How to Nourish and Protect Your Nails

If you want to nourish and protect your nails so they're in mint condition, it's very important to keep them from harmful agents that can damage and weaken them. We recommend:

• Use non-acetone nail polish remover. Products containing acetone will greatly weaken your nails.
• Wear gloves when using chemicals, for instance when washing dishes. Harsh chemicals and hot water can end up causing flaking and breakage.
• Don't bite your nails or cuticles; not only does this downgrade the appearance of your nails, but it weakens them too. If you're a nail biter looking to be reformed, take a look at our article home remedies to stop biting your nails.

Good nutrition, with a diet that's rich in vitamins and nutrients, is key to nourishing your nails and keeping them strong. It is important to eat at least five pieces of fresh fruit and vegetables on a daily basis.

Fruits and veggies, rich in various nutrients, will help keep your nails and skin healthy. Don't forget to incorporate foods rich in vitamin B and foods rich in vitamin E, as well as plenty of protein. For strong, protected nails and hair we recommend:

• Meat: Lean red meat, chicken, turkey, liver
• Fish and seafood
• Eggs
• Dairy
• Olive oil
• Nuts
• Rice and wheat
• Green leafy vegetables

Hydration is essential for nourished and protected nails. Make sure you drink two litres of water every day to keep your body - and nails! - properly hydrated. It is also important to apply hand lotion daily, and to make sure to spread it on your nails too. This habit will help to moisturize the sensitive cuticle area, keeping it in top condition. Here you can learn more about how to moisturize your nails.

If your nails are still dry and flake easily, you might want to try an olive oil mask for fingernails. Here is how to make it at home:

• Clean your fingernails well. If you're wearing nail polish, remove it.
• Pour some olive oil into a bowl.
• Immerse your nails in the olive oil for ten minutes.
• Rinse your hands.
• Apply a hand moisturizing cream for maximum results.

We recommend applying this homemade olive oil mask every day for two weeks for an intensive hydration treatment. Afterwards, repeat only once a week.

In addition to all the previous tips, some home remedies can help to nourish and protect your nails and keep them picture perfect. Apply one of these home remedies twice a week and you'll see how your hands and nails become stronger and healthier.

Castor oil mask

Dip your clean and unpolished nails in a bowl with castor oil. If you do not have castor oil, use olive oil. Soak for at least 10 minutes, then rinse and apply a moisturizer. Here you can learn more about the cosmetic benefits of castor oil, which can also be used for your hair.

Almond oil mask

A good alternative to olive and castor oil is almond oil, which has great moisturizing properties. This ingredient for cosmetic use can be found at any health food store, and should be applied following the instructions above. Discover the uses and benefits of almond oil.

Vitamin E capsules in nail polish

A good diet will give you the vitamin E your body needs, but to enhance its effect on your nails you can pour the contents of a vitamin E capsule into a bottle of clear nail polish. Apply twice a week for beautiful, well-nourished nails.

If nourishing and protecting your nails isn't enough, read some of our articles to learn how to keep your nails at their best:

• How to strengthen your nails at home
• Is it bad to soak nails in acetone to remove acrylic?

If you want to read similar articles to How to Nourish and Protect Your Nails, we recommend you visit our Beauty & Personal Care category.