8 tricks to have strong, hydrated and healthy nails –

If you’re in the group that does the nail at home, this care guide to have amazing nails will help. This one is for your claws to be strong, healthy and ready to show off the latest nail polishes!

1. Stronger and more resistant nails

Thin, they bend easily and the crescent is barely visible. They often have streaks on the surface and tend to flake off at the tip. “The most common causes of weak nails are the use of strong chemical substances, such as those present in cleaning products, poor diet, anemia, thyroid disease, menopause and the habit of biting them”, explains the dermatologist. Robertha Nakamura, coordinator of the Nail Studies Center at the Santa Casa de Misericórdia in Rio de Janeiro. Bypassing these problems, it is necessary to attack on two fronts: to improve the function of the matrix – the root of the nail – and to strengthen the part that has already grown. It is worth reinforcing the diet with foods rich in biotin, a B-complex vitamin, such as beef liver, soybeans, wheat bran, eggs, spinach and bananas. Also bet on strengthening bases, which contain formaldehyde and nonychosine. The first, despite its reputation as a villain, is an excellent hardener and Anvisa allows its use in nail polish at a concentration of up to 5%. Another good solution: soak your nails in warm vegetable oil (such as grapeseed, olive, or almond oil) for two minutes. Wipe off excess and seal in hydration with foundation.

2. The cuticle controversy

To take or not to take, that is the question! The cuticle forms a protective barrier against fungi and bacteria and, therefore, dermatologists are unanimous in insisting that we should not remove it, but only hydrate and push it. There are products that help – with moisturizing actives, they become more malleable and thinner. Use it two or three times a day and in just over a month you will notice the difference. Stay tuned: don’t share the pliers and also all the accessories to make the nail, like the file and the spatula.

3. Removing the yellowness

A beautiful day, surprise! You took off the nail polish and noticed that your nails turned a little yellow. “Enamel residue, especially the dark ones, which contain more fixatives, may be the cause”, explains Marcelo Bellini. If you’re a smoker, you’re on antibiotics, or you’ve been eating a lot of beta-carotene-rich foods (like carrots, papayas, squash, and beets), bingo! These can be other causes of yellow nails. In any case, be aware: if the coloration is accompanied by detachment of the nail, see a doctor, as it could be a sign of mycosis. There are also products, similar to bases, that help to optically disguise the yellowness of the nails.

4. Cut correctly so as not to jam

The ingrown nail in the foot has an anatomical origin and the problem is chronic – those who have nails and fingers in formats that favor the condition need to be extra careful. “Don’t wear pointy-toed shoes and always keep your nails trimmed in a square design”, recommends the podiatrist Sheila de Oliveiraby Nail Design Home by Alessandro, in São Paulo.

5. Safe nail polish

Ever heard of 3-free nail polishes? They receive this denomination because they are free of three of the substances with the greatest potential to cause allergies: toluene, DPB and formaldehyde. The 3-free are not indicated only for those who are allergic – they can and should be used by any woman (especially pregnant and breastfeeding women), since these substances can cause irritation, such as itching and burning in the eyelids and eyes and even problems breathing. Some brands print the information on the label, but others do not. In the United States and Europe, there is a trend towards nail polishes developed with more natural ingredients. The French brand Kur Bazaar, for example, has 85% of its ingredients of organic origin. Scotch Naturals produces water-based nail polishes with 100% organic ingredients. Both brands offer a wide range of colors, but the disadvantages are that they take longer to dry and are less durable.

6. No wave

Ripples or streaks may appear because the nail matrix has suffered some type of trauma. “This region is very fragile”, explains Carla Albuquerque. Exaggerated pressure with the spatula on it is enough when removing the cuticle, for example, to get hurt. After the matrix heals, the nail grows back normally (barring any serious injury). To soften the ripple, it is worth using products that promise to smooth the surface of it. Most contain polymers, fibers or proteins that temporarily fill in flaws and dimples – but it’s not a treatment, just a makeup. If these stretch marks are accompanied by milky white spots, it is worth consulting a doctor. They are usually a sign of vitamin B3 (niacin) deficiency. Reinforce the diet with lean red meat, liver, milk, eggs, dried fruit, avocado, broccoli and tomato.

7. To last longer

The number 1 commandment for nail polish to last longer is very simple, but many people don’t do it: use foundation first. “It helps the nail polish adhere better”, guarantees Ralf Ihle, technical trainer at Nail Design Home by Alessandro. And, after enameling, it is worth applying a top coat – coverage that accelerates the drying of the enamel, protects the color and evens out the film, eliminating spots and stains. The product can also be reapplied three or four days after polishing to prolong the shine and avoid peeling. Raissa de Mello João, creative director of Cheers Nail Club, in São Paulo, has another tip: “Immediately before and after applying nail polish, dip your nails in ice water. Here, at the salon, I realize that this trick really works to extend the duration of the manicure, ”she says.

8. And when it’s time to take it all off…

You can’t talk about nail polish without talking about remover. Which one is the best? “Acetone is the most efficient product to remove nail polish, but it tends to cause great drying and, therefore, weakening of the nails. It is not a good request”, says the cosmetology teacher Gislaine Leonardi, from Unifesp. Acetone-free removers that contain oil in their formulation can prevent this problem. In addition to the traditional liquid version, there are now pads (tissues) and, even newer, moistened sponges. They come inside pots and you just need to insert your finger and turn it for the polish to come out completely. It’s super practical! Even so, with nails free of enamel, always try to hydrate them.