Nails are one of my favorite aspects of my body, but unfortunately, they’re also my weakest point. Of course, I’m not looking to surgically repair anything, but with a bit of care and strong nail-care routines, your nails can look both glossy and healthy. This doesn’t mean that it’s easy, but I’m here to make the process feel like a breeze for all you nail lovers out there.
From drinking green tea to making a DIY drying technique, here are six tips for healthy nails from the likes of manicurist Leigh Foy. If this advice sounds familiar, make sure to check out these other nail and skin pros as well.
A version of this article was originally published in August 2016.
1. Drink Green Tea
Foy suggests starting a green tea habit in the morning, but encourages popping a few extra servings of the brew once a week to incorporate it into your routine.
“You can even brush your teeth with a matcha toothbrush. It’s really not as toxic as we think,” she explains. “Plus, matcha works as a quick absorbent for the dead skin cells you may already have built up on your fingertips, giving your skin an extra flush.”
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2. Eat Protein
While protein will strengthen your nails and keep them strong, it also seals in moisture. Foy says that protein in the form of skin-loving vegetables like kale and asparagus will help your nails stay clear. “Fat-soluble proteins like collagen and hyaluronic acid in protein help seal in moisture. Protein is also extremely effective at exfoliating, so this moisturizing ingredient is great for cutting down on cuticles,” she explains.
3. Wear Neutral Nails
While nail colors do great things, especially for hair color, colors that match your whole body could also offer great benefits to your nails. Foy says, “Dark colors soften delicate areas on the skin, like the chin. Dark colors are also more likely to block incoming oxygen and nutrients. So choose nail colors that don’t battle the bad things at the same time, like lack of oxygen and nutrients.”
4. Don’t Overuse Moisturizer
Even if you use moisturizer, make sure you’re making the best use of it by using a cleanser instead. You don’t want your moisturizer to soak up all the moisture you use, leaving your nails looking dry and flaky. Foy explains that a harsh soap cleanser can leave the surface of your nails overly dry. She suggests moisturizing your skin first before applying the moisturizer you already own.
5. Get a Dryer Boyfriend
“Also, try adding a little bit of cucumber slices as a dryer partner for your nails,” Foy says. “Cucumber is beneficial for you from a health perspective because it reduces inflammation and cell death. So just mix 1 tablespoon of sweetened crushed peel of cucumber into 1 cup of lukewarm water.” She says that this works as a dryer for just one nail — it will absorb away moisture just as well as two cucumbers.
6. Give Your Nails a Better Bedtime
When you go to bed and wake up in the morning, check your nails. If they’re irritated or uncomfortable, take a moment to stretch them out a bit before bed. If you need a night out of bed and sleep on your side, do it!
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