Do your nails look pinkish and smooth? Or do they seem yellowish or brownish and brittle?

Healthy nails are strong, smooth, and uniform pink, while unhealthy nails are brittle, cracked, and discolored.

Many people struggle to maintain healthy nails, but the good news is that there are simple steps you can take to improve your nails's health and appearance. 

In this blog post, we'll discuss the do's and don'ts for healthy nails. We will look at how to keep your nails clean and shiny, protect them from breaking, and avoid common mistakes that can damage them. Whether you are a nail-biter or someone who loves doing manicures now and then, this guide will provide all the necessary information on restoring your nails and making them look presentable all the time.

What do Healthy Nails Look Like?

Healthy and beautiful nails are an indicator of good overall health and have certain characteristics. Here are some signs of healthy nails:

• Smooth and free of any dents, grooves, or ridges.
• Pinkish-white in color.
• Strong and don't easily break or split. 
• Not overly dry or brittle. 
• Don’t have any unusual colors, such as yellowing, brownish spots, or other discolorations.
• Uniform in shape and size.

What do Unhealthy Nails Look Like?

Unhealthy nails have the following characteristics:

• They are yellow, brown, green, or have other unusual colors.
• Have vertical or horizontal ridges and grooves.
• They are excessively brittle and prone to breaking and splitting.
• Have small dents or pits on the surface of the nails.
• Concave or spoon-like in shape.

Do’s to Keep Your Nails Healthy

Keeping nails healthy requires following a combination of hygiene practices, proper nutrition, and protective measures. Here are some do's to help keep your nails healthy:

1. Keep your nails clean: Clean your nail ridges and nails regularly. You can use a nail brush to remove dirt or debris underneath your nails.
2. Moisturize: Apply moisturizer to your nails and cuticles on a daily basis to prevent them from becoming dry and brittle. Look for moisturizers that contain ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, or vitamin E.
3. Trim: It's important to trim and shape your nails to prevent them from growing long and breaking. This practice not only helps with hygiene but also keeps your nails looking neat and feeling good.
4. Protect your nails: Whenever you're engaging in household chores involving water or cleaning agents, wear gloves. This helps protect your nails from damage or weakening.
5. Eat a balanced diet: Consuming a balanced diet is essential for nail health. Ensure that your diet includes foods rich in vitamins and minerals like biotin, vitamin E, and iron. Also include fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains in your diet.
6. Stay hydrated: Hydration plays a key role in maintaining skin and nails. Make sure you drink adequate water every day to keep both hydrated.
7. Protect against harsh chemicals: Minimize your contact with substances that contain harsh chemicals, like nail removers. Nail remover contains acetone, which tends to dry out the nails, making them more susceptible to brittleness, splitting, and peeling. Instead, opt for nail products free from chemicals and ensure their usage in well-ventilated spaces.
8. Be gentle with your nails: Avoid biting your nails or picking at the cuticles, as this can damage the nails and surrounding skin.
9. Consider nail supplements: If your diet lacks essential nutrients, consider taking supplements, but consult with a healthcare professional first.
10. Protect your nails against fungal infections: Keep your nails dry and clean to avoid fungal infections. Wear breathable footwear and socks to prevent toenail fungus.

Don’t for Healthy Nails

You should avoid certain practices and habits that can lead to damage and deterioration of your nails in order to maintain healthy nails. Here are some "don'ts" for healthy nails:

1. Don't bite your nails: Many of us have the habit of biting our nails in various situations, but this habit can be extremely damaging to the nail.  Biting not only damages the skin around the nail, but it also increases the chances of a bacterial infection.
2. Avoid excessive use of nail polish remover: Nail polish removers that contain acetone can be harsh and drying. Limit their usage and opt for those that do not contain acetone whenever possible.
3. Don’t use nails as tools: Do not use your nails to open cans or scratch surfaces. This may cause them to break or chip.
4. Don't overdo acrylic or gel nails: Take breaks from time to time if you are into gel or acrylic nails so that your natural nails breathe and recover. Using gel or acrylic nails continuously can weaken them.
5. Avoid harsh chemical exposure: Avoid contact with strong chemicals and cleaning agents, as they can strip your nails' protective layer of natural oils and make them brittle. 
6. Don't skip moisturizing: it is crucial to moisturize your nails and cuticles every day to prevent dryness around them. Skipping moisturizer makes your nails and cuticles more vulnerable to damage.
7. Avoid picking at cuticles: Picking or cutting your cuticles excessively can lead to infections and damage the protective barrier around your nails.
8. Don't use poor-quality nail products: Choose products from reputable brands to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals.
9. Avoid tight footwear: Tight shoes can cause toenails to grow into the skin. Ensure your shoes allow your feet to breathe well, and don't put excessive pressure on your toenails.
10. Don't ignore changes in nail color or texture: If you notice any changes in the color, texture, or thickness of your nails, do not ignore them. Consult a healthcare provider for advice.

Conclusion

To conclude, taking care of your nails isn't just about beauty; it's also crucial for your overall health. Healthy and beautiful nails represent sound inner health. Conversely, unhealthy nails indicate a health issue. For example, very pale nails may indicate illnesses such as anemia, congestive heart failure, or liver disease.

Thus, just as we have a skincare routine for our face, having a nail care routine is equally important. Likewise, a nail care routine doesn’t involve following ten complicated steps like skincare. You just need to keep it clean and moisturize. Plus, you should practice good hygiene and use good quality products to keep your nails pretty and healthy.