How to Promote Natural Healthy Nails
- 1). Provide nutrition for your nails. Biotin supplements can help strengthen and thicken the nails. Eat foods that contain biotin, such as cauliflower or peanuts and lentils. Use omega 3 fatty acids to help nails stay strong and prevent splitting. You can get omega 3 fatty acids in almonds and walnuts.
- 2). Trim nails every week to keep the length short. This will reduce the chances of your nails cracking or splitting. Trim nails straight across. Use a sharp nail scissor or nail clipper. File the edges with an emery board.
- 3). Use rubber gloves when your hands will be in water for long periods, such as washing dishes. The water can dry the nails out and lead to cracking and splitting.
- 4). Take proper care of hangnails and cuticles. Clip hangnails with a nail clipper. Never bite them off, because this can rip the skin and lead to an infection. Don't pick at cuticles or trim them. These things can damage the nail bed and lead to an infection.
- 5). Keep nails clean by washing them with soap and water. This will reduce the chances of bacteria growing under the nails, states the Mayo Clinic. Dry the nails completely and apply moisturizer to keep the nails from becoming brittle.