Part of routine grooming is taking good care of your nails. Healthy nails help protect the fingertips and toe tips from injuries. They can also help improve the sensitivity of your fingers whenever you touch an object. There are many things you can do to help make sure that your nails stay in tiptop shape.

Likewise, there are things you should avoid to help maintain the integrity of the nails. Here are the dos and don’ts for ensuring healthy nails.

The Do’s of Nail Care

If you want to keep your fingernails and toenails as healthy as possible, you should observe the following.

Keep Them Clean and Dry

Keeping your nails clean will help prevent the accumulation of dirt and bacteria under the nails. Soaking your fingers and toes in water can also soften the nails. This makes them more prone to damage and fungal infection. If they get wet, make sure to dry them completely.

Always Observe Good Hygiene

Learn how to clip your nails the correct way. Use a nail clipper to keep your nails short and prevent them from accumulating dirt. Avoid fancy cuts. It is best to trim the nails across before rounding off the tips. Do this at least once a week for best results.

Consider Applying a Nail Hardener

There are products on the market that can help you have stronger nails. You can ask your doctor about these products before applying them.

Apply Moisturiser

Keratin makes up the majority of the cells in nails. These require adequate hydration for them to grow strong. When you moisturise your hands, make sure to include the cuticles and the nails to promote better nail health.

Consider Taking Biotin

Several researches suggest that taking biotin can help address brittle or weak nails. Before you take such a nutritional supplement, it is best to consult your doctor.

The Don’ts of Nail Care

The following can help prevent damage to your nails:

Refrain from Cutting Your Cuticles or Biting Your Nails

These habits are a big no-no when it comes to proper nail care. They can damage the tissues that make up the nail bed. Minor cuts on the cuticles can also create a passageway for bacteria to enter. The nail cuticle is your fingertips’ best defence against bacteria and fungi. Removing them can expose you to infections.

Do Not Use Nail Care Products with Harsh Ingredients

Some of us may choose to apply nail care products ourselves. In such cases, it is best to avoid nail care products that contain harsh chemicals. This is also true in the use of emery boards. Avoid using very rough emery boards as they can also damage the nails.

Limit Your Trips to the Manicurist or Pedicurist

There are studies that show people who frequently obtain manicures and pedicures are at an increased risk of brittle nails. Others also suffer from localised infections of the nail beds. The issue here is the use of very harsh nail care products. If you have to have your manicure or pedicure, make sure to get it from a licensed beauty salon or better yet, learn DIY manicure and pedicure.

Observing these do’s and don’ts can help you promote and maintain the health of your nails plus it can give you beautiful nails as well.

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Nicola is always on the lookout for the best beauty tools and skincare products. She believes in "prevention is better than cure" so she is always trying to perfect her beauty routine to avoid premature aging. Fun fact about Nicola: She owns a lot of sunscreens as she carries a mini sunscreen in each of her handbags and backpacks.