Biruk Baye

@birukbaye · 02 Dec 2021

Follow Following

What do healthy nails look like?

Nails are a symbol of health. Healthy nails are glossy, smooth, and pliable without being too elastic or stretchy. They may have small surface lines that show they're slowly growing--a sign that no damage was done to the nail during its production.

People who have obvious nail problems, including thickened nails, brittle nails, peeling nails, curled nails, discolored nails, cracks in the nail plates or nail beds are not healthy. They are signs that there is damage to the nail structure.

Nails look sturdy. Healthy nails are flexible enough to bend without cracking or breaking. When they are cracked or broken the blood flow shows through its surface.

When pushing down with one finger, the healthy nail will spring back up, showing elasticity. If it springs back too quickly or does not spring back at all, there may be a problem.

What are the reasons for unhealthy nails?

Most health problems that affect nails are due to external factors. Damaged nails do not regrow completely. Instead of completely regenerating they grow out discolored and damaged. There are environmental poisons that can damage nails or cause infections that damage nails so it's important to wear rubber gloves when using household cleaning products, protecting your hands from harsh soaps and detergents.

Unhealthy nails can be dry, brittle, or crumbly. They can also have deep ridge marks down their length, which is called Beau's Lines. A thickening of the nail on the surface is called spoofing and it's an indication that there's too much moisture in the air or too little moisture in your diet for your nails to stay healthy.

When you're trying to grow healthy nails, it's important to look at what they shouldn't look like. You should aim for smooth, shiny, and pliable nails that are free of any signs of damage or discoloration. Apply these general indicators to your nails and check your progress as you continue on your healthy nail journey!

A yellowish tinge on the nails indicates the presence of a fungus infection. Talk to your doctor for professional advice on treating this condition. Deep ridges down the length of the nail indicate potential damage done during production.

These ridges can also be caused by dryness in the air or by insufficient moisture in your diet. A lumpy appearance of the nail is called spooning and occurs due to excess moisture in the air or too little moisture in your diet.

Unhealthy nails can also contain signs of damage, discoloration, or infection. Talk to your doctor if you notice any changes in your nails that concern you.

Armed with this info about what healthy nails look like, try out these tips on how to grow healthy nails at home!

Always keep them trimmed. Nails need constant care and attention to keep them at their healthiest (and most beautiful). Trim, file, and shape your nails regularly to keep them looking good and prevent hangnails or pain that can occur from long, thick toe/fingernails.

Do you know why we cut our fingernails differently from our toenails?

Nail trims for fingernails and toenails work the same, but they're cut differently because of the different ways we use them.

You need your nails to grip and catch things, like door handles and cashier's hands, so you want longer fingernails. Your toes don't do as much gripping, though they're used for balance, which is why you want shorter toenails.

When trimming your nails, File them lightly in one direction (either across or along). Don't see back and forth as this can cause cracking or breakage.