The Importance of Nail Health

Nicholas Larios
Sep 3
4 min read

Updated: Oct 14

Did you know fingernails are the biggest protector for making sure your fingers are protected when doing daily activities? Fingernails are made of three layers, which are able to create the strength of the fingernails, known as the keratin tissue. When the keratin cells within the fingernail are given the proper care with proper nutrition, it is able to strengthen the fingernails to act as the protective layer. Without giving your fingernails the proper nutrients needed for them to survive and without having the protective layer of your fingernails, damaging the health of your fingers . The care of your nails is essential to making sure your fingers are able to still perform daily tasks that require them to be used (Healthline, 2020).

Firstly, there are many different ways to ensure your fingernails are at their strongest and healthiest with the proper care being used. Protecting the strength of the fingernails can be done through keeping them dry and clean in order to avoid germs, which can prevent harmful infections that split the nail. Wearing gloves when coming into contact with harsh chemicals allows someone to avoid the possibility of coming into contact with germs. In order to maintain good nail hygiene, when cutting them, it’s important to cut straight across and then cut in a curve around the tip. It’s best to cut nails after finishing a shower, as the nails are already wet, which softens them, making it easier for the nails to be cut. In order to ensure nails remain strong, apply moisturizer on them when they are wet. This creates a protective layer to prevent them from becoming brittle and absorbing water, which would weaken them. Applying a nail hardener onto your nails can also be successful in being able to provide more strength to your nails as an extra protective layer (Mayo Clinic, 2024).

On the other hand, there are many things you should avoid doing in order to keep your nails in a healthy condition. Hangnails are the pieces of torn skin that usually occur around the base of the nail, which may be tempting to pull at and rip but shouldn’t be touched. This can damage the tissue of the nail once it’s ripped, destroying the protection barrier which keeps nails strong. Along with this, biting your nails and picking at the cuticle can further cause germs to enter, which can create infections in the fingernail. It’s also important to limit the amount of products being used on your nails, as using too many products can weaken the strength of fingernails due to applying too many harsh chemicals, especially when applying or taking off gel or acrylic nails (Mayo Clinic, 2024).

Furthermore, one of the most common self-care activities is getting your nails done at the nail salon, and while there is nothing wrong with painting your nails, it is important to take the proper care needed to make sure there are no negative effects. It’s important that once you take the polish off your nails, your hands need to be moisturized with cream, as many of the removers contain harmful chemicals such as acetone, which weaken fingernails and make them dryer. It’s important that you clearly inspect the nail salon you’re going to in order to ensure the right precautions are being taken for your nail safety. It’s crucial to observe the station to make sure it’s clean and the nail technician has taken the proper hygienic step of washing their hands. Then, inspecting the tools to make sure they are clean prevents a risk of an infection from coming into contact with bacteria. This can be further prevented when getting a pedicure if you notice the filters aren’t disinfected; this means they could be carrying fungus and infections, which can carry over to your nails (American Academy of Dermatology, n. d.).

In addition, there should also be some things you avoid doing before deciding to get a manicure and a pedicure. If you notice the tools being used are dirty, you should inform the technician in order to avoid bacteria going into your nail. You could also try to bring your own tools to be used if you’re worried the ones at the salon may be dirty. You also shouldn’t shave before an appointment, as shaving creates tiny abrasions, which can be irritated when this bacteria enters the microtears and potentially the bloodstream, causing infections within the body. It’s also important your cuticles aren’t cut, as these act as the barrier for fingernails, which prevents bacteria and fungi from entering, creating infections (American Academy of Dermatology, n. d.).

Overall, taking care of your nails will improve their overall ability to function as you get older instead of making them become weaker. Ensuring your nails are getting the proper nutrition and handled with proper care will prevent the worry of having bacteria or fungus creating infections that harm your motor functions within your hand. Even when taking care of your nails through manicures and pedicures, it’s important to make sure your nails are still being given proper care in order to avoid damage to your fingernails. Your fingernails are essential to giving you the strength to use your hands without discomfort, and they should be treated as such in order to make sure your hands can remain strong instead of becoming brittle with pain.