How to properly care for your nails   

2 min reading time

✨ Beautiful and healthy nails are not only aesthetic, but also an indicator of overall health. Proper nail care includes hygiene, protection, cuticle care and nutrition.

Here’s everything you need to know about nail care (on hands and feet) – for men or women.

 

💅 How to properly care for your nails   

🔹 Regular hygiene

  • Wash your hands and nails with a gentle soap, especially after physical work.
  • Use a soft brush to gently clean under your nails (not with sharp objects!).
  • After washing: always dry your hands, including between your fingers and along the nails, to prevent fungus.

🔹 Nail trimming

  • Cut your nails straight across, then file them slightly.
  • Don’t bite your nails or cuticles – this causes inflammation and infection.
  • Don’t use metal clippers too aggressively.

🔹  Cuticle care

  • After showering (when skin is soft): gently push back cuticles with a wooden stick.
  • Do not cut your cuticles unless they are dry or cracked.
  • Use cuticle oil or almond oil to moisturize.

🔹 Moisturizing

  • Apply moisturizer to your hands and nails daily, especially in winter.
  • You can apply castor or olive oil to your nails for more shine and less breakage.

🔹 Protection

  • Always wear protective gloves when cleaning, working with detergents, or gardening.
  • Nails are porous – they easily absorb chemicals, which weakens them.

🔹 Nutrition for healthy nails

  • Protein – nails are made of keratin (eggs, chicken, tofu).
  • Biotin (vitamin B7) – nuts, eggs, oatmeal.
  • Zinc – pumpkin seeds, meat.
  • Iron – spinach, red meat.
  • Omega-3 – salmon, walnuts.

🔸 If you often have brittle nails: consider a supplement with biotin, zinc or collagen.

🔹 What to avoid

  • Excessive use of nail polish and removers (especially with acetone).
  • Nail biting (onychohagia) – causes permanent damage to the nail plate and cuticle.