Your fingernails say a lot about you---nail problems such as discoloration, pitting or curled nails can indicate a vitamin deficiency or even the beginnings of a more serious health condition. A healthy nail should appear smooth and be free of ridges or grooves, and should not be affected by everyday activities such as typing. If your nails appear less than healthy, make sure you are doing the right things to keep them strong and healthy.
Step 1
Moisturize your nails in the morning and evening before bed with petroleum jelly or lotion. The skin-colored portions of your nails are actually living cells that require moisture, just as your skin does.
Step 2
Keep your nails short and squared, with a slightly round tip. This is considered the ideal shape to prevent cracking and damage. If your nails have a tendency to crack when you are clipping them, you should cut them after a bath or shower when they are moist.
Step 3
Refrain from pulling or tearing hangnails, which can result in pulling away living tissue. Instead, clip off hangnails, leaving them at a slightly outward angle.
Step 4
Use rubber gloves when washing dishes or performing any activity that requires soaking your hands in warm water. This prevents drying and cracking of the nails. Be sure to thoroughly dry your hands and feet after completing any water-based activity.
Step 5
Avoid using acetone-containing nail polish removers, which may be excessively drying to nails.
Step 6
Take a daily supplement that contains 2.5mg of biotin. Biotin is a B vitamin that is made from the substance keratin, which makes up the human nail. Taking this supplement has been linked to enhanced nail growth and thickness.
Step 7
Polish your nails weekly to trap moisture in and keep them strong. However, remove and re-paint your polish (even if it is clear) at least once per week. If you do not like a polished look, use a nail hardener instead, which is applied like a polish, but works to keep nails strong.
Things You'll Need
- Nail polish or nail strengthener
- Moisturizer (petroleum jelly or lotion)
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