Fingernail Care

... for Healthy Strong Nails

Do your hands need fingernail care? Do you ever hide your hands from embarrassment? Hide no more! Follow the simple tips below and you'll be showing your pretty nails in no time.

Nail Care Tips

• Protect your nails by wearing gloves while doing household chores or gardening.
• Massage jojoba or olive oil into nails after your bath or shower. Pay particular attention to cuticles.
• File nails in one direction only. A back and forth motion is hard on nails. Use a soft emery board rather than a metal file. Keep brittle nails short until they strengthen.
• Apply a moisturizer to hands and nails several times a day, especially after exposure to water.

If you wear nail polish...

• Avoid products with formaldehyde, phthalates, or toluene. Use a non-acetone polish remover. Always moisturize after removing polish.

Natural Nail Care Treatments

White Glove Treatment

This is great for extra dry nails and hands. First, apply a thick moisturizer to hands and nails just before bed. Try Un-Petroleum Jelly by Alba. This natural alternative to Petroleum Jelly contains no petrolatum. Next, slip on a pair of white cotton gloves (white cotton socks are an alternative).

In the morning, voilà... soft, beautiful hands!

Olive Oil Soak

Another simple, yet effective treatment is to soak nails in a small dish of warm olive oil. The addition of two tablespoons of lemon juice will lighten stained nails.

(Note: if you have any cuts or hangnails, skip the lemon juice. It will burn... ouch!).

Soak nails in the olive oil for 15-20 minutes. Do this at least once a week. Read more about olive oil skin care.

Cute Cuticles

Cuticle care is particularly important for the health of your nails and your body. The cuticle forms a seal that protects against fungus and bacteria.

Once a week, after soaking your nails, give your cuticles a little love. Use an orange-wood stick to very GENTLY push the cuticle back (never use metal). Move the stick in small circles. Wipe away dead skin with a cotton ball. Finish by applying a moisturizer.

Fingernail care is simple. Moisturize daily, care for cuticles and soak in warm oil weekly, and wear protection... the natural prescription for strong, beautiful nails!

(Note: Brittle nails can be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as anemia. If your nails do not improve significantly with care, consult your health care provider.)