How to Make Your Nails Look Attractive

Stop biting, tearing, or scraping your nails! The first step to achieving strong nails is to quit nail-biting immediately. This is your chance to have the nails you've always wanted! Additionally, damaging your nails can allow bacteria and fungi to enter, leading to infections.

Clean your nails. Using a nail brush to clean your nails is a gentle way to remove dirt, dead skin, and bacteria from underneath them. This step is especially important if you frequently bite your nails. You can create a mixture of 2 tablespoons of sugar and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to exfoliate your hands, the skin around your nails, and your cuticles. This method will leave your hands clean, soft, and improve blood circulation.

Take biotin supplements. While there isn't extensive evidence proving that vitamin supplements improve nail strength, some studies suggest that biotin can help strengthen weak nails.

Moisturize your hands. Make it a habit to use moisturizing products that hydrate your nails, prevent hangnails, and keep your hands soft. Additionally, you can apply oils like coconut or olive oil around your cuticles to hydrate and moisturize, promoting faster nail growth.

Avoid cutting your cuticles. This often tears the healthy tissue around the nails, leading to unsightly results and potential infections.

Keep your nails dry. Excessive moisture can make nails brittle and prone to cracking; therefore, wear gloves when washing dishes and avoid prolonged exposure to water.

Wear gloves when using strong chemicals. Harsh cleaning agents like bleach and laundry detergents can weaken your nails.

If your nails are rough, you can apply a clear topcoat. This helps retain natural moisture. For very thin nails, consider using a nail hardener containing fibers for noticeable results.

Nurture your nails. Long, strong nails are always enviable. Keep in mind that growing your nails to the desired length may take several months.

• For a quick fix, try applying fake nails. While acrylic nails typically don't harm natural nails, avoid using unhygienic tools or applying them too close to the natural nail, as both can lead to infections.

Wash your hands with warm soapy water. Scrub for 30 seconds to ensure all nails are clean. Dry your nails thoroughly after washing.

Remove nail polish using cotton pads. Pour a small amount of nail polish remover onto cotton pads, enough to clean all the polish off your nails. For stubborn polish, use a cotton swab or wrap a bit of cotton around the blunt end of a cuticle pusher, dip it in remover, and gently tackle the tough spots.

• To maintain nail strength, opt for acetone-free nail polish remover (as acetone dries out nails) and limit use to once a week.

Clean your nails thoroughly. Inspect the condition of your nails. After removing the polish, you’ll notice dirt buildup underneath. Use a high-quality nail brush to clean it away. For stubborn grime, gently use a cuticle pusher to remove it.

Trim your nails evenly. Follow the natural curve of your fingertips when cutting. For many, rounded edges look more elegant than square ones, giving a softer, more refined appearance. Always trim nails before filing.

• If growing long nails, trim them to the same length to ensure even growth.
• While fingernails should be slightly rounded, remember to cut toenails straight across to prevent ingrown nails.

File nails with a fine-grit nail file. Like sandpaper for furniture, nail files come in different textures; for natural nails, use a fine-grit file. Gently move the file along the nail edge in one direction to avoid splitting or breaking.

• Remember to clean off any dust left after filing.

Apply a thin layer of clear nail hardener. Many high-quality nail hardeners are available to help keep your nails strong and resilient.

Once the nails are dry, apply a layer of colored polish. Hold the brush steadily and paint each nail individually, starting from one side and covering the entire nail with 3 or 4 strokes. Paint one hand at a time to avoid smudging. If polish gets on your skin, use nail polish remover to clean it up.

• Avoid the mistake of applying thick layers. For a professional and polished look, apply thin, even coats; thick layers take longer to dry, risk chipping, and can create uneven surfaces.
• If you’re fidgety, paint one nail at a time. Once it’s completely dry, move to the next. This way, if something goes wrong, only one nail is affected instead of all.

After the nails are dry, apply a second coat of colored polish (if desired). You can reapply the same color or use a different one to create a unique shade.

Once the polish is fully dry, apply a clear topcoat. This acts as a protective layer for the colored polish, which is prone to chipping.

• When removing nail polish, wait at least 3 days after painting.
• Moisturize your nails by applying a small amount of olive oil.

• Avoid using nail polish and harsh chemicals.

• Nail clippers or file
• Cotton pads or swabs
• Nail polish (including base and top coats)
• Hand moisturizer
• Hand soap
• Gloves
• Biotin supplements (optional)
• Nail polish remover