Healthy nails naturally lead to beautiful nails. They serve as forming a good first impression with anyone you are meeting. We’d naturally prefer someone who has healthy shiny nails to someone with discolored or broken and dirty nails.
However, your impression isn’t the only thing that is at stake. Healthy nails help to contribute to the overall well-being of the body and prevent many germs from entering our bodies. Luckily, you do not always need to visit the spa or parlour to treat your nails.
Here are a few simple home remedies you can try out to improve the overall health of your nails.
1. Food
Just like there is food that is good for the eyes or for your hair, there are some foods which are great for your nails. Your nails need protein for healthy growth since they are mostly composed of the fibrous protein named keratin. Hence, be sure to include protein-rich foods in your diet, like eggs, leafy greens legumes, nuts, dairy products like cheese or milk and soy-based products are excellent for your nails. You should also include tomatoes in your meal plans, as they are rich sources of Vitamin A and C, which are essential to maintain healthy nails. You also need to consume foods that a rich in iron. Iron prevents white spots from forming or your nails and also prevents hangnails. Hence, be sure to have iron-rich foods as well.Also, drink plenty of water as they help in naturally keeping your nails hydrated. Try to have a water intake of at least 8-10 glasses per day.
2. Rose Water
Remember that pink tint in your fingernails which makes them look so lovely? Rose water can help you make that lovely pink hue permanent. Find some daily to soak your fingernails in a bowl of rose water for best results. Rose water is also excellent for removing any spots that may appear on your nails. Take a mixture of lemon juice and rose water and wash your nails with them thrice a week. This will help clean your nails. It is a quick and inexpensive method to promoting a healthy look for your nails.3. Baby oil
Do you think that manicures and pedicures are way too expensive? Or maybe you do not have time to schedule an appointment for those? Do not worry. Baby oil is a great alternative that can be used from the comfort of your home. If you have dry and brittle nails or your nails are exposed to water for extended periods of time, baby oil will be especially good for you. Just apply a little baby oil on your nails before you go to sleep at night. Be sure to apply it to your cuticles as well, as baby oil serves to keep your nails moisturized.4. Lemon juice
This is another excellent option to help make your nails healthier and more beautiful. Often, due to dust, pollution, chemicals or other circumstances, you might get stains on your nails. Lemon juice acts as a natural bleaching agent, thus helping effectively remove these stains and also leading to your skins looking more polished and healthier. Simply take a bowl of lemon juice and soaks your fingers in it. After some time, add warm water and vinegar to the lemon juice and rub your nails gently with a brush with your fingers still soaked. Then, wash your hands with warm water. Once a week is enough for this remedy to take effect.5. Coconut Oil
This is another amazing product you can use to take care of your nails at home. You need to simply massage your nails daily with cold-pressed coconut oil. Include the cuticle areas and the region where your nails meet your skin. This helps keep your nail cuticles soft and your nails string. Coconut oil also has anti-fungal properties which helps prevent nail fungus from forming. It also helps prevent nail infection and painful hangnails or nail ridges. You can also apply a mixture of coconut oil along with rosemary oil and some honey or with oregano oil.Aside from these home remedies, you also need to trim your nails regularly and properly. Also, give up the bad habit of biting fingernails. For nails on your toes, wear the proper shoe size. These tips will help you have healthy and beautiful nails you can be proud of.