How to keep your nails healthy

Step 1:

 Remove nail varnish. Take off any nail varnish you're wearing or some that has been left from last time. To keep your nails healthy you must let them breathe for a bit. So avoid nail varnish. Sometimes people have a layer of nail varnish on top of another colour -- this is extremely bad for your nails! Your nails aren't going to have the air and freedom they need. If you continually paint your nails they will turn a yellowy colour. This makes them unattractive and unhealthy. So clear off all nail varnish and bacteria from your nails! Never ever use an acetone-based or formaldehyde-based nail-polish remover. Rather, stick to a remover that has acetate in it.

 Step 2:

Trim your nails. Ragged and chipped edges will promote breakage, so try to keep them even. Doing this will prevent your nails from tearing and becoming unhealthy. Avoid nail clippers and opt for nail scissors, as clippers can damage the nail further.

Step 3:

Shape your nails with a filer. You've finished clearing off all the nail varnish and cut your nails, now it's time to file your nails. Filing your nails is good because it gives your nails an even shape and will make them appear stronger. If you want your nails shaped, hard, and healthy - file them. While filing your nails, make sure to go in one direction only. Do not move the filer in a back-and-forth motion, as this makes nails brittle. Do not file you nails just after you have had a shower or have washed your hands. This is because wet nails tend to break easily.

Step 4:

Wash your hands regularly. Washing your hands is good for your nails, especially after eating food which gets stuck under your nails. By washing your hands you can also clean all the bacteria off your nails.

Step 5:

 Give your nails a little treatment. If you have cuticle oil, use that. If you don't have cuticle oil you should use a normal hand cream. Rub any of these products around your nail until it absorbs into the skin.

Step 6:

Quit the tempting habits and move on. If you're really tempted to bite your nails, you must stop. If you want healthy looking nails keep your hands away from your mouth and wait for a week or so without biting your nails; you'll see a big difference! If it's a very strong habit, try sitting on your hands when you're tempted! You can also put an icky-tasting sauce on your fingernails until you stop the habit. It may sound silly but it's a good way of preventing your hands from entering your mouth.

Step 7:

 Moisturize your hands and nails. Moisturize in the morning and before sleeping. It keeps your nails hydrated and leaves your cuticles looking soft. You can use body lotion, hand cream, or cuticle oil. Stay away from fragrances and petroleum products (they do more harm than good)

Step 8:

 Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and fresh fruit juices. This will help keep your body, and also your nails, well hydrated. Carrot juice is rich in calcium and phosphorus and helps strengthen your nails. Try to consume as much fresh carrot juice as is possible for you.

Step 9:

 Finished.