Nail health has always been a bit underrated, right?
When it comes to skincare, haircare and even makeup there’s so much talk about it but nails?
It’s more common for us to forget about it or leave it at the bottom of the drawer until it encounters a problem such as a break, peel, or discoloration.
But let me tell you, our nails are equally worthy of as much attention as any other part of our beauty regime and this is why healthy nails are trending now.
Today, nails that are thick, shapely and unbootied and indeed natural looking are the dream of every woman.
They are fashionable and they are also indicative of a person’s health status at the same time.
Therefore, if you have been asking yourself what you can do in order to maintain your nails in excellent health or if you want to know the trends in the nail care world, you are in the right place.
Now I will share the top of the best tips, treatments, and trends which will definitely fit your interest.
Understanding Your Nails: A Quick Overview
Before we proceed with the treatments let me just give you a crash course on nails.
Its outer layer is mostly constituted from keratin – a protein that is in the body silicone hair treatment also uses to construct hair and skin.
Nails should be smooth and should not be crumbling and breaking, and the best nails are a little pink in color.
If you have nails that are brittle, have peeled or have visible lines along or across the nail, then be informed that your body has something to say.
There are factors such as diet, water intake and some practices in everyday life that affect the wellbeing of nails.
Before I thought that if I did not engage in some brutal activity like hammering my hands into the doors or biting my nails, then they would be fine.
However, as most people could attest to, that is far from the truth and there is a lot more to it than that.
Trending Nail Treatments You Should Know About
1. Strengthening Nail Serums
There are days when nails were treated only with organic compounds in order to be strong and healthy.
The newcomer to the scene is nail serums and they are currently trending.
These little magic potions often include such nutrients as peptides, biotin, and vitamins that are not only capable of providing your nails with the needed essential moisture but also help the nails become stronger from the inside.
They are small and clearly designed for daily use, plus they sure are easy to apply.
For this reason, nail serums are something I completely trust because they are not tacky like some hardeners may be.
Applied directly to the nails before going to sleep will do the job.
In a few weeks, you will have stronger and healthier nails as compared to using other nail strengtheners in the market.
Besides, serums are a lot less harsh so you can apply it even if your nails are sensitive.
2. Japanese Nail Manicure
The Japanese nail manicure is another new craze that is technologically the beauty world and I am in love with it.
Unlike a standard pedicure gel manicure, this therapy aims at moisturizing and shining the nails without employing acids or synthetic substances.
The first step is the application of beeswax on the nails and then a form of powder that has some nutrients that are supposed to be working on the nails are applied on the nails.
The result?
Natural, shiny and healthy nails that look like they have a clear coat of nail polish, but without actually using polish.
This treatment is simply perfect for anyone who wants to take a break from gel or acrylic nails but still wouldn’t want to have ragged looking nails.
3. Nail Peels
If you are like me and have ever been lured into face peels, then this will sound very interesting.
Nail peels are relatively new forms of nail treatment that are meant to target the layer on the nails’ surface which is dead.
These treatments include instances where the nail technician gets a solution that when applied to your nails removes the outer layer and leaves the nails with a fresh look.
This is something that I appreciate because it is like giving myself or a new set of nails due to the changes that are incurred.
If you have been having issues with discoloration, ridges or nail stains (because let’s be honest, those deeper red nail polishes do stain!) then you will love a nail peel.
DIY Nail Care Tips for Stronger Nails
However, this does not mean that we can always have the time and resources to go to the salon to get done with every little thing.
This is the reason why at home nail care should not be overlooked so as to be able to have good routines about nails.
Following are some tested and trusted strategies that actually are successful for me and others.
1. Keep Them Hydrated
Hydration is key!
Not just for your skin but even on your nails.
Dry nails are more prone to breakage and peeling, which is something none of us want.
It is also important to massage your cuticles and nails every day with an oil or cream.
I make it a rule to have a small bottle of cuticle oil on my nightstand and I massage the oil into my nails before going to sleep.
If you have a preference for natural products you may use something like coconut or almond oil.
All you need to do is apply it on the nails and cuticles lightly by rubbing.
This small action ensures that the nails are molded and therefore do not break easily as they have absorbed moisture.
2. Don’t Skip the Base Coat
Now you might be thinking ‘well, base coats are just an extra which I don’t need when I paint my nails at home’, and I’m here to tell you that they are not.
Proper base coat works as a barrier to your nails and the color so as to avoid discoloration and nail degradation.
When choosing for a base coat, ensure that it contains vitamins and proteins for the nails which will help strengthen your nails.
It may also be useful in the filing down of any raised area, which will make your polish apply even more evenly.
Moreover, they can prolong the duration of manicure.
Win-win, right?
3. Trim Regularly and File with Care
At other times we may be too obsessed with growing them longer that we do not even remember that we need to trim them.
In the event your nails get trimmed often, they will be strong and therefore will not split easily.
While filing ensure that it is done one way instead of going back and forward.
This helps to avoid ‘cuticle’ that occurs in the nail and in return leads to breaking of the nail.
For example, I like to have a glass file that gives a much better finish and I feel it is quite fancy to use on my nails and my nails do not get destroyed when using it.
4. Eat for Healthy Nails
Your nails are as good as the food you eat, and therefore, healthy nails begin with a healthy diet.
If you would like to be getting strong nails then you need to try eating foods that contain biotin, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Biotin relates to vitamin H and is perfect when it comes to strengthening nails.
It is present in foods such as eggs, almonds and sweet potatoes.
Do not leave out your green veggies as well, foods like spinach and kale contain iron and Vitamin E for the nails.
I have also realized that I get healthier looking and feeling nails whenever I take more water.
Lack of water makes the nails brittle so ensure you take water at the right time of the day.
The Importance of a Break
I mean, who wouldn’t want well manicured natural nails?
However, sometimes it is important to allow your nails some breathing space.
When your nails are polished or have acrylics on your natural nails on a daily basis, they actually become brittle.
Give the nails a break by not using any nail polish for about a week or two in every two months if possible.
During this break, be sure that you pamper them.
Oil your nails, use a strengthening treatment and avoid the use of aggressive nail removers.
This will simply take several days off from washing and you will be surprised to know how your nails feel when they are allowed to take a break.
Trending Natural Nail Shapes and Finishes
Looking at the nail trends, one can state that there is a definite trend towards the more natural look and that also applies to nail shapes and the finish.
Some of the most hip right now are square, almond, and rounded ones but you have to keep them as natural looking as possible and blend with the natural nails.
Concerning the finishes, glossy ones have always been preferred, however, matte and satin are also popular right now.
These finishes look very fashionable but unlike the glossy ones, they are not too shiny, hence they can be worn on a regular basis.
To sum it up, if you’re looking for something that has a classic old school typeface that is still professional, then these are perfect for you.
The Bottom Line
Healthy nails aren’t just about aesthetics—they’re a reflection of our overall health.
Having strong and aesthetically appealing nails is possible to everyone with the right care and attention.
Whether you’re indulging in a trending treatment or sticking to a tried-and-true at-home routine, the key is consistency.
Treat your nails with the same care you give to your skin or hair, and they’ll reward you with strength, shine, and long-lasting beauty.
Well then what are you waiting for?
It is time you start pampering those beautiful nails of yours!