Beautiful and well-groomed nails are not only aesthetics, but also an indicator of health. And it is not necessary to visit the salon every week to keep them in perfect condition. It is enough to know a few basic rules that will help keep your nails strong, neat and attractive. We share 6 simple and effective rules for nail care at home. 

1. Moisturise your cuticle and hand skin regularly

Dry cuticles are one of the main causes of hangnails and brittle nails. To avoid these problems, use cuticle oil or natural oils such as almond, coconut or olive oil daily. They are great for nourishing and softening the skin around your nails.

Don't forget about moisturising your hands - apply a cream after every wash, especially in the cold season when the skin is particularly vulnerable.

For extra care, you can buy a richer, more nourishing cream and apply it before bedtime. To enhance the effect will help the use of cotton gloves: put them on after applying the cream, so that the product is better absorbed and deeper moisturise the skin.

2. File your nails properly

Everyone has their own comfortable nail length, and it's important to recognise when your nails are getting too long. Excessive length can lead to their brittleness, splitting and other unpleasant consequences. To avoid this, you need to trim and file your nails regularly.

Use professional scissors or a nail clipper to cut your nails. And to file your nails, it is best to choose a glass or soft abrasive file. File the nail plate in one direction only - this will help prevent it from splitting. Regular shape correction not only gives your nails a well-groomed look, but also reduces the risk of damage.

Never use metal files - they can damage the nail structure and contribute to nail brittleness.

3. Keep your nails beautifully coloured

A beautiful nail colour is not only about your favourite shade of nail polish, but above all about the healthy and even colour of the nail plate itself. If your nails look dull or yellowish - especially after a manicure without a base, when the nail polish pigment has been absorbed into the plate - it's time to pay attention to nail care. At home, simple and affordable remedies can help to restore freshness and well-groomed look to your nails. For example, lemon is a natural bleach that effectively brightens the nail plate and gives it a healthy shine.

Rub your nails with lemon slices daily for a week. It is not recommended to prolong this course longer than 7 days - lemon juice can dry out the nail plate and the skin around it. Instead of benefit, such procedures risk harm, so it is important to observe moderation even in home care.

4. Do nail baths

We recommend regular nail baths with olive oil - it's a simple but very effective way to care for your nails. Heat the oil to a comfortable temperature and dip your fingertips into it for 15-20 minutes. To keep the oil cool, place the container in warm water.

This home care is suitable for everyone, but it is especially useful for owners of thin, brittle and weakened nails. Gentle oil baths will help to strengthen the nail plate, improve its structure and give your nails a well-groomed, healthy look.

5. Eat right

No matter how you take care of your hands, no matter how many nail baths you do and no matter how expensive creams you use, all this will be ineffective if the internal balance in the body is disturbed. After all, healthy and well-groomed nails - a reflection of the state of the entire body. To improve their condition, it is important to take care of nutrition. Include in your diet foods rich in protein, vitamins E and B, iron and zinc. These include eggs, nuts, fish, whole grain products and greens. If needed, consider adding vitamin complexes specifically designed for healthy hair and nails. 

6. Protect your hands when doing housework

Detergents, hot water and household chemicals can have a negative impact on your nails and skin. Always wear gloves when cleaning, washing dishes and working with aggressive products. This simple rule will prolong the durability of the manicure and keep your nails healthy.

Read also: How to do a pedicure at home that’s just as good as the salon: 5 best life hacks