Shiny Nails Secret

These tips will give you strong and healthy nails and make you fall in love with them.

Reviewed by Gabrielle Richens, Skin Therapist
Written by Jyotsana Rao, BE

Edited by Subhrojyoti Mukherjee, MA (English)

Fact-checked by Joyce Joyson, MA (Mass Communication & Journalism) • Jan 19, 2024

Image: Shutterstock

Nail polishes may seem like a quick way of getting shiny nails, but they may not be the best choice for nail care and hygiene. But here are some shiny nail secrets for you. Your nail polishes are most probably loaded with chemicals that dry out your nails and cuticles. The preservative in their formula becomes a barrier and prevents oxygen from penetrating the nail. It is only natural that your nails look dry and damaged due to the lack of proper oxygen to the cuticles surrounding them. Also, pedicures and aesthetics are essential for proper grooming and lifestyle. Shiny nails are made with good nutrition and natural remedies available right in your kitchen! So, it is high time you take a break from regularly painting your nails and give them some breathing space. Scroll down for some ideas!

Keep In Mind

Natural Nail Brightening Agents: Natural Nail Brightening Agents Dip nails in lemon juice and vitamin E, sesame or coconut oil for a natural glow.
Nails Strengthening Supplements: Natural Nail Brightening Agents Vitamin D, fish oil, sesame seeds and Ashwagandha herb powder and extract (Withania Somnifera) help strengthen your nails.
Caution: Natural Nail Brightening Agents Avoid biting your nails and frequent gel manicures.
DIY: Natural Nail Brightening Agents Create your own nail stickers by painting a design onto a plastic bag and letting it dry completely. Once dry, peel the design off the plastic bag and apply it on your nails.

In This Article

How To Make Nails Shiny?

Maintain Good Health

Many people get behind nail products that claim to strengthen and lengthen nails like magic within fewer days. We spend a huge amount of money on them, but the result is always zero. Our nails are still brittle, dry, weak and lifeless. Have you ever wondered why they don’t work? Because you need to be healthier first to achieve shiny nails, not only the topical treatments work. Always nails reflect our overall health so do also check them carefully. Foods rich in B-complex, Iron, Vitamin A,C,D and Calcium are very essential for nail health. Include fresh vegetables, nuts, whole grains and greens to get those nail vitamins. Drinking of at least 8 glasses of water every day is also necessary to maintain good nail health. Remember, healthy nails always shine!

Quick Tip

Regularly clean the instruments used for your manicure at home and disinfect them before and after each use. You can use natural disinfectants like tea tree oil to prevent infections.

Petroleum Jelly Works

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Carry a small Vaseline tub in your hand bag wherever you go. Take some and massage your nails gently after every hand wash. This prevents loss of moisture and thus your nourished nails shine forever! If you are lazy about any other treatments, Vaseline or any other petroleum jelly just works. Massage your nails with them especially after every bath and before going to bed every night. You can also use colorless lip balms as your nail cream, they do wonders. Nail care involves keeping your nails moisturized and using a top coat and base coat for proper nail protection.

Homemade Nail Soaks For Shiny Nails

Isn’t it natural to make your own nail soaks from kitchen ingredients? Of course, it is very easy too, you can make one in seconds. Many of the kitchen ingredients contain antioxidants, which are essential for nail health. They strengthen nails and make them look beautiful and shiny. Check out the following recipes and try them in your leisure time to become the owner of shiny beautiful nails.

i) Olive Oil For Nails

Image: Shutterstock

Olive oil is an excellent natural potion found in most of the cosmetic products and it does wonders in healing damaged brittle nails. Heat the olive oil until it is warm, remember not hot. Now pour this in a bowl and dip your nails into the warm oil. If you’re doing this for your toe nails, make the tub big. Leave on for 2 minutes, take out your hands and wear cotton gloves. You can leave this overnight or for an hour as per your wish. Wash off with fresh water and moisture with a good hand and nail cream after that. On a similar note, A YouTuber shared her thoughts on what habits one can incorporate to improve nail health. She said, “So, I take one drop of oil on the palm of my hands, and I kind of smear it around my nails. Then I take a tiny amount of lotion and rub it in (i).” The blogger emphasized that it’s not the amount of oil that you apply but the consistency of it that’s what matters. She also stated that this technique does not leave hands feeling greasy.

ii) Milk

Image: Shutterstock

Don’t have time or just feeling lazy? Leave your worries. Pour some warm milk into a bowl and dip your nails into the milk. Wait for a few minutes, let your nails absorb nourishment from the milk. Wash off and moisturize with a nail cream or even a cold cream.

iii) Rose Water

Mashed avocado mixed rose water also acts as a nourishing nail soak. Brittle and dull nails get nourished and moisturized by following this nail soak regularly. Good nourishment is the key to shiny nails.

Mashed avocado mixed with rose water for shiny nails

iv) Coconut Oil

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Coconut oil is rich in essential nutrients and fats that nourish the skin around the nails and the cuticles. A nail soak with coconut oil and a spoonful of salt can make them stronger and promote nail growth. The salt provides fortifying minerals to the nails, while coconut oil deeply moisturizes and helps strengthen damaged nails, treat hangnails, and prevent nail ridges.

v) Baby Oil

Earbuds, cuticle scissors, and baby oil on a wooden table

Image: Shutterstock

Sufficient hydration of the cuticles and nail bed can ensure that your nails always look shiny and healthy. Use a cotton swab and soak it in baby oil. Apply the oil all over the nails and cuticle and let it soak for about 30 minutes. Finally, wipe off the excess oil and moisturize with a hand cream. You can do this daily to get shiny and beautiful nails.

Important Tips to be Remembered:

Avoid acetone-based nail polishes if you want shiny nails. They make your nails brittle and damaged for sure.
Wear gloves while doing household works, such as washing clothes and dishes, as they may lead to peeling of nails.
Maintain a healthy diet with biotin and zinc supplements after consulting your physician. This works great and shows faster results.

Quick Tip

If you notice your nail polish peeling off, avoid scrapping it as it results in the loss of your nail’s natural protective layer. Use a nail polish remover instead.

Infographic: 5 Effective Tips For Shiny Nails

We know how annoying it is to maintain shiny nails. Keeping them clean can be quite tiresome and may also require many salon visits. No worries, we’ve got your back! Check out the infographic below to take a look at the most effective ways to brighten your nails right at home.

5 effective tips for shiny nails (infographic)

Save the high-quality PDF version on your device now.

Download Infographic

While regular usage of nail polishes may give you shiny nails, in the long run, it may lead to dry and brittle nails. It’s important to prioritize nail health and beauty. Instead of spending too much money on nail polishes or artificial nails, eating a healthy diet rich in vegetables, nuts, and whole grains, and drinking plenty of water will straighten and add shine to your nails. You can make homemade nail soaks with olive oil or milk to keep your nails hydrated. Additionally, exfoliation and buffing are crucial for removing dead skin cells and promoting healthy and shiny nail growth. Following these shiny nail secrets mentioned in this article will keep your nails strong and healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my nails not shiny?

Poor nutrition, improper digestion, frequent contact with chemicals such as detergents and harsh soaps, and overuse of nail polish, filers, or gel nails are reasons why nails lose their healthy sheen.

Does alcohol make gel nails shiny?

Alcohol can thoroughly remove any dirt and grime on the nails and prepare it for a coat of gel nails. While it does not directly make gel nails shiny, it helps clean up the nails and remove any residue that can interfere with the gel nails sticking properly to your nails.

Are there any particular nail products or tools that can help improve nail shine?

Nail glosses or top coats as well as buffer boards are nail products and tools that can help improve nail shine.

How do I care for my cuticles and surrounding skin to enhance nail appearance and shine?

To enhance nail appearance, you can moisturize your cuticles and surrounding skin daily, avoid cutting them, and gently push them back.

What are some potential causes of nail damage or weakness, and how can I prevent these issues from affecting nail shine?

Poor diet, using harsh chemicals, constant nail paint and nail art application with breaks and excessive filing can cause nail damage. Have a balanced diet, wear gloves, take breaks between nail art sessions, and use gentle products on your nails to achieve shiny nails.

How do I choose a high-quality nail polish or nail care product to ensure optimal nail health and shine?

Before buying or using the product on your nails, read the label of the product. Check for the ingredients list and opt for only those products that offer nourishment and strengthening ingredients to promote nail health and shine.

Key Takeaways

- Clean and file your nails before moisturizing your cuticles.
- Maintain a healthy and balanced diet to ensure that your nails receive the best nutrition.
- Avoid applying acetone-based nail paints as they make your nails brittle.
- Wear protective gloves while handling soaps or chemicals to avoid nail injury.

Image courtesy – Google Images

Learn how to get smooth and shiny nails naturally at home! Click on the video and follow the simple steps to get beautiful nails without spending a fortune.