Nail masks - perfection at home!

Precautions when applying masks

Masks are very good for your hands.
But it is important to consider the following simple rules:

• Before applying the composition, your hands should be steamed well. They need to be kept in a warm bath for 15-20 minutes.
• After taking a bath, you need to treat the skin of your hands. Apply a soft exfoliating scrub to it. You can also do glycolic peeling.
• You can only massage the cuticle. It is not advisable to massage the plate.
• Harsh abrasive materials should not be used. This will lead to thinning nails.
• After applying the composition to your hands, you should wear cotton gloves. This way the active substances will better penetrate inside the plate.

What you will need: materials and tools

To carry out a useful procedure for your hands you will need:

• nail polish remover;
• cotton pad;
• antibacterial cosmetic product, liquid soap;
• soft towel;
• nail scissors;
• cuticle spatula and nail clippers for removing it;
• a bath of warm water to soak your hands;
• a plate in which the ingredients for the mask will be mixed;
• blender for thoroughly grinding all components;
• fat cream;
• cotton, rubber, silicone gloves. When applying masks with various oils, it is better to use cotton gloves. Rubber or silicone gloves help keep your hands slightly warm. To achieve the best effect, the mask is placed directly inside the glove, and then it is put on the hand.

Remember: all mixed liquids must be warm. It is advisable to warm them to room temperature.

Additional recommendations and expert advice

According to medical specialists, no strengthening of nails, application methods and components of masks can solve the health problem. Therefore, diagnostics of the body in order to identify a possible serious illness at the slightest doubt is a prerequisite. Use only high-quality manicure equipment. Hold off from filing the nail plate if there are obvious violations of their integrity and increased fragility. This can trigger the appearance of new microcracks on the surface. Review your diet to ensure there are plenty of vitamins. Take vitamin supplements as needed. Don't forget to drink more fluids to restore water balance in your body. Take periodic breaks before applying polish. The varnish coating can also negatively affect the structure. On the one hand, it protects from moisture and external aggressive atmosphere, but on the other hand, the chemical, unnatural composition of the product, which blocks the penetration of beneficial components, negatively affects the color and condition of the nails. Use protective gloves before being in water for long periods of time or when simply coming into contact with chemicals (for example, while washing dishes or hand washing). Walking and playing sports in the fresh air, active recreation in nature, and swimming have a complex effect on the human immune system and strengthen it. Stop smoking and lack of sleep. Make it a habit to treat your hands with a protective care cream a few hours before going outside in winter. And finally, naturalness is in fashion now. Therefore, you need to be able to maintain the beauty given by nature. I would like to hope that all the tips and recipes will help you solve your nail problems without much effort.

What ingredients should be in nail masks?

The hand mask is made with different ingredients.

But most often it is:

• Vitamins E, A. They help strengthen and protect the nail plate. Vitamins can be purchased at your nearest pharmacy.
• Sea salt, table salt. It strengthens nails and prevents them from splitting.
• Iodine. This element also helps strengthen nails. Masks with it also reduce the spread of pathogenic bacteria and restore the lack of useful elements.
• Collagen. There is a lot of it in gelatin. This element helps restore the structure of a damaged nail and gives it a healthy appearance. This element also prevents nails from peeling and cracking.
• Olive, sunflower oil. They perfectly moisturize and nourish tissues.
• Honey. It contains many useful vitamins and microelements.

Factors affecting the condition of nails

The rate of nail growth is affected by:

• time of year (in winter the process is slower);
• individual human physiology;
• food quality;
• state of health (their appearance and strength deteriorate due to a number of diseases);
• age (plate renewal slows down in older people).

We cannot influence the change of seasons or age, but we are able to maintain health and improve the appearance of nails by eating rationally, fighting illnesses in a timely manner or carrying out their prevention.

Even the habit of wearing gloves when washing dishes will protect your hands from premature aging and your nails from peeling. Therefore, do not ignore the “boring” recommendations, the observance of which automatically protects against a number of problems with appearance, and often delight your “claws” with additional caring procedures.

By spending 15 minutes a day caring for your nails, you will soon be able to show off an excellent natural manicure without wasting money and time on artificial nail extensions. You don’t even have to spend money on purchasing components for masks - most effective recipes contain ordinary products that are available to any woman.

Main types of nail masks

Conventionally, all hand masks can be divided into several main categories.

These are the compositions:

• for nail growth and strengthening;
• against fragility;
• nutritious;
• with vitamins;
• moisturizing;
• whitening;
• restorative;
• nightly, which help restore damaged plates;
• for cuticle;
• from fungus;
• with keratin.

Now let’s look at each of these masks in more detail.

For nail growth

These masks are required for girls whose nails grow poorly, or grow, but immediately peel, break, or become deformed.

To strengthen nails

Such masks are required for girls with soft and brittle nails. They help strengthen the nail plate.

Whitening mask

A whitening nail mask is required for girls whose skin and nails have acquired an unsightly yellow color. This happens if a woman’s hands often come into contact with household chemicals, or she has been using dubious varnishes for a long time.

Yellow nails also indicate that a person has:

• problems with the liver, lungs, kidneys;
• disorders in the endocrine, hormonal, cardiovascular system;
• metabolic problems. Most often it is caused by a lack of vitamins and microelements in the body.

And the nails often turn yellow in:

• smoking women;
• ladies taking serious medications for a long time;
• girls suffering from nail fungus.

Nourishing mask

Such masks are required for girls whose nails grow very slowly, constantly peel and crack. This mask contains nutrients that have a positive effect on the matrix (nail growth area). They also saturate the nail plate with useful elements and vitamins. Thanks to this, nails grow faster and have an attractive appearance.

Why do nail plates peel and break?

The reasons that contribute to this are divided into internal, external and psychological.

Domestic:

• iron deficiency in the body (especially common in children);
• during pregnancy, when vitamins and minerals entering the body are spent on the development of the fetus;
• poor nutrition – lack of protein, phosphorus, magnesium and calcium;
• metabolic disorders associated with problems of the gastrointestinal tract or endocrine system;
• skin diseases: red lichen, fungus, eczema, psoriasis, epidermolysis;
• hormonal imbalance (including in adolescents);
• heavy metal poisoning.

External:

• frequent contact with household chemicals, hot water;
• long wearing of gel polish or extensions (this can also include improper removal of the coating);
• hypothermia of the skin of the hands or, conversely, too dry and humid air;
• use of varnishes containing formaldehyde.

Psychological reasons include stress, depression, and the habit of biting nails or tearing them off.

Important! Only after the cause of fragility has been eliminated can you begin the care procedure. Otherwise, all your efforts will be in vain and will lead to nothing.

Recipes for nail masks at home

There are many hand masks that you can make at home. Recipes for the best of them will be given below. It is advisable to make masks in courses of 7-10 procedures, 2 times a week. Then the effect will come faster.

With red pepper

Red pepper is an excellent nail stimulant. It contains capsaicin. It also contains many useful vitamins, microelements, and minerals. They improve blood circulation and accelerate nail growth.

Compositions with red pepper are very effective. They are also very easy to prepare. To prepare this mixture, you need to mix 0.5 tablespoons of red pepper with 0.5 tablespoons of rich hand cream. The components need to be mixed well and applied to the nails. It takes 20 minutes to hold the composition on your hands. And then you need to wash it off with warm water.

Remember: this mixture can be done once a month.

With iodine

Iodine also has a very positive effect on nails. But applying it directly to the nail plate is not recommended. The alcohol in its composition greatly dries out the nails and leads to their delamination.

It is better to make a special mixture for nails with iodine. To prepare it, you need to mix 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2-3 drops of iodine. Next, the resulting mixture needs to be slightly heated and applied to the nail plate. Then experts recommend putting on special medical gloves.

With toothpaste

Regular toothpaste also helps improve the condition of your nails. But most often, a mixture with toothpaste is used to whiten the nail plate. To do this, you need to apply the paste directly to the nail plate and then rub it with a soft brush.

To achieve greater effect, additional components can be added to the healing composition.

For example, 2 teaspoons of toothpaste can be mixed with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and one tablespoon of baking soda. Moreover, first you need to mix lemon juice and baking soda, wait until the soda foams. And only then you can add toothpaste to the resulting composition. And then the mixture should be applied to the nail plate and wait 20 minutes. The composition is washed off only with warm water. After removing it, you need to apply cream to your hands.

With lemon

Masks with lemon also help whiten the nail plate. Its benefit is that it contains many vitamins and beneficial microelements.

The lemon just needs to be cut into two parts. You can dip your fingertips into one part. After 10-15 minutes, you can remove your hands; you must rinse off the lemon juice. Next, you need to apply a rich cream to your hands. Such masks cleanse hands very well of the earth. For example, if a woman worked for a long time without gloves in the garden.

With salt

If a girl’s nails often break or split, she can make strengthening masks with salt. Such compositions are very useful. They not only strengthen the nail plate, but also make it lighter. You can use any salt for the mixture, but usually sea salt is used. It is very simple to prepare the composition. To do this, mix ½ cup of water with 2-3 tablespoons of salt. You can also add 2-3 drops of iodine or lemon juice to this composition. Nails are placed in the mixture for 15 minutes. And then you need to dry your hands thoroughly. After such a mixture, it is advisable to apply a rich cream to your hands.

With gelatin

Gelatin is made from an extract from animal bones. Compositions with it are very useful. But if a person does not eat meat, but wants to try this mixture, then he can replace gelatin with agar-agar.

To prepare a healthy mixture with gelatin, you need to mix 1 tablespoon of gelatin with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.

But first you need to place the gelatin in warm water and wait for it to swell. And then the mixture needs to be heated in a water bath, but it cannot be boiled. Then you need to add lemon juice to the swollen gelatin. You can also add 2-3 drops of essential oil to the resulting pulp. Now your hands can be placed in the resulting mixture. You need to keep them in it for 20-30 minutes.

Night mask for damaged nails

To prepare this mixture you need to take beeswax. Replacing it with paraffin is not recommended.

Preparing the medicinal mixture is very simple. To do this, mix 1 tablespoon of beeswax with 1 teaspoon of coconut oil. Before mixing, the wax must be melted and the milk slightly heated. Next, you need to dip your fingertips into the resulting composition. And then they need to be placed in cold water.

Thanks to this, the composition will instantly harden. Then you need to put cotton gloves on your hands and keep them on all night. It is advisable to do such mixtures 2 times a week for 1 month.

For cuticle

Basically, masks with honey are used for the cuticle. But you can also use beeswax and almond oil. Why these particular components? It's simple.

Honey perfectly nourishes the cuticle and relieves inflammation.

Beeswax locks moisture into the skin and leaves a thin protective film on the skin.

Almond oil accelerates the process of penetration of fatty acids into the skin.

And you can prepare this mask in different ways.

For example, you can mix honey, wax, almond oil. Before mixing, honey and wax must be heated well. The mixture should be applied with a thin brush directly to the cuticle. Next, you need to leave it on your hands for 2-3 minutes. Moreover, you can apply the composition to your hands several times. After use, it is better to drain the mask into a separate container. It needs to be warmed up before reapplying.

Masks with glycerin are also used for the cuticle. But usually they are applied to dry skin. This mask perfectly nourishes not only the cuticle, but also the hands.

To prepare a healing mask, you need to mix glycerin and vitamin E. Now the mixture can be applied to your hands, and then you should massage the cuticle well. It is not advisable to wash such a mask off your hands.

How to strengthen your nails from the inside

The authoritative medical resource Healthline has listed the Top 8 Vitamins and Nutrients for Healthy, Strong Nails, the essential vitamins and minerals that make nails stronger and healthier. Make sure they are all included in your daily diet.

Biotin

The elasticity and strength of not only nails, but also hair and skin depend on this B vitamin (B7). For biotin to do its job effectively, the WHO recommends Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs): Recommended Dietary Allowances and Adequate Intakes, Vitamins to eat about 30 mcg per day. But it may take a little more.

In one small study, Brittle nails: response to daily biotin supplementation, volunteers complaining of brittle nails were given a daily supplement containing 2.5 mg of biotin. After a few weeks, two-thirds of participants (63%) noted that their nails were significantly stronger. This is not the only similar study on Treatment of brittle fingernails with biotin with similar results, so biotin can be trusted.

Where can I get it?

Here are a few foods that contain biotin in decent amounts:

• offal, especially liver;
• egg yolk (boiled);
• fermented milk products - yogurt, cottage cheese, sour cream;
• salmon;
• almond.

You can also take pharmaceutical supplements with biotin. Just be sure to consult a therapist: he will help you choose the most effective concentration of B7.

Other B vitamins

In this case we are talking about folic acid (B9) and vitamin B12. They play a critical role in the production of erythrocytes - red blood cells, which deliver oxygen to all organs and tissues, including the nail plates. Sufficient oxygen is necessary for nails to grow at a normal rate and be strong.

Where can I get it?

The best natural sources of folic acid:

• leafy greens, especially spinach;
• strawberries, black currants, citrus fruits - oranges, lemons, grapefruits;
• legumes - peas, beans, lentils;
• nuts - almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, cashews;
• seafood - oysters, clams, mussels;
• avocado.

The best natural sources of vitamin B12:

• liver, especially beef;
• fatty fish - salmon, trout;
• beef;
• chicken eggs.

Just like biotin, these vitamins can be found in pharmacy supplements. But there is an important nuance here. While the benefits of biotin supplements for nail health have been scientifically proven, dietary supplements with other vitamins and microelements have not been so studied. So it may not be worth spending money on buying them. A healthy diet rich in nutrients is enough.

Iron

This trace element is critical for the production of hemoglobin, a blood protein that is responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to tissues, including nails. If you don't have enough iron in your diet, your body won't be able to produce enough hemoglobin. With obvious consequences for nails (and not only).

Where can I get it?

Here is a list of foods especially rich in iron:

• meat and fish;
• liver and other offal - kidneys, hearts, cow's udder;
• spinach, kale and other green leafy vegetables;
• broccoli;
• beans and lentils;
• chicken eggs;
• nuts and seeds;
• dried fruits.

We also keep pharmaceutical supplements with iron in mind. But we remember the need to consult a therapist.

Magnesium

Participates in more than 300 biochemical reactions, on which the condition of the body as a whole depends. Including protein synthesis, which Magnesium basics critically requires for nail growth.

Magnesium is readily available and can be easily included in your diet. Despite this, for example, in the United States, less than 60% of the population receives the recommended daily dose of magnesium (400–420 mg per day for men and 310–320 mg for women).

Where can I get it?

There is a lot of magnesium in the following foods:

• whole grain breads and cereals;
• spinach, kale and other green leafy vegetables;
• nuts - almonds, cashews, peanuts;
• quinoa.

Omega-3 fatty acids

It is known that their deficiency can lead to dry and brittle nails.

Where can I get it?

Rich in omega-3 fatty acids:

• fatty fish - salmon, trout, mackerel, tuna, sardine;
• walnuts;
• eggs;
• chia seeds;
• linseed oil.

Vitamin C

The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health is needed to produce collagen, a protein that provides elasticity and strength to all body tissues. And nails too.

It has been established by Vitamins and minerals: their role in nail health and disease that vitamin C deficiency leads to brittle nails and slower growth.

Where can I get it?

Foods richest in vitamin C:

• kiwi;
• citrus fruits - oranges, tangerines;
• strawberry;
• black currant;
• sweet red pepper;
• green vegetables - cabbage, spinach, cucumbers;
• greens - parsley and dill;
• tomatoes.

Zinc

Nail growth is ensured by cell division. And zinc is one of the key elements that are necessary for this division. In order for nails to grow at a normal speed and at the same time be strong and healthy, the body needs Vitamins and minerals: their role in nail health and disease zinc supply.

Where can I get it?

Sources of zinc are:

• animal proteins - meat (especially beef), poultry, fish, eggs;
• legumes - soybeans, chickpeas, black beans;
• nuts - in particular almonds and cashews.

Keratin nail mask Rescuerxx

The Rescue RXx keratin mask from CND also received many rave reviews from satisfied clients.

She:

• prevents nail splitting;
• makes nails more elastic;
• promotes nail compaction;
• gives nails a healthy pink tint;
• nourishes nails with beneficial microelements;
• accelerates nail growth.

Experts recommend applying this product to your nails for 1 month. And in severely advanced cases, it is recommended to use it for 3 months. During treatment, regular nail polish cannot be applied. Apply the mask 2 times a day: morning and evening. After applying it, do not wet your hands for 20 minutes. The product cannot be applied to the cuticle.

How to strengthen your nails from the outside

Plates can also become brittle due to lack of moisture. A Dozen Tips for More Beautiful Nails. The causes of dryness are various: low air humidity, contact with aggressive chemicals, for example, the habit of washing dishes with detergent without gloves.

Accordingly, in order to restore the strength of your nails, you need to take care of their moisture. There are many ways to do this, we will list the most common ones.

How to strengthen your nails at home

Use oil baths

Any base oil will do - olive, coconut, jojoba, wheat germ, castor. Heat it in a water bath to body temperature and dip your fingertips into the oil for 5-10 minutes. Then take it out and blot it with a napkin. Don't dry it out: let a little oil remain on the cuticles and nails. Repeat every day for one and a half to two weeks. Such courses should be conducted once every 2-3 months.

You can add a couple of drops of your favorite essential oil to the base oil, for example, lemon, lavender, ylang-ylang, rosemary, tea tree oil.

Do an oil massage

Massaging the area at the bottom of the nails where the nail matrix is ​​located improves its blood supply. This means it increases the chances that the future nail will grow strong and healthy. The massage can be combined with oil baths (rub your nails after dabbing them with a napkin) or done as an independent element of care (drop a little of your favorite base oil onto the cuticle and rub it in until absorbed).

Repeat the massage for 1-2 minutes for each nail. For the effect, it is enough to perform it once a day or two.

Reviews

Marina, 30 years old:

“I do shellac all the time. My hands never really took a break from it. I recently removed shellac and was very surprised. My nails looked like rags. They were lifeless and scary. I started making special masks. And after just half a month I noticed results. My nails have changed and look better. They are natural and beautiful. Now I use healing compositions for my hands all the time, but I just forgot about shellac.”

Julia, 31 years old:

“I have been suffering from nail fungus for a long time. I tried everything I could to treat him, but nothing helped. The cosmetologist advised me to prepare a special composition for my hands. And after a couple of months I forgot about what a fungus is. And my nails began to look much better.”