Nails reflect our overall health, which is why you should keep an eye on them and give them the proper nail care and maintenance.

Fingernails are composed of keratin –laminate layers of protein– and grow from the base area under your cuticle. And, as it happens with other body parts, some external factors, such as cold weather, can also be hard on your nails and make them extra brittle and weak. If you experience other conditions like swelling or pain, you should see your dermatologist since this could be a sign of a serious problem related to your health.

WHAT IS NORMAL AND WHAT IS NOT

Healthy fingernails are smooth without grooves and are uniform in color and consistency. They are free of discoloration and spots. Sometimes you still can develop white lines/spots due to injury, but they eventually grow out with the nail.

Fingernails can also develop vertical ridges that run from the cuticle to the tip of the nail, but they are harmless and can stay as you get older.

If you notice any of the following abnormalities on your fingernails, contact your doctor:

• Changes in nail color, such as a dark streak under the nail.
• Changes in nail shape (curled nails)
• Thinning or thickening of the nails
• Swelling, pain, or bleeding around the nails
• Other signs of unhealthy nails are brittle or peeling nails, yellowish color, uneven textured or thickened nails, white spots (leukonychia).

To have stronger and healthier nails – you mostly just require time and simple lifestyle habits like a well-balanced diet, the proper beauty regimen, and personal hygiene. Here are some ideas to get on your way to beautiful nails and hands.

6 TIPS TO TAKE BETTER CARE OF YOUR NAILS

1. DO'S AND DON'TS

Keeping your hands dry and clean prevents bacteria from growing under your nails. Also, repeated or prolonged contact with water –or saliva- can lead to split fingers.

Biting your nails can damage the nail bed and allow bacteria to enter and cause an infection.

2. MOISTURIZE YOUR HANDS AND NAILS

While dry and brittle nails can result from many factors, moisture can improve the health of your nails. Dr. Michele Green, MD, says, “just as you put in a leave-in hair conditioner, you should also condition your cuticles to promote healthy growing nails.”

Moisturize your nails with natural products like this Dry Oil. Rub a few drops into your nails and cuticles and massage them for 3 minutes for best results. Healthy cuticles serve as a protective barrier to your skin and nails from bacteria, so it’s best to avoid cutting and biting them.

3. TRIM YOUR NAILS REGULARLY

If you battle with brittle nails and frequent breakage, it’s smart to keep your nails clipped short until they regain strength so then they’ll have the foundation they need to grow. Cut them using a nail clipper first in a straight line and square or round them at the tips using a nail file.

Keeping your nails short will minimize the risk of trauma and injury. If they are too thick and difficult to cut, soak them in warm salt water for 5 to 10 minutes before using the nail clipper.

4. TAKE CARE OF YOUR CUTICLES

This is the #1 rule for healthy nails: leave your cuticles alone. Messing with them can make your nails vulnerable and at risk of infection. Cuticles are meant to protect your nails from bacteria, so don’t cut them. Instead, moisten them and use a cuticle pusher but make sure to trim away only dead pieces of skin.

5. RETHINK YOUR PRODUCTS AND TOOLS

Instead of using the regular emery boards, use glass or crystal nail files. Emery boards create microscopic tears in the nail that leads to splitting.

Even though acetone is the easiest and fastest way to remove nail polish, it can dry out your nails. Look for a non-aggressive acetone-free formula with nourishing ingredients that help to protect your nails.

Remember to always disinfect and replace nail tools. Nail clippers and cuticle pushers should be cleaned with soap and water, then sterilized with rubbing alcohol; nail buffers, files, and pumice stones should be replaced every couple of months.

6. MAINTENANCE IS KEY

Be gentle with your nails: ripping off the polish can strip your nails’ protective layers, causing them to weaken. Also, when filing your nails, be sure to only do it in one direction because a harsh back-and-forth motion could cause further damage.

Avoid keeping your nail polish on for too long. This causes stains, chipped nails, ruins the nails’ texture, and makes your nails excessively dry. As soon as the color loses its shine, soak a cotton pad with an acetone-free remover to get rid of the paint.

As you can see, you don’t need a lot of money to get your nails done and keep them healthy. With these tips, your hands will look salon worthy. Healthy habits and patience really pay off in nail care.