We might not talk much about the different ways to get healthy toenails, but we should! With sandal season in full swing in some areas, we can’t afford to walk around with unkempt toenails. It’s not just about looking good for others; our nails can tell us a lot about our health and hygiene too. Plus, it’s always good to take care of ourselves and feel good about our appearance. Get your toes ready for sandals and beyond with these 9 easy ways to get healthy toenails.
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1. Wash up
Washing your feet isn’t something that needs an explanation, but I think taking care to be thorough when washing your feet and toes bears mentioning. Many people take the time to scrub their heels with a pumice stone or apply foot scrubs, but some don’t think to wash in between the toes and clean underneath and on the surface of toenails. You don’t have to do anything fancy, just make sure you wash those areas with a body wash or soap to make sure they’re clean. You can use a nail brush or a soft toothbrush to clean your toenails, also. Keeping your feet nice and clean is one of the sure ways to get healthy toenails!
2. Moisturize
One of the main qualities of healthy toes is that they’re smooth and hydrated. I’ve never seen dry, flaky feet or toenails that look healthy or appealing, have you? Make sure you pat your feet dry after you get out of the shower or bath and apply a moisturizer as soon as possible. If you have really dry feet, try applying a thick cream or even coconut oil to your feet before you go to sleep. You should then cover them with plastic bags or plastic wrap and wear socks on top. Remove everything in the morning and your feet will be soft as silk. Keep it up for a few days for even better results.
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3. Use Proper Tools
Do you have a set of tools you use on your toenails or do you use whatever’s around the house? You don’t have to invest a lot of money on nail care tools, but it’s good to have a good quality pair of toenail clippers to make the job easier. It’s also good to have a good nail file, foot file or pumice stone and cuticle oil. No matter how much of a hurry you’re in, avoid using scissors or razors to trim your nails!
4. Trim down
When it comes to nail care, one of the most important aspects has to be trimming your toenails. Trimming your toenails can be a bit tricky because you want to trim them down so they don’t cause discomfort, but not to the point where you have nearly invisible nails. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons suggests trimming your nails straight across since rounding the edges or cutting them at an angle can cause them to grow toward your skin. The Mayo Clinic recommends trimming your toenails so the edge of your toenail reaches the tip of your toe.
5. Eat Right
What we eat can make a huge difference in the way we look and feel, so it’s important to fill up on foods that promote healthy toenails. Some great options include eggs, beef and pork for their rich content of vitamin B-12; citrus fruits, leafy greens and red peppers for vitamin C; tofu, oysters and green beans for zinc; and nut butters, mushrooms and whole grains for their biotin content. If your diet doesn’t allow for some of these foods, feel free to get a supplement.
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6. Choose Organic
Eating organic foods is great if you’re able to afford it, but it’s also important to try and buy organic socks, slippers and anything you put near your toes. Organic materials generally contain fewer dyes and chemicals, and cotton is awesome for wicking away sweat and moisture on those warm days.
7. Keep Nails Dry
Healthy toes are kept dry whenever possible. Water and nails are a bad mix and just like our hair, nails are at their most vulnerable state when they’re wet. Whenever you get out of the bath, shower or pool, don’t leave your toenails for last when you dry off. Keep those toes dry to keep them strong and healthy. If you have sweaty feet, make sure you give your feet time to breathe, wash them and make sure you wash your shoes often, too.
8. Get Buff
A quick and simple way to add some healthy shine and stimulate growth in your nails is to gently buff them. Don’t go crazy with a nail buffer though, because you can easily thin out your nail and it can be painful. Use a nail buffer or your thumb to gently but quickly buff the surface of your nails.
9. Carry a Backup
The last tip I have for healthy toes is to carry a backup pair of flip flops in your car or when you travel. You never know when you might be in need of another pair of shoes in case your heel breaks or you treat yourself to a pedicure. Also, keeping a pair of flip flops handy ensures that you never have to walk bare foot on unclean surfaces like bathroom or shower floors, gym locker rooms or any other area with a lot of traffic that can breed fungus and bacteria.
If you want healthy toenails, make sure you follow these easy tips in your regular nail care routine. Toenails don’t get a lot of attention until it’s time to show them off, so make sure you show them some love whenever you can! Do you have any tips on caring for toenails?
Sources: toenail-care.com, livestrong.com, health.howstuffworks.com, inspirationail.com, footvitals.com
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