Long healthy nails are often attributed to genetics and living a healthy lifestyle. Although many products claim to give you strong healthy nails, the secret is to pamper your nails and spend a little time grooming them each day. Also note that weak, brittle nails can be a symptom of a deficiency in your diet. Maintaining healthy eating habits, systematically grooming your nails and keeping your nails well hydrated will result in long healthy nails.
Step 1
Refrain from biting your nails. This is a bad habit that is destructive to your nails and often hard to break. If you find you have a difficult time kicking this habit, try using a nail biting cream such as Control-It or Nibble No More by Jessica Cosmetics (see Resources).
Step 2
Moisturize your nails often. This will keep them from becoming dry and brittle. For an inexpensive moisturizer, try castor oil or olive oil.
Step 3
Watch your diet. Eating food such as chicken, nuts and whole grains that contain zinc will promote healthier nails. The little white spots that some people have on their nails may be caused by a zinc deficiency.
Step 4
Trim nails often and straight across using clean sharp tools. Cutting nails straight across reduces the risk of ingrown nails. If you do suffer from an ingrown nail, do not rip it out. Instead, clean it thoroughly and apply an antibiotic each day until the nail has grown out and away from the cuticle.
Step 5
File in one direction. When filing your nails, no matter what shape you want, always file in one direction. Filing back and forth weakens the nail and makes it more prone to chipping and tearing.
Step 6
Prevent fungi and bacteria buildup by keeping your hands and nails clean and dry. If your nails are going to be emerged in water for long periods of time or if you like to work in the garden, consider investing in a great set of gloves.
Step 7
Avoid using acetone on your nails. Many nail polish removers contain acetone that can dry out and damage your nails. If you must use a product that contains acetone, hydrate your nails quickly afterward.
Step 8
Apply a thin clear coat of nail polish or nail hardener to increase nail strength and decrease splitting and cracking.
Things You'll Need
- Nail moisturizer
- Sharp nail cutting tool
- Nail file
- Gloves
- Clear nail polish or hardener
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