How to Have Healthy Nails

Healthy nails should have a light pink color and an even appearance. But when they change in texture and tone, it may indicate vitamin and nutrient deficiencies. Here are some easy tips to maintaining healthy nails.

Things You'll Need

• Nail file
• Acetone-free polish remover
• Lotion
• Zinc

Instructions

1. Trim your nails regularly keeping them short to avoid breaking. Use a nail filer to soften rough edges after trimming. Move the filer from the sides to the center in the same direction. Back and forth movement will cause the nail to crack.

2. Allow the nails to breathe by avoiding nail polish once every two weeks. The strong toxic chemicals in the polish can leave the nails unhealthy and discolored over time.

3. Reduce the usage of artificial nails as the glue and chemicals destroy underlying nail bed and cuticles. Excessive usage can also lead to fungal infection.

4. Remove nail polish using a remover that does not contain acetone. Acetone interferes with the natural oil balance in the nails and dries them. While removing the nail polish, rub from the base toward the tip to prevent accumulation of polish under the cuticle.

5. Moisturize your nails every time you wash your hands and feet. When you apply lotion to your hands, remember to rub some into your nails.

6. Take zinc supplements or food rich in zinc such as whole wheat, oatmeal, spinach, peas and dairy products. The appearance of white spots on your nails indicates zinc deficiency.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not pick or bite at your cuticles. This will expose your nail bed and allow fungi and bacteria to enter and cause infection.