Nail Health 101: Tips and Tricks for Strong, Healthy Nails ft. Builder Base

Our nails are not just an aesthetic accessory, but they also serve as an indicator of our overall health. Strong, healthy nails not only look good, but they also signify that our bodies are getting the essential nutrients they need. If you’re looking to improve your nail health, read on for some tips and tricks that will help you achieve strong, healthy nails. However, continuing to slay the nail game with bright colours and designs is possible while also promoting good nail health so stay tuned!

• • Keep your nails clean and dry: Regularly washing your hands and keeping your nails dry is an essential step to maintaining healthy nails. When you wash your hands, use gentle soap and warm water to remove dirt and bacteria from your nails. After washing, make sure to dry your hands and nails thoroughly, paying extra attention to the spaces between your fingers and underneath your nails.
  • Eat a healthy diet: Your nails need essential nutrients to grow strong and healthy. Include foods like leafy greens, eggs, nuts, and fish in your diet to get the necessary nutrients like biotin, iron, and zinc that will promote healthy nail growth. Biotin, in particular, is a B vitamin that is essential for nail health and can be found in foods like eggs, almonds, and sweet potatoes.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals: Exposure to harsh chemicals, such as cleaning products and solvents, can cause nails to become brittle and weak. Wear gloves when you’re cleaning or working with chemicals to protect your nails. If you’re a nail technician, make sure to use products that are gentle on your clients’ nails.
  • Moisturize your nails and cuticles: Just like your skin needs moisture, your nails and cuticles do too. Use a moisturizing lotion or oil to keep them hydrated. Look for products that contain ingredients like vitamin E, jojoba oil, and shea butter, which are all great for nourishing your nails and cuticles. Here is some of our favourite cuticle oils and moisturisers to keep your nails healthy and strong!

    

    

    

    

    

    
  • Don’t bite your nails: Biting your nails can damage the nail bed and cause infections.
  • Trim your nails regularly: Regular trimming can prevent your nails from cracking and breaking. Use a sharp nail clipper and trim your nails straight across. Don’t cut your nails too short, as this can cause them to become painful and susceptible to infection. Check out our range of clippers and tools HERE.
  • Don’t use your nails as tools: Using your nails as tools to open cans, scrape off stickers, or pry open lids can cause your nails to break or become damaged. Use the proper tools instead. Keep a pair of scissors, a bottle opener, and a screwdriver handy so that you can use them instead of your nails.

• • File your nails properly: When filing your nails, use a gentle motion and avoid sawing back and forth, which can weaken the nails. File in one direction, from the outside of the nail toward the centre. Use a fine-grit file, and don’t file your nails too short, as this can also cause them to become painful and susceptible to infection. Check some of our favourite nail files HERE.

1. • Protect your nails from damage: Wear gloves when doing household chores or any activities that can damage your nails, such as gardening or washing dishes. If you’re going to be doing a lot of manual labour, consider wearing protective gloves or finger guards to help prevent damage to your nails.

‘Builder Base’ nails

If you’re looking for a way to promote nail health and strength while still enjoying the fresh manicure look, you might want to try out builder base nails. This technique involves using a gel-like substance to create a strong, durable layer on your natural nails.

One of the main benefits of builder base nails is that they can help to reinforce weak or brittle nails, making them less prone to breaking or peeling. The builder gel used in the process can also help to smooth out any ridges or bumps on the surface of your nails, creating a more polished look overall. ‘Builder Base’ can be used on its own or, extensions can also be added for extra length. A base coat can also be added under regular gel polish to increase the durability and strength of the nail however there are various shades of ‘Builder Base’ that look stunning on their own.

Another advantage of ‘Builder Base’ nails is that they tend to last longer than regular nail polish. Depending on your lifestyle and how well you take care of your nails, you can expect ‘Builder Base’ nails to stay looking fresh and shiny for anywhere from two to four weeks.

To get ‘Builder Base’ nails, you’ll need to visit a nail technician who is trained in the technique. They will typically start by prepping your nails, filing and buffing them to create a smooth surface. Then, they will apply a base coat of builder gel, which will be cured under a UV lamp.

Overall, ‘Builder Base’ nails can be a great option if you’re looking for a long-lasting, low-maintenance way to enhance the look and strength of your natural nails. Whether you opt for a natural nude shade or a bold pop of colour, ‘Builder Base’ nails can help you achieve a polished, put-together look that lasts.

You can check out our range of The Manicure Company Builder Base Products. Check out our Builder Base range HERE.

Want to learn more about ‘Builder Base’?

If you would like to learn more about this nail technique and become comfortable practising with ‘Builder Base’ you can check out our builder base course here! You could also check out our blog ‘The Manicure Company Builder Base FAQ’ for more information and product choices!