Content

• Method 2 of 3: Cleaning your nails
• Method 3 of 3: Grooming your nails
• Warnings

1 Don't bite or chew your nails. This will not only ruin the look of your nails, but also drive bacteria and saliva into the nail bed. This will cause dirt and other debris to build up under your nails and make them look dirty. Nail biting can cause infection in the cuticles and the skin around the nails.

• If you are very tempted to bite your nails, trim them so that you cannot reach them.

2 Wear gloves if you risk getting dirty. Wear gloves every time you dig, clean, or wash dishes. This will protect your nails from dirt and prevent soapy water from harming them.

• Durable gloves are available at most grocery stores. You can also buy a box of disposable latex or latex-free gloves.

3 Brush your nails with a bar of soap. Gloves may not always work when working with difficult-to-clean materials such as ink or potting mix. In this case, protect the area under your nails by rubbing them against a bar of soap. The cleaning agent will penetrate the nail bed, blocking the path of dirt and other debris.

• If the soap is not soft enough to rub your nails with it, hold it under hot running water for a few seconds.

4 Clean the dirt from under your nails regularly. If your nails get very dirty during the day, remove the dirt as soon as you notice it. To do this, use a toothpick, nail polish, orange nail stick, or the flat end of a cuticle pusher.

• Wipe off the dirt on a napkin and then discard it. Do not disgust your friends.

5 Paint your nails. Depending on your profession and style, painting your nails may not work for you. If your profession and style allow, take time to paint your nails every week. Matte nail polish will hide dirt and discoloration under your nails.

• Watch your nail polish. If it starts to flake or fade, wipe it off with nail polish remover and apply a new coat.

Method 2 of 3: Cleaning your nails

1. 1 Remove the nail polish. Take a cotton ball or cotton swab and soak it in nail polish remover. Then gently rub your nails with it. The varnish will begin to wear off slowly. Do not rub too hard or you risk damaging your nails.
   • You can buy nail polish remover at most grocery stores, department stores, and beauty stores.
   • Never soak your nails in nail polish remover. This will only weaken them and dry out the skin.
2. 2 Wipe away stains. If your nails are heavily stained, prepare a paste to whiten your nails. To prepare the paste, you need to mix 70 grams of baking soda, 5 ml of hydrogen peroxide and a few drops of lemon juice. Take an old toothbrush and rub your nails with this paste for one to two minutes, then rinse it off.
   • If your nails are heavily stained, leave the paste on your nails for 2 to 15 minutes before rinsing it off.
   • This method can also be used with whitening toothpaste.
3. 3 Rinse your nails. Wash your hands in warm water. Then dab some hand soap on the palm of your hand. Rub the soap into a lather. Wash your hands thoroughly. Then use a nail brush or sponge to rub the lather into the area under your nails. Don't forget to clean your nails and the area underneath them.
   • Use a soap for sensitive skin to keep your nails hydrated.
4. 4 Apply moisturizer. After cleaning your nails, apply some moisturizing lotion to your hands and nails. Remember to moisturize your cuticles and the back of your hands. A moisturizer will make your nails look clean and shiny.
   • Prefer moisturizers with sunscreen to protect your nails from the sun. Repeated sun exposure can lead to staining.

Method 3 of 3: Grooming your nails

1. 1 Trim your nails. Use sharp nail scissors or nail clippers to trim your nails. Trim your nails straight first. Then carefully cut the corners with a bend so they are not sharp. Trim your nails as long as you like. But remember that the shorter they are, the easier it is to keep them clean.
   • If you're worried about getting an infection, disinfect the wire cutters by dipping them in rubbing alcohol before use.
2. 2 File your nails to blunt sharp edges. To do this, use a regular 240 grit file. This grit level is best for natural nails. Then file the trimmed nails by running the file along the growth of the nail. You can also file back and forth with the file. But this way you run the risk of harming weakened nails.
   • Use a nail polish buff if you like. It should be noted that the buff should not be used by people with thin nails.
3. 3 Apply top coat or nail polish to strengthen your nails. With a top coat or clear polish, your nails will shine clean. Nail hardening manicure will not only give your nails a glossy shine, but also repair any damage. Apply a thin layer of top coat or hardening polish to nails, then wait 10 minutes for it to dry.
   • Top coat and nail hardener are not like regular nail polish. Therefore, this step is beneficial for everyone, regardless of your preference for nail polish.

Warnings

• Do not trim your cuticles. This layer of skin protects your nails from infection.
• Do not soak your nails in water. This can damage your nails, causing them to peel and flake off.