How to Take Care of Your Nails Properly

Take a quick peek at your finger nails. Are you proud of their appearance? Most of us have don't have much time to spare, but it is essential that you learn to properly care for your fingernails. One of the first things that people notice about you is your fingernails. The condition of your nails conveys information before you speak a word. Healthy and well-trimmed nails can help you make the best impression possible.

Things You'll Need

• Cotton pad Cotton ball Nail polish remover Fingernail clipper Emery board Bath oil Essential oil Cuticle cream Cuticle nipper Buffer Cuticle oil Nail polish

Instructions

1. Remove old polish with a cotton pad moistened with non-acetone nail polish remover. Avoid using nail polish remover more than once a week because it can dry the skin around your nails and it can cause splitting.

2. Wash hands thoroughly to remove residue from nail polish remover and hand lotions.

3. Use a fingernail clipper if you need to trim your nails. Make a clean cut straight across the nail. Shape your nails with an emery board. Hold the emery board at a 45 degree angle using your thumb, index finger and middle finger. Gently file each side of the nail going in one direction until it takes the shape that you desire.

4. Add a few drops of bath oil or your favorite essential oil into a small bowl of water. Soak your hands for about 5 minutes to soften your cuticles, or apply a dab of cuticle cream on the middle of your cuticle line. Rub the cuticle cream along the cuticle line. Use a damp orangewood stick to gently push back your cuticles. Use a cuticle nipper to remove hang nails. Wipe the nail with a cotton ball or pad. Avoid pulling on hangnails. Rinse and dry hands completely.

5. Buff your nail with a buffer if your nails aren't smooth and have ridges. Use the roughest side of the buffer and buff from the base of your nail to the tip using a gentle side-to-side motion. Use the smooth side of your buffer to polish nails until they are shiny. Be gentle as you buff your nails because buffing too aggressively can split or chip your nail. Skip buffing if you intend to use nail polish and your nails are smooth. Massage cuticle oil into the cuticle line after you have finished buffing all of your nails. Wash your hands to remove traces of cuticle oil and dead skin cells.

6. Apply one coat of nail polish if desired. Allow it to dry completely. Apply a second coat if the first coat is too thin or to achieve a darker color.