Fingernail care: Do's and don'ts

To keep your fingernails looking their best:

Keep fingernails dry and clean. 

• This prevents bacteria from growing under your fingernails. Repeated or prolonged contact with water can contribute tosplit fingernails. Wear cotton-lined elastic gloves when washing dishes, cleaning or utilizing unforgiving chemicals.

• Practice good nail hygiene.

• Wear cotton-lined elastic gloves when washing dishes, cleaning or utilizing unforgiving chemicals.Use moisturizer. When you use hand lotion, rub the lotion into your fingernails and cuticles, too.

·         Apply a protective layer.

 Applying a nail hardener might help strengthen nails.

·         Ask your doctor about biotin. Some research suggests that the nutritional supplement biotin might help strengthen weak or brittle fingernails.