Nail Envy

Do you long for thick, beautiful nails and stare longingly at those naturally blessed with long, sturdy and chip-free nails? If you suffer from splitting, peeling and brittle nails, there are ways to overcome it. Improving your nail health starts from the inside and works its way out. So cancel your next gel nail manicure and follow these simple suggestions. Soon, your nails will be the envy of all your friends!

Feed your Nails

• Vitamin A – found in green, yellow or orange vegetables.

• Vitamin B Complex – especially Biotin found in meat, eggs, almonds, soybeans, and sweet potatoes. Biotin supplements are recommended.

• Vitamin E – found in nuts and leafy green vegetables.

• Omega 3 – found in fish (mostly in salmon), flaxseed oil, walnuts, and soybeans.

• Water – what you heard is true, drink 8 to 10 glasses each day.

• Keratin and Gelatin – Amino acids from Gelatin combine to make Keratin, an extremely strong protein and a major component of strong nails. Gelatin thickens foods such as ice cream, jams, yogurt, cream cheese, marshmallows, gummy bears and Jello! Or take Gelatin supplements.

• Silica – found in outer covering of potatoes, green and red peppers, cucumbers, bean sprouts and whole grains. Silica supplements are recommended.

• Calcium – milk and dairy products are essential.

Be Nice to Your Nails

• Douse your hands and nails with an intensive moisturizer and slip on the cotton gloves overnight.

We recommend: Barielle Ultra Soft Hand Creme SPF 15, Eucerin Dry Skin Therapy Intensive Hand Crème Plus, and Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve.

Barielle Ultra Soft Hand Creme, SPF 15, 6-Ounces

Eucerin Dry Skin Therapy Intensive Repair Hand Creme Plus, 2.7 Ounces (Pack of 4)

Kiehl’s Body Care – Ultimate Strength Hand Salve 150ml/5oz

• Keep cuticles lubed. Apply cream or oil around the cuticle area as well as under your nail’s free edge. This will keep your cuticles soft and hydrated.

We love: Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail & Cuticle Oil and Healthy Hook Intensive Protein Treatment.

Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail & Cuticle Oil, 4000 I.U. .45 fl oz (13.3 ml)

Healthy Hoof Intensive Protein Treatment 4oz

• Apply a thin coat of nail hardener every day as too much can cause a heavy buildup and actually weaken the nails. Use remover sparingly.

Our favorites: Sally Hansen Nail Care Instant Hardener, Diamond Strength, OPI Envy Natural Nail Strengthener, Sensitive and Peeling, and Nailtiques Nail Protein Formula 2 Plus.

Sally Hansen Nail Care Instant Hardener, Diamond Strength – 0.45 Oz

OPI Nail Envy

Nailtiques Nail Protein Formula 2 Plus

• Splurge on a manicure every two weeks so the professional can follow proper procedure and access the damage. Often, she will apply a strengthener as a base coat and tell you how to properly take care of your nails.

BEWARE!

• Don’t apply nail polish every day or week. Take a week long break from wearing heavy layers of nail polish once a month to let your nails breathe. Your nails need to breathe.

• Don’t bite or pick at the nails or the skin around them.

• Don’t file down the side of the nail too much or keep them in an unnatural shape as this can cause more breakage. If you must, use a soft nail file to file those trouble spots.

• Don’t use your nails to pry open lids or packages or scrape labels.

• Don’t clean underneath your nails with any sharp object.

• Don’t forget to wear gloves when washing dishes or handling harsh chemicals. Prolonged contact with water and harsh detergents depletes moisture.

• Don’t apply wraps or artificial nails. Peeling them off removes layers of natural nail.

As you can see, it takes a lot of effort and patience to achieve long and healthy fingernails. But good practice makes perfect!

Author: Sarka Kocicka