moving into our own home and having a mortgage to consider, I knew I had to make some sacrifices, priorities and the joys of becoming an adult haha! So the trips to the nail salon stopped, and my interest in looking after my natural nails grew. This was about 3 years ago now. Over these 3 years, I have perfected my nail care routine, I know what works and what doesn’t work and I’d love to share some of my top tips with you today. I must be doing something right as I have had the absolute pleasure of working with some of the best nail brands such as Leighton Denny, Nails Inc and Barry M since starting up my very own blog - Polished by Leanne
But that’s enough about me, let’s get into this post already...
6 Top Tips for Perfect Nails
1) Use a cuticle oil
You don’t have to spend a lot, and it doesn’t have to be anything fancy, but using a cuticle oil will really help the condition of your nails, cuticles, and surrounding skin. There is a huge variety of different oils, some with fun and funky scents, there’s no excuse to not be using one! I can recommend 3 that I love to use, Leighton Denny’s Slick Tips, Cienna Rose’s Elixir, and if you’re on a budget, pop onto Amazon and pick up a bottle of Pure Vitamin E and a bottle of Jojoba Oil - mix them together in a bottle or nail pen (can also be found on Amazon) to create the perfect cuticle and nail oil.
2) Swap out your emery board for a crystal nail file
It is well worth investing in a crystal nail file. It will last you for years on end, a simple rinse under the tap when you feel like it needs a clean and it’s as good as new. Unlike regular emery boards (I actually shudder at the thought of them now!), a crystal nail file will allow you to file backwards and forwards without the fear of tearing or damaging your nail tips. This means you can get a nice clean shape in the easiest and healthiest way.
3) Avoid cutting your cuticles
I know a lot of nail salons will do this, but honestly people, cutting your cuticles is a big no-no. There are so many great alternatives out there, nail and cuticle scrubs, cuticle dissolvers, you could even take a rubber orange stick and push them gently back after applying your cuticle oil. Remember - healthy cuticles lead to healthy nails. Just saying!
4) Try to keep your hands out of water for long periods of time
Long soaks in the bath, washing up, anything that requires your nails to be submerged under water for a lengthy amount of time will weaken them. I love a long, hot relaxing bath, but I’m always conscious of keeping the nails above water. I also make the husband do the dishes - I don’t ask much of him I promise - he agrees that it’s a fair deal!
5) Keep your nails polished
It is not often you will catch me without nail polish on. It helps to protect the nail, so pop on a base coat, two coats of your chosen colour, and finish off with a top coat and cuticle oil. Good to go! If you feel like your nails are feeling a little weak, using a glitter polish helps to fortify and prevent breaking.
6) Avoid Acetone
Admittedly as a nail blogger/ swatcher, a life without acetone just wouldn’t work for me, it makes life far too easy. But I always remember to put the moisture back into my nails and hands after using it, as it completely saps them dry. If you switch to non-acetone polish removers your nails and skin will thank you for it.
Bonus
Eating healthy foods
Did you know eating super healthy foods has benefits in your nails? Just like it's good for your body, it also has its benefits for your nails too.
So there we are, I could go on and on but I don’t think you’d thank me for it! I feel like introducing these 6 small changes to your routine will do your overall nail health the world of good.
I hope that this post has been helpful to you, even if you’ve only picked up a couple of new tips. If you’d like to see more of what I get up to with both nails and beauty, please come and find me on Instagram: @polishedbyleanne, Facebook: polishedbyleanne, and of course the blog polishedbyleanne.com
Thank you so much for reading, have a wonderful day/night/week! Love, Leanne Xx
Source: https://www.jessabellanails.com/how-to-get-healthy-strong-nails/