If you are anything like me, you are sick and tired of fingernails that chip, bend, grow unevenly and break at the drop of a hat. I am convinced that both of my pointer fingers haven’t grown in 10 years! In the meantime, the nails on my ring fingers grow faster than I can reapply nail polish. Getting manicures doesn’t really help the situation because the results only last a few days at the most. Many people have similar problems with their fingernails, and some people have even more problems with their nails, such as fungus.
I finally had enough of my nail problems, and I though to myself, “enough is enough! There has to be a way to have healthy and nice looking nails.” I was right; there are many things you can do to keep your nails feeling and looking their best without having to go back to your manicurist 3 times a week!
The first thing to look at is your diet. Believe it or not, what you eat can really have an effect on your nails. If you do not get your daily requirement of calcium and vitamins, your nails will suffer along with the rest of your body. Every part of your body is connected, and when one part suffers, every part suffers, so you have to start by taking care of your body as a whole. Eat a good, balanced diet and take a multi vitamin that has added calcium.
When you moisturize, don’t forget about your nails. Nails can absorb cream just like skin does, so when you put on your favorite lotion, be sure to take the extra time to rub some into your fingernails as well. You can also buy nail cream that is made specifically for strengthening you nails and making them healthier.
Sally Hansen makes some good products for strengthening fingernails, and they are usually very affordable. You can find Sally Hansen nail strengthener in any department store or drugstore, and while you are at it, you might as well pick up some of the brand name’s nail polish that is made to do the same thing for your nails.
Nobody likes putting on nail polish only to break or chip a nail a couple of days later and ruin the look of the polish, but there is a way to apply the nail polish that will minimize the risk of breaking your nails. First, apply a layer of any basecoat, which will also help your nail polish to go on smoother. Next, apply 2 layers of the nail polish. Some people like to put on 3 coats, but 2 is all you really need. Finally, put on a layer of topcoat. This will put the final touch on you nail polish and help guard it against chipping. Now you have 4 layers of polish altogether on your nails, which will make them thicker and stronger and less likely to break or bend.
