Tips for longer and stronger nails

We tell you how to grow nails longer and stronger

Every one desires healthy, well groomed nails. However, sometimes that can be a tricky thing if you don't know how to take care of your nails. Keep in mind these simple things to make your nails healthy and in shape...

- You are waiting for your turn with the dentist and have nothing to do so you start picking nd peeling the polish off your nails? Better leave that nail alone. You are peeling off the top-most layer of your nail leaving it dry and brittle.

- So you are one of those OCD-afflicted people who have to wash their hand every five minutes? Get over your OCD. And if you can't, at least, slather a moisturising hand cream after every wash.

- Have you been chewing your nails endlessly when the strss gets too much to handle? Try smearing neem oil on your nails and cuticles. Besides being anti-fungal and rotecting your nails from infections, it tastes repulsive. Hopefully, this should be the end to your nail-biting saga.

- Moisturise your hands and nails with a special hand moisturiser every night before you go to bed. Alternatively you can also soak your hands in warm water after adding a few drops of oil to it. This helps strengthen your cuticles.

- Most women tend do the dishes without putting on gloves. This is one of the main culprits for flaky hands and brittle nails. Dishwashing bars and liquid soap contain harsh chemicals (like bleach) that will harm your skin and nails. Invest in a pair of rubber gloves and protect yourself.

- While applying nail polish regularly is fine, applying it all the time is a strict no-no. Over a period of time, the dark colours that you use on your nails will leave them looking yellow and old.

- If you already suffer from this problem, soak your nails in a mixture of warm water and lemon juice after removing your nail polish.

- Another way to keep your nails healthy is to take care of your cuticles every day. make sure to moisturise them regularly and never make the mistake of cutting them. Instead push them back with an orange stick or a cuticle pusher.

- Don't forget to file your nails every few days to keep the edges smooth and to prevent cracks. Use a gentle file and move it in one direction continuously instead of back and forth.