Let’s look at why nails are important and what is their purpose of it. Nails help to protect the tips of your fingers and toes. And your fingernails make it easier to scratch an itch or remove a dog’s hair from your sweater. Nails because they help us pick things up (like food), pick things off (like bugs), and hold tightly onto things.
One of the reasons you have fingernails is to keep viruses and bacteria from getting into your body. So if you didn’t have nails, you would get sick more often. But that would also mean less dirt or bacteria could get trapped underneath your nails in the first place, which can cause all sorts of infections.
Soft nails might be caused by overexposure to moisture or chemicals — think detergent, cleaning fluids, nail treatments, and nail polish remover. Weak nails might also be associated with a deficiency in B vitamins, calcium, iron, or fatty acids. Also, Brittle nails mean you’re not getting the vitamins and minerals your body needs. For example, low calcium levels (hypocalcemia) can cause scaly skin, dry hair & brittle nails along with muscle cramps.
This is known as the Yellow Nail Syndrome. Yellow nails may look alarming, but don’t fret—they can happen for a variety of reasons, and in most cases, the fix isn’t as challenging as you’d think. It can be caused by things such as:
Wearing Dark Nail Polish – the dye in these types of polishes can actually cause yellow discolouration. “The dye interacts with the keratin of the nail and causes it to be yellow. When your nails become weaker and thinner, you might experience discolouration with your nails, where they turn slightly yellow.
Smoking – Yes, smoking can cause yellow nails. (One of the many reasons we recommend you toss the cigarettes!). The repeated exposure of fingers to tobacco tar can cause discoloration.
Fungal infections – When a fungal infection, like an athlete’s foot, occurs in the nail, it leads to a thickening of the nail plate and accumulation of debris beneath it, both of which can lead to a yellow hue. Although, it’s much more prevalent on the toes than on the fingers.
Vitamin gaps – Nails are made of main proteins, (namely, a protein called keratin). “When we’re low in protein, calcium, or other vitamins, that can sometimes show up on your fingernails.” Be it ridges, discolouration, or overall brittleness (which can also lead to yellow nails, as we noted above). That’s why nail-strengthening antioxidants, like vitamin E, are beloved in nail care.
How to have healthier & stronger nails?
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To harden soft nails soak them in warm olive oil for about 20 minutes twice or thrice a week and massage well as this helps them get stronger and avoids less breakage.
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Keep fingernails dry and clean. This prevents bacteria from growing under your fingernails. Practice good nail hygiene. Use sharp manicure scissors or clippers.
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Use moisturizer.
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Mix one Egg Yolk with honey & make a paste consistency. Soak your nails for at least 10 minutes then wash them off.
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To remove stains from your nails, mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice in a cup of water & soak your nails in this liquid for a few minutes.
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If you use nail polish then do not use acetone polish removers. Try giving your nails a break and leave them without nail polish for a few days.
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You can also apply petroleum jelly for your nails to shine naturally.
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Mix 2 pinch of salt & 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Soak your nails in it for 15 minutes. Then wash it off with a warm cloth. This helps to grow nails 2 times faster and stronger.
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You can also try rubbing Garlic on your nails to make them grow faster & strong.
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Mix 2 pinch of salt in 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Dip your fingers in that mixture for 10 minutes. Wipe off with a wet towel.
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Lemon: rub the lemon to exfoliate and brighten skin.
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Toothpaste: Apply toothpaste to your nails and let it sit for 10 minutes.
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Vinegar: Soak your fingertips in vinegar for 5 – 10 minutes then wash off.
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Salt: soften cuticles and skin, whitens and strengthens nails.
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