Taking care of your nails is essential aside from being creative and nail art-loving. The key to having beautiful nails boils down to having a healthy and strong body, to begin with, and how much you practice self-love.

You can hear many beauty moguls or ambassadors say that beauty always starts skin-deep in, and it's the truth. However, going back to the basics can help your nails breathe, and it can work wonders for your wellness. So here are our easy yet practical tips on taking care of your nails at home.

1. Have a healthy lifestyle

The first thing you have to do is take care of your health and wellness to a healthy lifestyle will help you have healthy and glowing skin and nails. If you're sick, your nails will always show signs from brittle nails to infections, making it harder for you to do nail art. 

The pandemic has made us reprioritize and think about our health, and it would be best for you to eat healthily. It would be good to include foods rich in calcium and protein, such as lean meats, salmon, fruits, leafy greens, eggs, nuts, and whole grains, which are all good for your nails. 

Not only will it contribute to your nail's health but overall wellness. Having adequate sleep and managing stress can help you be the best version of yourself.

2. Moisturize your nails

If you're someone who loves to do nail art and mani-pedis often, then you know that the harsh chemicals of nail cuticles and constant rubbing of nail tools can cause damage to the texture and moisture of your nails. 

According to dermatologists, petroleum jelly, vitamin e, or cuticle creams should be applied to your cuticles at night to maintain their moisture and combat the effects of using nail polishes and nail art frequently. If you're still doing nail art, you can use our nourish oil as part of the Dip Powder application process to protect and maintain the suppleness of your nails.

Don't forget to take care of the cuticles since having dry or damaged cuticles can wreak havoc to the nail bed, affecting how your nails develop. Apply a thin layer of olive oil to your cuticles. It'll help to keep them soft and supple. Use them before you go to sleep so they can sit all night while you rest.

3. Trim and maintain your nails

Nail hygiene is crucial as moisturizing your nails since it helps foster growth, and keeping your nails tidy and taken care of will help them be more robust and manageable. In addition, fingernails can harbor dirt and germs, leading to infections and skin diseases if left unchecked.

Maintain healthy nails by trimming them regularly to help them from snagging or breaking. Cutting your nails depends on how quickly they grow. Next, smooth your nails' edges using a fine file. It's possible to lightly buff the surface of your nails as part of your manicures if you have ridges on your nails.

4. Balance

Balancing your love for nail art designs and self-care is essential. Yes, DIY-ing, your nails are enjoyable to do since it helps express your creativity and it's good for your mental health care. However, one should know when it's getting overboard. There's nothing wrong with being a nail art aficionado, but you also have to prioritize me-time. So whenever you have the time, let your nails breathe for a day or two. Makeup lovers know the importance of skincare, and you should know nail care too as a nail- enthusiast.

5. Have the proper nail tools

If you want to achieve professional-looking yet beautiful nail art, you need to have the right tools to get the job done, or having the proper knowledge on how to do it correctly is also a must to avoid damaging your nails in the process.

Here at iGel Beauty, we have plenty of nail products available for you, from nail art brushes to gel polishes in stock for nail art lovers to get their hands on efficient yet high-quality tools. We want you to be confident and empowered with every nail art you wear.

If you want to learn more nail tips and tricks, join our iGel Beauty Facebook community. You'll be a part of a supportive and helpful network of iGel Beauties who help each other be the best versions of themselves, whether personally or professionally.