Nails are an often overlooked part of beauty and skincare, but they can tell you a lot about a person. Nicely manicured nails indicate that someone pays attention to the details of their overall look. And nails that look a little rough could mean that someone is lacking in essential vitamins and minerals. Are you taking the best care of your nails, or could you spend some quality time each week making sure they are in tip-top shape? Check out my five favorite beauty hacks for how to get longer, stronger nails below.
Insider Beauty Hacks for Longer, Stronger Nails
1. Massage an almond oil-based cuticle oil daily onto clean nails. This will help restore the strength of your cuticles and keep you from getting hangnails. Happy cuticles are the foundation for happy nails.
Almond Nail and Cuticle Oil, The Body Shop, $7.20
2. Take a daily biotin supplement. You may be deficient in this B-family vitamin if your nails are weak and prone to breakage. As an added bonus, biotin is also great for hair, eyebrow and eyelash growth.
Killer Nails, HUM Nutrition, $10
3. Choose an acetone-free nail polish remover if you decide to paint your nails. Acetone will weaken your nails and contribute to damage and breakage. There are lots of great acetone-free formulas on the market that are still effective.
Mavala Nail Polish Remover Pads, $15.15
4. Switch up your nail filing style. Your nails can break if you file back and forth. Instead, file gently in one direction toward the center of your nail for the smoothest nail possible.
5. Make sure you are getting enough essential nutrients from food. Protein helps build up keratin, which is what our nails are made of. Eating enough protein is critical to the nail growth process. Also, make sure to include a variety of vegetables and fruits for increased vitamins and minerals. Magnesium-rich foods like pumpkin seeds and dark chocolate, and zinc-rich foods like salmon and eggs, will also help prevent ridges and encourage healthy nail growth.
Which of these tips was the most helpful? Let me know which ones you tried in the comments below or tweet me @lorenridinger.
