How to Groom Long Fingernails

Long nails may be eye-catching, but they look good only when they're properly groomed. If you're committed to having long fingernails, keep them in top shape with regular care and be ready to lose them when they're no longer healthy.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Emery board
• Lotion
• Nail polish
• Nail glue
• Buffing block or disc
• Manicure scissors

1. Choose a manageable length. It's hard to groom or even function with especially long nails, no matter what your profession. You should still be able to complete everyday tasks without difficulty when you have long nails.

2. Perform regular nail maintenance. Whenever you wash your hands, clean under your fingernails. File your nails weekly. Rather than sawing the emery board back and forth, which can cause splits in your nails, move it in one direction from the edge of your nail to the center.

3. Massage lotion around your long fingernails every time you wash your hands. The lotion keeps your cuticles and nails flexible. You can prevent hangnails if your fingers and nails are moisturized.

4. Check your nails for snags or rough spots, catching them before they become splits. Use an emery board to clean the snags. If your nail does split and filing would dramatically affect its shape, use clear nail polish or nail glue to repair the split.

5. Keep your manicure in good shape, from your polish to your cuticles. If your polish chips, touch up your manicure or remove the polish. If you prefer the natural look, make sure your fingernails are well-shaped and buffed.

6. Trim your long fingernails with manicure scissors if they're uneven or unhealthy. The nail completely regenerates itself within 6 months.

Tips & Warnings

• Nail polish remover dries your nails out, so use it infrequently.