Natural Nail Tips

Natural, beautiful nails are not only desirable but are also a sign of healthy nails. When you gesture with your hands, other people notice whether you nails are neat and well-cared for. The Mayo Clinic says that healthy nails should be smooth, spot-free and even in color. Whether you are a man or a woman, there are certain things you can do to achieve healthy finger and toenails.

Nail Care

Keep your nails healthy by taking proper care of your nails. Never use your nails to pry open lids, slit tape on boxes or use your nails as a screwdriver. When you wash dishes or clean with chemical substances, wear rubber gloves to protect your nails. After you wash your hands, dry your nails thoroughly to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungus.

Trim and File

Trim and file your nails on a regular basis to keep snags and nicks to a minimum. Trim your nails straight across, use a good quality emery board, and never cut your cuticles. If you desire to shape your nails, do so in a gentle oval shape rather than filing the nails into points. Clean under your fingernails and toenails to avoid bacteria growth.

Watch for Problems

You may occasionally experience minor problems with your nails such as hangnails. Hangnails are dry pieces of skin often caused by lack of moisture to the skin around your nail. Remove hangnails by cutting off the dry skin piece with sharp nail scissors and applying an antibacterial lotion to the spot. If you notice white spots, red-brown lines that do not go away or persistent ingrown nails see your dermatologist. Warts, cysts or infections always warrant a visit to your dermatologist, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

Moisturize

To keep your nails smooth and strong, moisturize your hands and nails regularly. Rub the moisturizer into your nails and cuticles. If you use nail polish, choose polishes that contain hardeners to help prevent breakage. When you remove nail polish, avoid removers with the chemical acetone that can cause nails to become dry and brittle. You should avoid acrylic nails and instead take a few minutes each day for natural nail care.

Diet

Your diet influences the health of your nails. A publication from Columbia University recommends eating foods high in iron, calcium, zinc, protein, and taking a supplement that includes vitamins A, B and C. Vary your diet to include plenty of grains, beans, seeds and lean meats. A 1990 study by V.E. Colombo and colleagues which was published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that the participants who took biotin had nails that were thicker and less likely to break than the participants who did not, though more research is needed. Foods that contain biotin include eggs, yeast, milk and peanut butter.