With most states imposing a second lockdown to curb the spread of the virus, we are now spending most of our time indoors and maintaining strict social distancing norms. And with outsiders (including house helps) not permitted to enter most housing societies, we’re left with no choice but to do the household chores on our own. And needless to say, the increased exposure to the harsh chemicals in the detergents and other cleaning products is taking a severe toll on our nails, making them super brittle and prone to breakage.
But don’t let the stress of your deteriorating nail health get you down because we’ve got the perfect solution for you. Scroll down for five super simple yet highly effective tips on fixing brittle nails and preventing further damage.
- 01. Use a cuticle oil
- 02. Apply hand cream
- 03. Wear gloves
- 04. Keep your nails short
- 05. Drink water and eat healthily
01. Use a cuticle oil
If you want longer and stronger nails, investing in a cuticle oil is a MUST. Thanks to all the increased handwashing and household chores, your nails tend to dry out quickly and require an extra dose of nourishment. Applying cuticle oil to your nails helps moisturise and repair your nails to strengthen them and reduce chipping and breakage.
02. Apply hand cream
Just like the skin on your face, the skin on your hands also tends to get dry and requires moisture. Applying hand cream after washing your hands or doing the dishes is a great way to protect your nails and the surrounding skin from getting dehydrated and thereby helps in strengthening brittle nails.
03. Wear gloves
Thanks to SLS and other surfactants present in soaps and detergents, your nails tend to get dry, leading to problems such as ridges, split nails, and just generally weak and brittle nails. But a simple way to provide your nails with some added protection is to wear gloves when doing the dishes or other chores around the house. This little step will prevent your hands and nails from coming in direct contact with those chemicals and keep them stronger and healthier.
04. Keep your nails short
If you notice that your nails are super brittle and break very easily, consider keeping them short. Short nails are less likely to break because they do not have any exposed edges that are likely to tear and snag. Additionally, shorter nails are also easier to maintain and require less TLC.
05. Drink water and eat healthily
These tips mentioned above won’t be quite effective if you don’t hydrate and nourish your body from within. Make sure to drink at least 8 to 10 tall glasses of water to provide adequate moisture to your nails and prevent them from chipping and peeling. Additionally, eat a healthy and balanced diet that consists of essential vitamins and nutrients (include more veggies, nuts and protein) to promote stronger and healthier nail growth.
Written by Urvi Dalal on May 26, 2021
Writer, avid reader and hardcore beauty enthusiast is the best way to describe Urvi Dalal. With over 5 years of writing experience in the beauty industry, you can trust her to have the latest skin, hair and makeup tidbits on her fingertips. In her time working as a beauty writer, she has had the opportunity to interact and work closely with a string of dermatologists, makeup artists and hairstylists. All that knowledge exchange, coupled with her flair and love for writing make it possible for her to bring you some authentic yet fun beauty content. When Urvi isn’t working, you’d usually catch her curled up with a big, fat book, drinking a cup of tea or practising her makeup skills; there is no in-between!