How can I take care of my nails without using polish?

Exposure to water (frequent hand washing, doing dishes, etc.) will dry out nails and cause brittleness (peeling, breaking, splitting). The water rinses away natural oils and the nail absorbs some water causing the nail layers to expand. As the water evaporates, the nail layers contract leading to peeling, etc. (like paint exposed to the elements)





My nails used to peel constantly so I stopped using a nail clipper and only use a nail file to shape and shorten them. I also started protecting my nails with thicker moisturizers.





I read somewhere that nail clippers can cause the layers of the nail to separate and filing is the best way to go.





I started with Revlon's disposable files made for weak nails. File in one direction only. Start on one side and file towards the middle, then go to the other side and file towards the middle of your nail. Smooth the nail into a squoval that mirrors you cuticle or the shape of the white part of your nail bed.





Finish the edges of the nail with a hindo stone, a smooth ceramic/stone nail file or the finest grit nail file you can find. You want to make the edges really smooth.





Revlon makes a tool that should work. It is a pink half moon shape and you can run it under/across the nail from side to middle.





(I have an old hindo stone but haven't been able to find a replacement at a local store. The Revlon tool might be easier for you to find.)





Also, avoid using metal nail files. I recommend using disposable nail files and changing them frequently. The fresher the grit, the less the drag which leads to tearing and peeling.





Some people swear by glass nail files but they can shatter if dropped.





I also use a cuticle balm or nail oil to moisturize my nails and protect them from water since I wash my hands frequently.


(ex. Solar Oil, OPI Avoplex)





Vit E oil, jojoba oil, Aquaphor Healing Ointment, Vaseline or plain Chapstick will work too.





Avoid products w/ formaldehyde or toluene, they are very hard on nails.





Here's a link to video demonstrating the correct way to file %26amp; buff your nails: http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-file鈥?/a>How can I take care of my nails without using polish?
I like to use a nail buffer, it cleans and shines the nail surface without polish. It looks like a typical nail file, but you rub it over the surface of your nails. The longer you polish, the higher the shine.


You can buy a nail buffer at any drugstore or beauty supply chain.How can I take care of my nails without using polish?
Eat a healthy diet. File in one direction only (no see-sawing). Wear gloves when working with cleaning products or doing gardening. Massage skin right at the base of your nails everytime you think of it, lotion helps, this is where the new nail is forming and massage helps. Do not use your nails as 'tools'.
you can moisturize your cuticles with warm olive oil or vitamin e, and you can buff them to a high shine if you want to
Neutrogena makes a product that is like a marker that you brush on your nails. It dries quickly and is clear, but gives your nails some vitamins they need to stay strong.
There is a kit I bought in the mall from one of those cart vendors who was selling dead sea products. It has a black buffer about two inches square, three sides have a different grade of a type of sandpaper, one side has a buffer. You work from 1-4 of the sides on each nail, by the end the nails are pink and have a very high gloss which lasts about a week. The exercise stregthens the nails by drawing the blood supply. Also contains a bottle of oil which stregthens the nails and makes them shiney and grow well.
i get baby oil pour it in a bowl and put my hand in then i get water and put my hand in then i get something to wipe all the water.Then i might get clear nail polish every friday untill u feel it smooth and in good heath oh and don't forget to get something to clear inside your nails and if u use nail polish u can stop bitting your nails that why my nails r sooooooooooo smooth and soft try it i will help your skin and nails.
Need more info.


What is it you are trying to improve/change?





One thing you can do is mix together 2 tbsp sugar, 1/2 cup vegetable oil and some lemon or orange zest (shredded rind). Scrub hands well and rinse under warm water, pat dry. Very moisturizing, especailly if you use olive, sunflower or grapeseed oil.


Are your nails, cracked, peeling? You might be exposing them to water or cleaning chemicals and stripping them of any healthy lipids.


But I can't give you a specific answer till I know more.
Use a good cuticle oil and push your cuticles back. I've found that glass nail files work really well to shape your nail without any snags. Invest in a good nail buffer. It will keep your nails looking healthy without polish.
There's always clear polish, and french manicures.





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