Home » Beauty » Tips and Toes »  Beautiful Nails Beauty deprived of its proper foils and adjuncts ceases to be enjoyed as beauty, just as light deprived of all shadows ceases to be enjoyed as light. -- John Ruskin.

Long, well-manicured nails are considered an accessory to a woman's beauty. This is probably the only area that can be painted on a regular basis! Nail care is an integral part of good grooming. People most often observe hands as they converse with you. Hands, which are used to add emphasis to what you are speaking, can speak volumes about you. Nails if groomed well can add beauty to the most lack lustre hands.

Nails can indicate the state of health as clearly as eyes or hair. In fact pale nails may indicate anaemia or and vertical ridges, it may be a sign of anaemia or extreme dryness from using too many detergents. Blue nails point to inefficient circulation or not enough oxygen. If your nails are thin and constantly breaking it may suggest inadequate vitamins, minerals and protein, as well as insufficient nail care.

To treat brittle nails make sure to get enough calcium, gelatine and vitamin B complex. Vitamin D can be an effective cure for vertical ridges, which are cracks in the skin along the sides of the nails and can be particularly painful. Adequate doses of folic acid and vitamin C can cure hangnails and split nails.While using these as internal supplements to strengthen nails, painting nails with two coats of fresh lemon juice daily can strengthen them externally.

On an average you may wash your hands about 8-10 times in a day, far more than any other part of the body! Always remember to put on a pair of cotton-lined gloves before tackling jobs that involve the use of detergents.This will keep them from unnecessary exposure to harsh detergents and cleaning agents.

The nails on feet must be taken care of, as they are more susceptible to infection. Being covered with shoes they are dark and moist, providing a suitable breeding ground to bacteria.But clean dry feet can resist infections. Washing your feet with soap and water ensures cleanliness, but this should be followed by a thorough rub to dry them completely. A foot powder may be required to keep them dry and smelling clean.

In addition to the above a daily moisturising ritual and regular manicures and pedicures serve to keep the nails healthy and safe from infection.