Expert Advice on How to get Strong, Healthy Nails in 2022

What you need to know about manicures, gel polish, and treatment for broken and damaged nails

Text: Josephine Tee & Rebecca Morais

Natural Nails

Have you ever put on an amazing outfit only to look at your nails and notice they look a bit shabby? We know dull and weak nails can feel like a major buzzkill. As tempting as it sounds to hide your brittle, damaged nails behind gel manicure, there are plenty of lifestyle tweaks that can improve your nail’s condition. It can sometimes feel like a minefield understanding expert advice on getting stronger, healthier nails. Is getting gel polish healthy? Does our diet make a difference? Can we replicate a professional manicure at home?

To answer these questions and more, we sat down with Cheryl Ou, Founder of The Nail Social, a socially conscious nail salon in Singapore. No ‘ordinary’ salon, The Nail Social is Singapore’s first socially-conscious salon, established with the aim of providing vocational training and employment to local marginalised women who struggle with employment. The salon not only provides excellent pampering but also donates a portion of profits to sustaining the social support and services offered to these women in need.

Hydration is key

The first thing Cheryl highlights is the importance of keeping your claws hydrated for strong, healthy nails. “Just like how we need to drink plenty of water to keep our body healthy, it’s really important that we provide them with enough water intake. Applying skin-friendly oils into the cuticles daily will maintain moisture and help your nails to grow.”

She continues, “Ensuring your diet has enough protein in it is also essential. This is because nails are formed of dead keratin cells, which your body sheds as new cells grow underneath.” Cheryl also recommends exploring Biotin or Zinc supplements to promote nail health.

Green manicure

Nailcare routine

We regularly assess our skincare routines, but often neglect nail health. Having a basic understanding of how to care for our nails is key, shares Cheryl. “It’s always good to keep your nails shaped to prevent any sharp corners, regularly moisturise your cuticles, and avoid picking your nails or cuticles.”

The Soothe team recommends French Girl Nail & Cuticle Oil (SGD 29.17) which comes in a handy roll-on bottle, making it super easy to apply. Argan and Pomegranate Oil provide deep hydration for nails and cuticles, whilst Rosemary and Rose Geranium help stimulate growth. Hemp and Tamenu Oil contain anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties.

When it comes to attempting to deal with pesky cuticles at home, Cheryl suggests that we leave this to the professionals and instead focus on regular moisturising.

Once a month is a regularity with which Cheryl recommends treating yourself to a manicure and pedicure “to trim your nails and tidy up your cuticles, remove any ingrown nails or calluses, and also just for some good old-fashioned pampering.”

Spot the signs

Cheryl warns against leaving nail polish on for longer than two weeks at a time. She also notes the importance of knowing the signs of unhealthy nails. “The most common signs are discoloration, which can be caused by leaving nail polish on for too long, but also due to fungus,” she says. “This is definitely something to keep an eye on and ask your manicurist about if you are concerned.”

This Green Nail Polish Remover by Manucurist (SGD 25) is made from 100% organic ingredients and free from acetone and ethyl acetate, so is a much gentler option for removing polish and cleansing nails. If you do become concerned about signs of fungus, speak to your manicurist about using a formula, such as this H-Nail Fungus Formula (SGD 45.95), which uses established homeopathic ingredients to tackle the symptoms.

Choose wisely

Whether polish impacts your chances of getting stronger, healthier nails, Cheryl admits that “some polishes do contain harmful chemicals that can have a negative impact in the long run.” With this in mind, she recommends opting for polishes that are kinder to your nails. If they say “8 Free” or “10 Free”, this means they have eliminated 8/10 of the most common harmful ingredients found in nail polish.

Cheryl Ou Founder of The Nail Social Singapore

About the author

Cheryl Ou is the founder of The Nail Social and The Social Space, both socially conscious businesses aimed at providing training and employment to underprivileged persons in Singapore. Find out more about them here, and follow them on Instagram @thenailsocial

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