Natural Nails

This evening a friend of mine popped up on Facebook and asked me if I could reccommend anything for  strong, healthy nails.

She's going to Uni to study nursing and isn't allowed any fake or painted nails so she needs her own nails to grow strong and look good natural.  I gave her a couple of products to try ....Sally Hansens 'Maximum Growth' Daily Nail Treatment, Rimmel Nail Rescue, and I even suggested that she try some vitamins for strong nail growth.

Here are a few tips for keeping nails in good condition, without forking out for any products.

1. Keep your nails hydrated.
Rubbing vaseline or castor oil or any creams rich in Vitamin E into your cuticles can help them stay in good condition. Failing that, just use some Olive Oil from the kitchen - it's great for moisturising your hands and nails.

2. File your nails properly.
Filing your nails in one direction instead of going back and forth can make alot of difference. Also, avoid filing your nails after a shower, because they are at their weakest when wet and will break more easily.

3. Polish Properly
Adding even a thin clear polish to your nails adds a bit of protection.  If you're painting your nails then apply a base coat, two coats of colour and a top coat.

4. Avoid Acetone.
If it isn't absolutely neccessary then try to avoid acetone completely - it strips the nails and makes them brittle.

5. Use a softer file.
Those old-style rough emery boards are too harsh for nails and can cause small cracks and breakages.