Basic Nail Treatment

Healthy Nails
In addition to keeping your nails health, effective nail care starts from the inside out. Drinking enough of water and consuming a healthy diet containing the right amounts of protein and calcium can help further strong and healthy nails.
A substance called biotin, available as a dietetic supplement in health food and nutrition stores, is believed to contribute to healthy nails. Vitamin E is also believed to boost strong nails and hair.
To facilitate stimulate blood flow to the nail bed, massage your nails with hand cream or massage oil. Keep nails at a reasonable length to keep them from getting caught and tearing.
Dealing with Torn or Broken Nails
If your nails does get injured or broken, you can often simply clip the nail, file it smooth, and let it to regrow. If it is seriously broken and will be painful, most nail salons will repair the nail for a minimum fee. Alternately, there are over the counter nail products, such as Orly Nail Rescue, that can be used at home to repair the nail.

Basic Nail Care
Basic nail care includes cleaning, trimming, filing, and buffing your nails. You can either do these treatment at home, or visit a nail salon. There is no set rule for how often to manicure your nails, but in general it should not be done more than once per week.

Cleaning
To clean under and around your nails, use a nail brush with natural boar or plastic bristles with a gentle soap and water. The bristles should be firm enough to remove dirt and debris, but will not too stiff to be harsh on the skin around the nails.
Soak nails for a few minutes in a bowl of warm water to loosen the dirt, and then gently remove with the nail brush.

Trimming
Trimming nails can keep them looking clean and at a manageable length. Choose a nail length that's suitable for you -- for most women, active and medium lengths work best. To trim long nails, use a pair of sharp nail clippers and clip nails straight across.

Filing
Filing is an important part of nail care. It smoothes and forms nail tips to keep them looking beautiful. Filing can also remedy small snags and rips in a nail to keep a nail from further tearing. For best results, use a fine grade wooden nail file or emery board. File in one direction and avoid filing down the sides of nails.

Buffing
Buffing nails encourages blood flow to the nail bed and creates a smooth, shiny, and healthy looking nail surface. Use a fine buffer rather than a coarse buffer on nails. Buffing can be done on bare nails or over polish, but use care over bare nails. Buff gently and down in one direction.

Cuticle Care
Another important part of nail care is right cuticle treatment. Soften and moisturize cuticles with hand cream, lotion, or cuticle softener or oil. Use an orangewood or birchwood stick to gently push back cuticles. Take care not to push the cuticle back too far.

Nail Polish
Nail polish may not be an essential, but it plays an significant part in the world of nail care. In addition to acting as an accessory and fashion statement for your nails, polish can also benefit your nails by providing a protective layer against water and other agents.

Whether you go with a clear or natural looking polish or a bright red or eye catching blue, polish can also help give nails a clean, crisp, finished look.