Having pretty fingernails is not luck of the draw. A healthy person can have healthy fingernails.
1st…
If that’s your goal, the first step is to understand what you are aspiring to. Healthy nails should be smooth, equally thick all the way around and have a uniform color. They should also have a consistent texture and be without ridges or grooves.
2nd…
The second step is to realize that your fingernails need to be cared for in much the same manner as your skin. You need to begin with the proper building blocks, which you obtain through a healthy and balanced diet.
3rd…
Then, you need to make moisture a priority. For the best results, you need to moisturize your nails and your cuticles daily. When you are applying cream or oil, do so with massaging motions. This will help to promote blood flow and thereby healthier nails.
4th…
Make sure to protect your fingertips. Do not use your nails as tools since this can lead to damage and cause injuries that can serve as breeding grounds for infection or that can result in scarred tissue. Also, dry your nails and cuticles completely after washing your hands and wear gloves when washing dishes or using chemicals.
Correcting Nail Damage
But, what if, due to improper care in the past, your nails or cuticles are dry and damaged? The good news is that you will likely be able to restore them to optimal condition. the not-so-great news is that it will likely take some time, perhaps months, depending on the extent of the damage.
Dry Nails: For dryness, splitting and cracking, moisturize your fingertips at night and then sleep with gloves on. Look for a moisturizer that has ingredients such as urea, phospholipids or lactic acid. These are humectants and they will help the nails and cuticles attract and retain moisture, which can help to prevent cracking and splitting. Sleeping with gloves on is a good practice to continue even after you see improvement.