Nails
Naturally Yours: 5 Simple Steps to Strong, Healthy Nails.
Today, let’s talk about your nails.
Because whether you’re sipping karak in Al Qasba, running errands in the Dubai sun, or typing away at your 9-5 in Abu Dhabi — one thing every woman wants is healthy, beautiful nails that don’t chip the minute life gets busy.
And the truth is that you probably don’t need fancy salon appointments or high-end products to get there. If you are a DIY babe, what you need is the simple, consistent routine that works — especially in a climate like Dubai.
The UAE’s hot weather, constant hand washing for hygiene queens, and even the gorgeous but drying air-conditioned environments can be brutal on your nails. But don’t worry — we’ve got you. This article provides 5 tips to help you grow stronger, healthier nails — naturally.
Hydration is Your First Nail Serum
It’s no news how harsh the UAE sun can be — and your nails feel it too. Dehydrated nails become brittle, break easily, and peel at the tips.
What to do:
- Drink more water than your mood requires. Aim for 2-3 litres daily — even in winter.
- Moisturize your hands (and cuticles!) morning and night. A lightweight hand cream with shea butter, glycerin, or aloe vera will do wonders. Bonus: it leaves your rings looking good too.
Routine options:
- Keep a hydrating mist or spray in your bag for on-the-go refreshment (e.g Uriage and Avene.)
- Use overnight hand masks or gloves on the weekends. Pop them on after a long week, let the hydration sink in while you sleep.
Pro tip: Keep a mini hand cream in your handbag, especially if you drive or commute — AC dries hands faster than you think.
Minimise the Acrylics
Nail wraps
We love a good set of extensions but constant acrylics or gel polish without breaks can leave your natural nails gasping for air leaving them thin, bendy, and fragile overtime.
What to do:
- Try taking a 1–2 week “nail detox” every 2–3 months from acrylics. Let your natural nails breathe, file them gently, and use a nail strengthener or hardening oil.
Healthy but Pretty Alternatives:
- Builder Gel (BIAB): Short for “Builder in a Bottle,” this is a softer, less damaging option that gives the look of thick, shiny nails without the harshness of acrylics.
- Press-on nails: Yes, but not the ones from 2010. The new-generation press-ons come in modern shapes and salon-quality finishes. They’re reusable, easy to remove, and give you options without commitment.
- Nail wraps: Lightweight, damage-free and super trendy. Nail wraps offer designs, gloss, and protection without harming your real nails.
- Sheer polish + micro-nail art: If you are a minimalist babe, you can go minimal with sheer nude polish and tiny dots, gold lines, or crystals — still stylish, but gentle.
File Like a Lady — Gently!
Filing nails
Aggressive filing, especially back and forth, weakens the edges and causes splits while uneven filing can make your nails more prone to snagging.
What to do:
- Always file in one direction — preferably with a glass or crystal file. It’s gentler and lasts longer. Keep nails short to medium length if you’re growing them out. The desert heat already makes nails dry, so gentleness is key.
Routine options:
- File after showering or soaking. This will make your nails softer and easier to shape.
- Always follow with a cuticle oil or nail balm after shaping to seal in moisture and prevent peeling.
Oil is Life — Your Nails Need Them
Nail oil
Just like your scalp needs oil, so do your nails. Dry, flaky cuticles = weak nail growth and risk of infection.
What to do:
- Use cuticle oil daily. If you can’t find one, Pure jojoba, almond, or coconut oil work well and are perfect alternatives. Massage a drop into each nail and cuticle before bed.
Xclusivstars UAE Recommendations
- Shiffa Sweetness Oil
- The Body Shop Almond Nail & Cuticle Oil
- DIY mix: Combine olive oil + a few drops of lavender for scent + vitamin E capsule.
Feed Your Nails from the Inside Out
DIY smoothie for your nails
If your nails are breaking faster than you can grow them, it could be your diet. Biotin, zinc, and vitamin E are crucial for nail health and should be included to your diet.
What to do:
- Add nuts (like almonds and walnuts), leafy greens (like spinach or kale), eggs, and salmon to your meals.
- Consider also a daily hair-skin-nails supplement to add to your routine.
For the Smoothie lovers, you can blend up a nail-loving drink:
- 1 banana
- Handful of spinach
- 1 tsp chia seeds
- 1 tbsp almond butter
- ½ cup oat milk
- A dash of cinnamon
The smoothie will make your skin and hair glow too. Win-win!
Conclusion
Let’s be real: We’re all busy. From handling careers to brunches, school runs to self-care — nails can sometimes feel like the last thing on the list. But they’re worth the effort. Not just because they look cute with your abaya or gold rings — but because they remind you to slow down and care for yourself in little ways.
So whether you’re at the salon or just chilling at home with Netflix and a nail file — remember, strong, healthy nails are never out of style. Let this be your sign to ditch the brittle and embrace the beauty of naturally yours nails — one easy step at a time.