Our nails have it rough. We bite them, we break them, we bend them, and we use them to perform all sorts of odd jobs that they weren't designed for. It's amazing that they don't look worse than they usually do. Which is why, at the end of the day, they deserve a little care and attention. It doesn't take much to transform them from grubby nubs to the elegant nails you have always wanted them to be, without having to get a professional manicure. Just once a week, look at your nails and think, "What can I do for you?"

First, there's nothing like a good scrubbing. Everyone should have a nail brush, to help keep grime and dirt out from under the fingernail. Not only is it not sanitary, but no matter how nicely tended your nails are otherwise, they will look terrible if there is visible gunk under your nails. Scrub them with some mild in warm water for immediate improvement. Scrubbing also removes any germs that might be resident under your nails.

Next, take a look at your cuticles. If they are overly long or have a weathered edge, they will obscure the fresh bases of your nails, making them look shorter than they are. Soak your hands in warm water for a couple of minutes to soften them up, and then gently push them back. Your nails will look longer, and healthier. This will give you nails not only a longer but also more delicate look.

Once you've taken care of your unruly cuticles, get out your nail trimmers and go to work. All of your nails should be cut to the same height, and be cut in the same shape. It might seem cruel to cut them all back when only one or two have broken, but it will look better overall- and they do grow back. When you've finished trimming, file the cut edges to a smooth surface, to avoid snagging and tearing.

If you have healthy nails, at this point you may chose to polish your nails in the color of your choice. If, on the other hand, your nails are prone splitting and flaking, you should probably stay away from polishes Both polishes and nail-polish removers can dry your nails out, contributing to breakage and splitting. Instead of painting your nails, you might consider buffing them. It gives your nails the same glow that a clear polish would, without weakening them. Buffing also beautifies the over all look of your hand.

Finally, and very importantly, don't bite! Biting your nails makes them look terrible no matter how faithfully you tend them. It leaves ragged edges to snag on clothing and tear, is bad for your teeth, and is unsanitary. So keep your fingers out of your mouth, and keep them healthy and beautiful.

Beautiful nails enhance the beauty of your hand, there is no point having soft and slender fingers when you have cracked or brown nails. Your nails need to be looked after just like any other part of your hand. You also need make sure that they are trimmed regularly and filed after they have been trimmed. As you can see from the tips above that maintaining your nails is not a difficult task. All you need to do is take out some time at least once a week to go through these tips and you will have excellent nails.