How to Get Healthy Nails

A gleaming, healthy nail will help extend a stumpy finger. And with less-stumpy fingers, you create a lovely hand, that can inspire you to accentuate your wrists and arms, which inevitably leads you to don that daring sleeveless number you've been dying to wear, which, lets face it, will eventually lead to world peace. Okay it probably won't, but you'll feel gorgeous. And that's a start.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Nails
• Castor oil
• Citrus
• Acetone-free remover

1. One common problem that accompanies frequent polish-abuse is yellow nails. You can either lay off the darks and reds for awhile or try this industry trick: Citrus! Rub a lemon or lime wedge onto your nails to refresh your natural nail color.
2. You know those hand/foot/body lotion kiosks in the mall? Forget 'em! None of those products have anything on the miracle cure that is castor oil. Castor oil can be picked up from your local CVS, Duane Reade or Walgreens and it costs, like $2.87. This stuff is utterly amazing for nails. Pour a blob onto a cotton ball and feel your cuticles dissolve into thin air--in a good way.
3. You probably already know this, but always use acetone-free nail polish. Acetone slowly strips your nail of its natural hardness, and will ultimately lead to ugly, brittle tips.
4. If you tend to be a "picker"--you know, always digging at a hang nail or picking at your polish--why not try being a "buffer" instead? You've now de-yellowed and softened your cuticles, so now buy one of those stumpy nail files with a silk-wrap on the other side. Create your beloved 'squoval' shape, and then buff, buff, buff your way to sheen and shine for days.
5. If the French polish is a bit too "done" looking for you, find your nearest pharmacy (or even Sephora) and search for a little white pencil used for coloring in the underside of the nail. This way, you get the illusion of the Frenchie, without the polish--so no upkeep. Couple this trick with the buffer, and you're in business.

Tips & Warnings

• Sally Hansen's nail products are all excellent. If buying a laxative (castor oil) to deal with you cuticles skeeves you out, Sally has a little tub of cuticle cream that is also fab.

Who Can Help: