My Top 5 Tips for Healthy Nails

Ever since I was a little girl, I have wanted long nails. I bought my first press on nails when I was 12 years old. My nails have always been very thin and bend like paper. When I use nail polish, the ends bend so easily that the polish starts to chip off within 24 hours of application. I few years ago I found Color Street nail strips, and those would last about a week for me, which was a lot longer than anything else I had ever used, besides expensive salon dipping powder or polish over acrylic nails.

I was tired of spending almost $100 every month at the nail salon, so I switched exclusively to Color Street nail strips. I became a stylist and began to learn about how to take care of my nails for longer, stronger, natural nails. My nails became longer than they have ever been! This is how my nails looked after about a year of using Color Street and taking care of them properly. I want to help you have long, strong beautiful nails, so here are some tips to help you with the process.

Tip #1 - Never, ever peel off nail polish!

Always use a gentle, non-acetone nail polish remover to remove your polish. If you peel it off, you will also peel off the top layer of your nail, which will make the nail thinner and it will break easier.

Tip #2 - File in an outward motion

When you file your nails, start where the nail leaves the skin and file outward toward the end of the fingernail. When you go back and forth in a "sawing" motion, it also weakens the nail. Use a gentle outward motion goes with the growth of the nail. Using a glass file is also very good for your nails. Invest in a good Czech glass nail file, and it will actually meld the jagged edges back to your nail as you file in the outward motion. You can get a good quality nail file on Amazon for about $10. Always keep one handy in case you get a snag in your nail. If you are like me, you will not be able to wait until you get home to find that file, and will tear it off. Or you will snag it on something and it will tear off by itself.

Tip #3 - Don't cut your cuticles

Use a soft, rubber tipped cuticle pusher to gently push back your cuticles. The cuticle provides a barrier between your skin and your nailbed, so you want to leave it intact. Keep it soft by applying cuticle oil daily. I keep a bottle at my desk at work, so I will see it and remember to apply it every day. You can also keep a bottle on your nightstand if you want to apply it every night before bed. I recommend keeping a bottle out where you will see it every day. This will help you stay consistent. It only takes a minute or less to put a drop on each cuticle and rub it in.

Tip #4 - Use Ridge Filler and/or Nail Strengtheners

Filing across the top to smooth out ridges will weaken your nails. Use a Ridge Filler instead of buffing them out. Use a Nail Strengthener under your polish and on days when you choose not to wear nail polish. (You can apply Nail Strengthener over Ridge Filler, or use either one alone.)

Tip #5 - Eat a healthy diet

Your diet plays a part in your nail health. A healthy, balanced diet will help your nails get stronger, in conjunction with proper nail care. Taking collagen helps strengthen your nails from the inside out. There are a lot of gummies and powders on the market for stronger nails. I personally have used Nature's Bounty, Hair Skin & Nails, from Walmart with great success.

You CAN have beautiful, healthy nails!

Enhance the beauty of your nails with these expert tips. Elevate your nail game by using Color Street nail strips in combination with a ridge filler or nail strengthener. Check out the exclusive collection at www.prettynailsplus.com. For a wealth of insights on nail care, nail color trends, flawless makeup application, and the latest makeup trends, don't forget to subscribe to my blog.