How does drinking water help to prevent brittle nails?

Drinking plenty of water helps to keep your body hydrated, including your nails. When your nails are hydrated, they are less likely to become dry and brittle, which can lead to cracking and splitting.

How much water should I drink to keep my nails healthy?

It is recommended to drink 2-3 liters of water per day to keep your body and nails properly hydrated.

Are there any other benefits of drinking water for nail health?

Yes, drinking plenty of water not only helps to prevent brittle nails but also helps to promote nail growth and overall nail health. Water helps to deliver essential nutrients to your nails and supports the production of new cells, which can improve the appearance and strength of your nails.

Can I apply water directly to my nails to hydrate them?

While applying water directly to your nails can help to hydrate them temporarily, it's not the most effective method of nail hydration. Drinking water is the best way to keep your nails hydrated from the inside out. You can also use a moisturizing nail treatment or cuticle oil to help hydrate your nails and promote overall nail health.

How long will it take to see the effects of drinking more water on my nails?

The effects of drinking more water on your nails can vary depending on your individual needs and lifestyle. However, you may begin to notice a difference in the appearance and strength of your nails within a few weeks of increasing your water intake. For best results, aim to make drinking water a daily habit.

What are some specific vitamins and minerals that are important for nail health?

Biotin, vitamin E, iron, zinc, and calcium are all important for nail health. Biotin can help to strengthen nails, while vitamin E can improve circulation and promote nail growth. Iron, zinc, and calcium all help to keep nails strong and healthy.

What are some foods that are rich in these vitamins and minerals?

Foods that are rich in biotin include eggs, nuts, and seeds. Vitamin E can be found in foods like spinach, almonds, and avocado. Iron is found in red meat, spinach, and lentils, while zinc is found in oysters, beef, and pumpkin seeds. Calcium can be found in dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt.

Are there any foods that should be avoided for good nail health?

Yes, there are certain foods that can be harmful to nail health, such as processed foods and sugary snacks. These foods can contribute to inflammation and may lead to weakened, brittle nails.

Can a vegetarian or vegan diet provide enough nutrients for healthy nails?

Yes, a vegetarian or vegan diet can provide enough nutrients for healthy nails, as long as you make sure to eat a variety of nutrient-dense foods. It's important to focus on consuming foods that are rich in biotin, iron, zinc, and calcium, which are important for nail health.

How long does it take to see the effects of a balanced diet on nail health?

The effects of a balanced diet on nail health can vary depending on your individual needs and lifestyle. However, you may begin to notice a difference in the appearance and strength of your nails within a few weeks to a few months of following a healthy, balanced diet. It's important to make sure you're getting all the vitamins and minerals your body needs for optimal nail health.

How often should I cut my fingernails and toenails?

It is recommended to cut your fingernails weekly and your toenails every 2 weeks to once a month. This is because toenails grow at a much slower rate than fingernails.

Is it important to avoid cutting my nails too short?

Yes, it's important to avoid cutting your nails too short. Cutting them too short can lead to painful ingrown nails and can also weaken the nail. It's best to leave a small amount of the white tip of the nail intact when cutting them.

What is the best way to buff my nails for a shiny finish?

To buff your nails for a shiny finish, use a soft nail buffer and gently buff the surface of your nails in a back-and-forth motion. It's important not to buff too hard or too frequently, as this can damage the nail. Buffing once a month should be sufficient to achieve a shiny finish.

Can buffing my nails help to improve their overall health?

Yes, buffing your nails can help to improve their overall health by promoting blood flow to the nail bed and removing any ridges or rough spots on the nail surface. However, it's important not to overdo it, as excessive buffing can weaken the nail and cause damage.

Should I use a specific type of nail buffer for best results?

It's recommended to use a soft nail buffer for best results, as a coarse buffer can be too harsh on the nail. Look for a buffer with a grit of 240 or higher, and make sure to clean it thoroughly after each use to prevent the spread of bacteria.

Why is it important to moisturize your nails daily?

Moisturizing your nails daily can help to keep them strong and healthy by preventing them from becoming dry and brittle. When nails are dry, they are more prone to cracking, splitting, and breaking.

What are some good moisturizers to use on your nails?

Coconut oil and aloe vera are both great moisturizers to use on your nails. They are deeply moisturizing and have antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antiseptic properties that can help prevent infections.

How do coconut oil and aloe vera help to prevent nail infections?

Coconut oil and aloe vera both have natural antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help to prevent nail infections. They create a protective barrier around the nail bed and cuticles, which can help to prevent bacteria and fungi from entering and causing an infection.

Why are toenails more prone to fungal infections?

Toenails are more prone to fungal infections because the moist environment created by sweat, socks, and shoes provides a perfect breeding ground for fungi. This can lead to conditions like athlete's foot and toenail fungus, which can be difficult to treat.

What are some ways to prevent fungal infections in your toenails?

To prevent fungal infections in your toenails, it's important to keep your feet clean and dry, especially after exercising or sweating. Wear clean, dry socks and shoes that fit well and allow your feet to breathe. You can also apply antifungal powders or sprays to your feet and inside your shoes to help prevent fungal growth.

How can I protect my nails from damage?

To protect your nails from damage, it's important to keep them dry and avoid constant contact with water, soap, and other chemicals. You can also wear gloves when doing dishes or other activities that involve frequent exposure to water and chemicals.

Why is it important to wear gloves when doing the dishes?

Wearing gloves when doing the dishes can help to protect your nails from the damaging effects of constant exposure to water and soap. Water can make your nails weak and brittle, and soap can cause splits and other damage to the nail surface.

What kind of shoes should I wear to protect my nails?

To protect your nails, it's important to wear good-fitting breathable shoes that allow your feet to breathe and prevent moisture buildup. Shoes that are too tight or made from non-breathable materials can create a moist environment that can lead to fungal infections and other nail problems.

Why is it important not to bite or pick at your nails?

Biting or picking at your nails can cause damage to the nail bed and cuticles, which can lead to infections and other problems. It can also make your nails look unsightly and unattractive.

How to Make Your Nails Shiny and Healthy at Home

Updated on February 10, 2023

I include products after thorough research, based on science, other people’s reviews and my experience. If you buy products through the links from this post, I may earn a small commission, cheers 🙂

Healthy nails can come with a good diet and drinking plenty of water. But for them to shine, you should groom, moisturise and protect them daily.

Hydrate Your Nails 💦

Drinking plenty of water can prevent brittle nails, aim to drink 2 – 3 litres of water a day.

UV Water Bottle

Highlights

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BRILLIANTLY CLEAN WATER IN 60 SECONDS – Works at the touch of a button and self-cleans by intelligently activating every 2 hours to keep your bottle fresh and stink-free.
KEEP YOUR COOL – or keep things toasty. Double-wall vacuum insulated and stainless steel bottle keeps your water cold for 24 hours and hot for 12. Bottle cap includes safety deactivation measure to prevent accidental exposure to UV-C light once cap is removed.
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Keynote

Keeping yourself hydrated can keep your nails strong, aim to drink 2 – 3 litres of water a day.

Enhance Your Nail Health with a Balanced Diet 😋

Have a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. You need to have a good overall diet and get all the vitamins and minerals your body needs in order for your nails to be as healthy as possible.

Nutrients	Sources
Beta carotene	Kale, Carrots, Spinach, Mango, Watermelon, Salmon, Butter, Cheddar
Calcium	Parmesan Cheese, Plain Yogurt, Almonds, Spinach, Kale, Milk
Iodine	Cod, Milk, Plain Yoghurt, Cottage Cheese, Shrimp, Tuna, Eggs
Iron	Spinach, Pumpkin seeds, Quinoa, Brocolli, Cacao powder, Tuna
Magnesium	Almonds, Pumpkin Seeds, Avocados, Cacao powder, Spinach, Kale, Bananas
Omega 3 fatty acids	Salmon, Trout, Sardines, Anchovy, Walnuts, Spinach
Protein (proline/glycine)	Chicken breast, eggs
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)	Egg yolks, Salmon, Tuna, Almonds, Chicken breast, Spinach, Cheese, Milk, Plain Yogurt
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)	Milk, Ricotta cheese, Salmon, Tuna, Eggs, Carrots, Spinach, Green Peas, Bananas, Avocados
Vitamin B7 (Biotin)	Egg Yolk, Salmon, Button mushrooms, Peanuts, Almonds, Walnuts, Sweet potatoes, Avocados, Brocolli, Bananas, Milk
Vitamin B9 (Folate)	Spinach, Brocolli, Eggs, Beets, Almonds, Walnuts, Bananas
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)	Tuna, Salmon, Milk, Cheese, Plain yogurt, Eggs yolks
Vitamin C	Kale, Brocolli, Strawberries, Blackcurrent, Kiwi, Lemons, Oranges
Vitamin D	~20 min of midday sun exposure, Salmon, Tuna, Egg yolks
Vitamin E	Almonds, Pumpkin Seeds, Mango, Kiwi, Blackberries, Black Currents, Raspberries, Spinach, Brocolli
Zinc	Almonds, Pumpkin Seeds, Shrimp

Keynote

Have a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Focus on nutrients such as beta carotene, calcium, iodine, iron, magnesium, omega 3 fatty acids, protein (proline/glycine), vitamins B2, B6, B7, B9, B12, C, D, and E, and zinc.

Cut and Polish Your Nails for a Shiny Finish 💅

Cut your fingernails weekly, your toenails grow at a much slower rate, they can be cut every 2 weeks to once a month. Don’t cut them too short.

Nail cutter

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No Splash Nail Clipper – With a catcher design to prevent nails from splashing everywhere in process of nails clipping and keep it clean.
Bionics Design – The nail cutter design comes from nature: mantis,Its bionics design and ergonomic design will definitely make you feel comfortable.
High Quality Steel Materials – The nail clippers are made from Japanese 420j2 stainless steel which is the same as the surgical equipment used,rustless,strong and durable.
Sharp and Durable – It can keep sharp for more than a decade;it can cut 10 sheets of A4 paper at one time.
After-sales guarantee – If there is any quality problem with the product, please contact us in time, and we will unconditionally return or exchange the product for you without causing any loss to you.

Toenail Cutter

Highlights

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No Splash Nail Clipper – Nail cutter with catcher design to prevent nails from splashing everywhere in process of nails clipping and keep it clean.
Bionics Design – The nails cutter design comes from nature: mantis,Its bionics design and ergonomic design will definitely make you feel comfortable.
High Quality Steel Materials – The nail clippers are made from Japanese 420j2 stainless steel which is the same as the surgical equipment used,rustless,strong and durable.
Sharp and Durable – It can keep sharp for more than a decade;it can cut 10 sheets of A4 paper at one time.
After-sales guarantee – If there is any quality problem with the product, please contact us in time, and we will unconditionally return or exchange the product for you without causing any loss to you.

Nail file

Highlights

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Clear Czech Glass Nail File – a Bona Fide game changer for natural nails! Regular, long-term use of crystal nail files strengthens & hardens nails, reducing nail splitting, chipping & peeling, allowing you to grow long, healthy, beautiful nails!
Salon Quality Professional Nail Files: Bona Fide Beauty Czech glass files feel luxurious and are comfortable on your nails! Unlike other files, they file in both directions. Expertly shape nails with comfort, ease & efficiency. A smooth & gentle filing experience with zero irritating scraping sensation.
Smooth and Shape with Glass Nail Filers: forget traditional harmful nail files that tear, shred & damage the keratin layers of your nails, Bona Fide Beauty Czech glass files seal the keratin layers, leavings nails smooth with no jagged edges
Durable, Long-Lasting and Reusable Czech Glass Nail File – Made of premium “Bohemian” Czech glass that is tempered (strengthed) to ensure the glass file is strong and will retain its etched grit over a long period of time. This is not a nail filer that would be tossed into the garbage after only a few uses! Many Bona Fide Beauty customers say that Czech glass lasts up to 4x longer than their old nail files.
Nail File with Hardcase – a silver protective hard case is included to keep your nail glass safe. It is ideal to put into your travel bag, purse, or manicure kit. Keep it close by and always be ready for accidental breaks and snags.

Buff

Buff your nails once a month to make them shine.

Keynote

Cut your fingernails weekly, and your toenails every 2 weeks to once a month. Buff your nails once a month.

Moisturize Daily for Strong and Healthy Nails 🥰

Moisturise your nails daily. Coconut oil and aloe vera are deeply moisturising and have anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-viral and anti-sceptic (fights bacteria, fungi and viruses) properties which can help prevent infections.

Your toenails are more prone to fungal infections due to the moist environment from sweat and from socks and shoes.

Coconut oil

Highlights

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✔️ Naturally Nourishing Coconut Oil for Hair – With its unique combination of natural fats, coconut oil helps hydrate hair and nourish the scalp. It’s ideal for use as a conditioner, detangler, or coconut oil hair mask.
✔️ Hydrate Naturally With Coconut Oil for Skin – Coconut oil organic is a naturally moisturizing body oil that can help skin feel soft, smooth and hydrated. Use our coconut oil for face as a makeup remover—or even as a natural alternative to massage oils.
✔️ Perfect Coconut Oil for Cooking and Baking – An unrefined coconut oil with a naturally high smoke point (350°F), this is the perfect cooking oil for baking, frying and sautéing. Our pure coconut oil is cold-pressed from fresh, organic coconuts, delivering a rich flavor and aroma.
✔️ A Kitchen and Beauty Staple – Whether you’re using our coconut oil for body moisturizer, as a coconut hair oil or as a cooking oil, it’s an all-natural, easy-to-use addition to any lifestyle. It’s perfect for keto, paleo, or gluten-free diets, or just as a tastier alternative to cooking with olive oil or butter.
✔️ USDA-Certified Organic & Non-GMO Project Verified – Using some of the world’s highest-quality organic coconuts, our cold pressed coconut Oil (aceite de coco) is USDA-Certified Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified gluten free, Keto and Paleo, plus its grown and harvested organically without the use of harmful chemicals or additives.

Keynote

Apply coconut oil and aloe vera after each shower, daily to keep nails moisturised and prevent infections. Toenails are more prone to fungal infections.

Protect Your Nails with These Simple Steps 💪

Keep them dry

Don’t let your hands be submerged in water and soap and other chemicals, wear gloves when doing the dishes or use a dishwasher. Constant contact with water and soap can cause splits in your nails and make them weak and brittle.

Shoes

Wear good-fitting breathable shoes.

Don’t bite

Don’t bite or pick at your nails.

Keynote

Wear dishwasher gloves to keep your nails dry from water soap and other chemicals. Wear good-fitting breathing shoes and don’t bite your nails.

Action to take ✍️

Drink 2 – 3 litres of water a day.
Have a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
Focus on nutrients such as beta carotene, calcium, iodine, iron, magnesium, omega 3 fatty acids, protein (proline/glycine), vitamins B2, B6, B7, B9, B12, C, D, and E, and zinc.
Cut your fingernails weekly, and your toenails every 2 weeks to once a month.
Buff your nails once a month.
Apply coconut oil and aloe vera after each shower daily.
Wear dishwasher gloves.
Wear good-fitting breathing shoes.
Don’t bite your nails.

Feel free to share this post if you found it helpful!

How to Make Your Nails Shiny and Healthy at Home

Hydrate Your Nails 💦

Enhance Your Nail Health with a Balanced Diet 😋

Cut and Polish Your Nails for a Shiny Finish 💅

Buff

Moisturize Daily for Strong and Healthy Nails 🥰

Protect Your Nails with These Simple Steps 💪

Keep them dry

Shoes

Don’t bite

Action to take ✍️

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