How to Maintain Healthy Fingernails

In this article you will learn tips on maintaining healthy finger nails, but before we get into all of that what do healthy finger nails look like? Healthy fingernails are strong with a slight flexibility, when you press down on the end of the nail you should be able to bend it, the nail should be firm but not difficult to press.

A sign that your nails are brittle is if they break easily. If you have brittle nails it is advisable that you trim them back so that they can grow back strong and healthy.

It is important that you do not bite your fingernails, not only is the bad for the nail, nail bed and cuticles it is also bad for your health.

Drink plenty of water your skin and nails will thank you for it. Increase your calcium intake, this will help to care for your nails as well as your bones. Supplement your dietary needs with a good muliti-vitamine

Regular use a hand lotion and cuticle cream/oil, this helps to keep your hands and nails in good condition.

When you are using harsh chemicals it is important that you wear gloves to protect your hands and nails from drying out and being affected by the chemicals.

This may be obvious but it needs to be said, if you want healthy fingernails then you will need to keep them clean. Using a nail brush scrub your hands at least daily with anti-bacterial hand wash. The reason we scrub out fingernails is to prevent the spread of germs and decrease the risk of infections. Also this is important because the cuticle can absorb germs.

The length of your nails will obviously depend on your job, however as a general rule it is advisable that they be left at a reasonable length, they are less likely to catch on everything and are more practical in your day-to-day life, especially if you are on a computer keyboard all day or you are changing nappies.

Take care when you are filing your nails and be gentle. Use an emery board rather than a metal nail file, as the metal file can damage your nails. When filing your nails use a gently one way stroke this will also prevent damage to your nails.

If you buff your nails do so gently and not everyday as you do not want to strip the top layer of your skin. It is advisable to buff your nails at the most two or three times a week. The moderate buffing will over time improve the health of your nails as well as maintaining them.