Nails play a significant role in beautifying your hands. Nails are made up of a tough protein called keratin. The live part of the nail is beneath the fold of the nail and is known as the matrix. They are the protective shield to the fingers and guard the fingers against getting injured.
Healthy nails are pink, shiny, hard and smooth. It is important to consume protein and calcium-rich foods for healthy nails. Including enough calcium, iron, zinc, protein, and vitamins A, B, and C in the diet is important.
Nails go through lots of wear and tear as our hand works throughout the day. They need care or they may peel, break or get infected. Detergents, glues and other chemicals weaken the nails. The most common problem faced is regarding brittle, dry and an easily broken nail. Another nail problem is discoloration. Brittle nail is the symptom of nutrition deficiency.
- For dry and brittle nails, combine 1 tbsp of lemon juice and 1 tbsp of olive oil. Massage the mixture into the nails for 20 minutes. Rinse the oil using warm water. The citric acid in lemon juice acts as a natural bleaching agent for discolored nails. Oil helps to restore the lost moisture due to frequent exposure to water. Massage enhances the blood circulation.
- Every night, rub a little Vaseline petroleum jelly into each nail and leave overnight. This is very effective.
- Soak the nails in olive oil or wheat germ oil for 10 minutes massaging it into cuticles.
- Add 1 tbsp of honey to a few drops of olive oil and lemon juice. Apply this mixture to the nails before sleeping.
- For the ingrown painful and swelled nails, soak nails in warm saline solution. Add 1tbsp of salt to a quart of water and dip the nails into it for 30 minutes. This helps in trimming the tough nails.
- Use good quality of nail colors. Use non-acetone nail polish removers. Acetone based remover dries up the nails and gives it an unhealthy texture.
- Tea tree oil, a natural antiseptic found in health stores, is quite effective in nail discoloration. Use it for at least 2-3 months twice daily to yield fruitful results.