We all want beautiful nails, strong and healthy. Your nails are often a reflection of your overall health. If you are battling with weak, brittle nails, it could mean a more serious underlying health issue, but it could also just be thanks to the everyday wringer that we put our nails through – without even realising it.

We’ve taken a look at the best tips and tricks to help you in keeping your nails looking and feeling healthier. So let’s dive in!

Things to avoid

Water exposure

Try wearing gloves when you wash dishes and don’t soak the nails in the bath or pool for too long. Keep your nails away from water as much as possible. Our nails actually absorb water and chemicals/detergents which could cause them to weaken.

Long nails

Especially if you are experiencing issues with weak nails, consider cutting them down while you build up the strength. Shorter nails are less prone to breaking because there are fewer exposed edges and less surface area where water and chemicals can be absorbed.

Rough filing

Always make sure to file down the nail in one direction. Sawing them back and forth could cause the nails to split and peel.

Alcohol-based sanitiser

This can be especially drying for not only your hands, but your nails too.

Using your nails as tools

It’s so easy to open a coldrink can or scratch off a sticker, but doing so puts pressure on the weakest parts of your nail and can contribute to peeling and breakage.

Topical solutions to apply to weak nails

While we can do our best to avoid the above mentioned factors, most of us, at some point, will need a little assistance in making our nails more healthy. Here are a few great things you can apply to your nails to help :

Essential Oils

Organic, essential oils are not just used for massage and diffusers. They can be applied to your nails to assist the growth and general health of the nails too. To improve the strength and appearance of your nails, massage daily and you will see a visible difference in your nails and cuticles. Here are the top essential oils for nails (all available from BWG Botanics).

Lemon Oil – From £4.99
Frankincense Oil – From £12.99
Myrrh Oil – From £11.99
Eucalyptus Oil – From £5.99
Lavender Oil – From £7.99
Grapefruit Oil – From £7.99
Rosemary Oil – From £7.99

Olive Oil & Lemon

Lemon contains antioxidant Vitamin C which protects nails, can remove stains an encourages stronger growth. Olive oil is also great for moisturising. Mix three parts olive oil with one part lemon juice, and heat to just above body temperature, then soak for about 10 minutes.

Orange Juice

Soaking your nails in orange juice for just 10 minutes a day will give them a boost of antioxidants that will improve their strength and appearance, and will also help them to grow faster. Remember to rinse thoroughly afterwards though, in order to remove the citric acid from your skin and nails, and use a moisturiser such as the Nail and Cuticle repair Oil to reverse any dehydration that may have occurred during the soak.

Dead Sea Salt

Naturally containing over 20 beneficial minerals, dead sea salt is one of the most effective nail health aids. Dissolve around a tablespoon of fine dead sea salt with some warm water in a small dish. You could even add a couple of drops of your favourite essential oil. Soak for about ten minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry. Finish with a moisturiser and repeat as often as required.

Foods to give you great nails from within

Sometimes is good to help your body from the inside out. Below are some of the best foods to help nourish your nails.

Protein

Nails are made up from fibrous protein keratin. Therefore, by including foods that are high in protein, you provide the necessary nutrients in order to keep your nails stronger and healthier. Great examples of this are dark, leafy vegetables, lean meats and fish, eggs, nuts and seeds. Dairy products are also a great source of calcium and will help too.

Tomatoes

One of the best sources of Vitamin A and C which is essential for healthy hair, skin and nails, tomatoes will do wonders for your nails. They also contain B7 (or Biotin) in it’s natural form. And don’t worry about eating whole tomatoes with every meal, why not try a glass of tomato juice every morning, which will also give you more energy and include tomato paste or sauce in your pastas and other meals.

Blackstrap Molasses

A bittersweet syrup that can be added to your tea, warm water or any other drink in place of sugar. Be careful to use in moderation, as it can have an effect on your blood sugar levels, this natural sweetener contains many vitamins and minerals which could have great benefits for your nails.

Just taking some time to include healthy items into your diet, along with the natural remedies mentioned here, you too can flaunt your beautiful nails in no time!