Manicures, pedicures, artificial tips, paraffin treatments, nail jewelry-the nail care industry is booming, with nail salons seemingly on every corner.

Why is this, do you suppose? There was a time when only the wealthy had regular manicures, but now it's commonplace. Whether you go to a salon weekly, or choose to buff and polish your nails at home, it's important to take care of your fingertips.

Take a look at your hands. What do they say about you? Think about what they say to others. Are your hands rough, red, irritated? Or, are they smooth and pampered?

Are your cuticles ragged? Or have you cut or pushed them back? Hot pink, French tips, or clear-coated, it's not the color you wear that matters. What really matters is the condition of your hands and nails, and you can improve the state of your nails by taking a few simple steps.

Protect your nails

Wear gloves when washing the dishes or the kitchen floor. Do not use your nails as tools. They aren't meant to scrape the price stickers off your new picture frame. Be sure to apply sunscreen all the way down to the tips of your nails. Sun damage affects nails, too.

Moisturize your nails regularly

Every time you wash your hands, you need to moisturize your hands. Keep hand cream in your purse. Have a bottle in each bathroom of your home and one at the kitchen sink.

Nails need to breath

Every so often, leave the polish out of your manicure routine. Let your nails get a little oxygen.

Do not use nail products containing formaldehyde

Its not used in biology class anymore. Dont use it on your nails, its not safe.

Gelatin really does work

You thought it was a myth when you heard it as a teenager, but its true. Eating gelatin helps your nails grow strong and healthy.

Nutrition

Water, fresh fruits and vegetables, protein from meats and fish, and vitamins (multi and E, in particular) all stimulate nail growth.

Sterilize, sterilize, sterilize

Keep your home manicure kit clean. At the salon, purchase a set from the nail technician. The salon will label it, store it, and use it just for you.

Theyre inexpensive and essential to protecting yourself from fungus and communicable infections. Dont be shy, be sure your manicurist knows that you take cleanliness seriously.