Massage, file, moisturise, paint. Who doesn't love a good pedicure? But today, even mainstream media is calling attention to the potential dangers of conventional nail products and treatments; In May 2015 the New York Times article entitled "Perfect Nails, Poisoned Workers" reported on the health issues manicurists and other salon workers had experienced, including everything from allergies to miscarriages to cancer. As a result, more people are waking up to the risks of caustic treatments and conventional products. While the chemical-based nail salon biz is still big (and many of these treatments and products that line the shelves of conventional retailers are made with caustic chemicals), the good news—and yes, there is good news—is that we need not forgo our nail treatments entirely. In fact, innovative natural brands are giving us even more reasons to enjoy a mani or pedi by using ingredients that are actually healthy for you and your nails.Healthy Nails Tips
Thanks to products like these, we can more easily dodge harmful ingredients. But even before a product touches your nails, it’s important to incorporate natural ingredients into your nail regimen. By focusing on nurturing the skin and nails with natural products, the nails grow faster and stronger. Before trying your new non-toxic paint, give your nails a detox; let them go polish free and regularly apply a simple, natural at-home treatment to restore their strength.
Massage oils are high recommended these would include neem, coconut, jojoba or even olive oil - incorporate into the nail and cuticle regularly. Additionally, if you’re eating a well balanced diet and taking care of your nails, you can avoid nail strengtheners entirely.
A nail-boosting diet
Taking a look at your nails (literally) can help you pinpoint more nail-healthy practices you should try, starting with what you put in your body. An iron deficiency, for example, can cause dry skin and brittle nails, indicating you may need to increase your dietary protein or consider taking a protein supplement.
Other signs of deficiencies: Lines or white spots on nails may be a sign you need to up your zinc intake; increase zinc to at least 8 mg daily from foods such as oysters, crab, beef, beans, nuts, chickpeas and dark-meat poultry, or take a zinc supplement. Also, splitting or peeling nails are simply crying out, for hydration a sure sign of lack of water. Therefore drink plenty of water and supplement with healthy fats (omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids - read my blog post on advice about fats here: http://yaso-shan.blogspot.co.uk/2012/07/the-fats-of-life.html), such as gamma-linolenic acid. The body is smart—it will heal itself if given the chance to be chemical free.
