Overview
Nails do a lot for us in daily life. They help scratch itches, peel off stickers, pick up tiny items and grip onto objects that our fingers can’t hold alone. Nails that are unhealthy may break or split when trying to do any of these things, making tasks more difficult. Healthy nails also signify overall health, since nail problems can come from nutritional problems. Beautiful, healthy nails require maintenance and healthy habits to get and keep them that way.
Step 1
Keep your nails dry. Prolonged exposure to water or wetness can cause nail weakness or fungus. Use rubber gloves when you do dishes, and towel dry fingernails within a few minutes of getting them wet. Pat them for two minutes to make sure you get all the water off so it won’t sit and stagnate on the nails. Use cotton socks and make sure your shoes are dry before wearing them, since warm and wet conditions can lead to fungal growth on your toenails.
Step 2
Moisturize. Thick lotion creams are best for properly moisturizing nails. Other options to keep nails hydrated include petroleum jelly, castor oil or olive oil. Rub the cream, jelly or oil into your nails, massaging to help it penetrate. Use them daily to make sure that your nails don’t dry out from hand washing, weather elements or exposure to pollution.
Step 3
Polish. Nail polish strengthens your nails and serves as a barrier against harsh elements that cause nail damage. If you don’t want flashy nails, skip the color and use a clear coat of polish. Nail hardener provides extra strength when used as a base layer or as nail polish on its own.
Step 4
File your nails. Cut and file the top of your toenails flat (square) across to prevent ingrown nails. For both toe and fingernails, make sure to file in one direction only–not back and forth–to avoid splitting your nails. Don’t share or use other people’s nail files; fungus can stay on the file and spread from person to person.
Step 5
Avoid harsh chemicals. Nail polish removers that contain formaldehyde or acetone dry out nails, leaving them brittle and susceptible to breakage. Check the ingredients on your polish remover; if it contains any of these harsh chemicals, replace it with a gentler alternative.
Step 6
Use supplements. Take 300 micrograms of biotin–a B vitamin–taken four to six times a day to strengthen nails. The keratin from biotin is an important part of building healthy, strong nails.
About this Author
Katie Duzan is an accomplished writer who lives in Cary, N.C. She has been a writer since 2006. She has published a variety of articles on websites such as eHow, LIVESTRONG and Overstock.com. Duzan holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration and computer information systems from the University of Arkansas.
