18 Aug Top Tips for Tip-Top Natural Nail Care

After a few months of snuggly gloves and woolly socks, we bet your toes are tapping and your fingers are fidgeting to get out in some sunny summer weather! Of course, that means you’ll want your nails to look their best. So while you’re breaking out the flip flops and the beach bags, here are some of our top natural nail care tips for beautiful, healthy fingernails and toenails.

Don’t Clip your Cuticles

Your cuticles provide a natural protective barrier against bacteria and fungi. Cutting them robs your nail bed of that protection. Plus, cutting your cuticles can leave them looking red and inflamed. Use a smooth wooden orange stick to very gently push back the cuticles instead; and never push back dry cuticles. Always soak your nails in warm water first, to make sure the cuticles are soft and moist.

Moisturise, Moisturise, Moisturise!

Breakage and chipping is often caused by a lack of moisture. A natural moisturiser like almond oil will keep your nails and cuticles nourished and hydrated. Trevarno Nail Conditioner and Sanctum Hand & Nail Repair are both lovely natural nail moisturisers.

Use a Natural Lacquer

Most ordinary nail lacquers contain harsh chemicals like formaldehyde, DBP (Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and toluene. Over time, these nasties can break down the integrity of your nails, causing brittleness and breakage. Luckily there are plenty of safer alternatives – like our ultra-glam SpaRitual range, which includes any shade of nail polish your heart could desire!

Cut out the Chemicals

It’s not just the chemicals in conventional nail products that cause damage. Hand creams, household cleaners, and even shampoos are loaded with chemicals that can weaken your nails with regular contact. Replacing these products with natural alternatives will work wonders – for your overall health and safety as well as the condition of your nails.

Eating for Beauty

Your diet can make a big difference to the condition of your nails. Check out our top foods for healthy nails and hair – to boost your body’s nutrient intake and get gorgeous from the inside out.

No More Nibbling

Nail-biting is a bad habit that will wreak havoc on your nails and cuticles. Apply a little bit of bitter aloe gel, lemon juice or tea tree to your nails every day, and the taste will definitely put you off! Crunching on healthy snacks like baby carrots can also take your mind off biting your nails.

DIY Nail Masks

For stained nails:

Wearing dark nail lacquers can leave your nails looking stained or discoloured. Here’s a simple treatment you can make at home, to whiten and brighten those nails.

• 1Tbsp baking soda
• 1Tbsp fresh-squeezed lemon juice
• Simply mix into a paste, rub onto your nails & leave for 10 minutes.
• Wash off with warm water.

Lemon juice is a natural lightener, while baking soda has a gentle exfoliating effect.

For weak or brittle nails:

Prevent breakage, chipping and splitting with a hydrating natural nail treatment.

• 1 egg yolk
• 1tsp raw honey
• 1Tbsp water
• 5 drops sweet orange essential oil (optional)
• Mix into a paste, slather onto nails & cuticles.
• Leave for 10 minutes & wash off with warm water.

The egg yolk provides strengthening protein, while the honey has antibacterial and antifungal properties. A few drops of essential oil makes the mask smell a little sweeter.

What are your Nails Saying?

We don’t mean making a fashion statement – we’re talking about what your nails can tell you about your diet and your health. Here are some tell-tale signs to watch out for:

• Hangnails: Lack of protein, lack of vitamin C
• White bands: Lack of protein
• Dry, brittle nails: Lack of vitamin B12
• Fragile, ridged nails: Vitamin B deficiency
• White spots: Zinc deficiency
• Frayed nails with split ends: Could mean a folic acid, protein or Vitamin C deficiency

Snap a pic of your summer mani or pedi, and share it with us – we’d love to see your gorgeous, naturally glam summer-ready nails!