I have struggled with dry brittle nails for most of my life. I used to wear acrylic nails the majority of the time, which is super damaging for them. Click
here to see how I did acrylics myself. I have not worn them for two years now, and my nails are just now getting back to normal. It has been a long journey for sure, but I have a few tips that helped that I want to share..
-First of all, STAY AWAY from any form of fake nails. This means acrylics (especially), gel, silk, press ons, there are so many different forms. Anything that requires your nails to be filed down and uses harsh chemicals and glues. These are okay every once in a while for special occasions, but do not wear them constantly. If you grow your nails out naturally and get them hard, you will get them same effect of the fakes. If you can't stand your nails being plain, like me, then just keep polishing them. I have to switch my color every week or I get bored! If you want that fake nail look, you can use a top coat with acrylic gel in it, like the one I mention
here.
-Avoid excessive filing and buffing. I use a nail buffer block that is made for natural nails, and I only use it once a week, or every other week. When you file your nails, always use a fine grit nail file that is designed for natural nails. Click
here to see my at home manicure.
-Avoid using nail polish remover that contains acetone. Acetone is very strong and it used to remove artificial nails, but it is not necessary when just removing nail polish. Yes, it will make your nail polish come of a lot quicker when removing it, but it is very drying for your nails.
-Always keep your nails moisturized. Avoid using too much hand sanitizer and always apply lotion after washing your hands. Use a deep hand treatment at night, like the
Burt's Bees Almond Milk Hand Creme
, which I featured in an Ins & Outs Video
here. Also, use a cuticle creme or oil daily. I really like the
Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Creme
. The more dry your nails are, the more brittle they will be, which leads to breakage.
-Keep your nails well groomed. Always keep cuticles pushed back, and the skin off your nails. But NEVER cut off your cuticles. They are there to protect your nails. But when they grow up too much, your nails may not grow as fast, and it makes them look shorter. If they are really bad, they can be trimmed after you push them back, but only trim the excess, not cut the whole thing off. Check out
my manicure tutorial for more on that.
-Use a strengthening clear polish, like Sally Hansen's 4-in-1 Treatment. Which I have talked a lot about too. I featured it in my
Best of Beauty 2010. It has strengtheners and hardeners in it, which helps keep my nails hard so they don't break.
-NEVER BITE YOUR NAILS. I cannot stress this enough! It is so unsanitary, and a terrible habit. It not only looks bad when you're doing it, but your nails will not be healthy. There is a lot you can do to stop biting that you can find online. I think most importantly though, is figure out why you do it (like maybe being nervous) and try to fix the source. You could chew gum, or something to keep your hands busy. Paint your nails a pretty color, or do a fun nail design, which might help you not want to ruin them. It is a breakable habit!
-Most importantly, eat healthy! Your nails need lots of vitamins, like Calcium, Vitamin-A, D, C, and E, and B-Complex. Eat lots of fruits and veggies. I take a
Hair, Skin, and Nails Vitamin by Nature's Bounty
. I have really seen a difference. I am planning a full review on them soon!
I hope this helped! I hope everyone can get healthy strong nails!
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Last week's: Secret to Whiter Teeth!
Week before: Apply Foundation Like a Pro!
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My favorite makeup brushes:
http://www.sigmabeauty.com/?Click=350
XoXo,
Gena
. These are the creamiest, most pigmented, and long lasting. I have a short review on them 
. It is so easy to use and is super black!
, and an angled brush, and press the eyeshadow over it. This even keeps the eyeliner on my waterline all day! I do the same when I use a brown or a navy eyeliner. 
