Do

Clip hangnails. They can be painful, especially if they get snagged on something. Be sure to clip and not pull them off, as this can lead to open wounds and potential infection.

When filing, start from one corner and move to the center of the nail. Repeat on the other side, stopping at the center. Avoid the "sawing" motion of back-and-forth, which can weaken the nail.

Exfoliate hands at least oncea week; remember to get in between the fingers where dead skin will build up over time.

Apply moisturiser before bed to your hands and feet to maintain softness and eliminate dry, cracked skin. To lock in moisture even more, pull on your favorite pair of socks after application.

Before applying polish, always remove any excess oils from the nails by cleaning with nail polish remover (be sure to rinse after). This way, the polish will last longer.

Apply polish in three to five strokes for each nail, more strokes will result in too thick of a coat and can create bubbling and lengthy dry time.

Seal the colour with a top coat, swiping the brush along the edge of the nail to ensure a chip-free manicure. Try Sally Hansen Super Shine Shiny Top Coat is always a winner.

Don't

Don't cut cuticles (skin around nails). Once you start, the skin will only grow thicker.

Never file the sides of the nails as this can cause the nail to peel.

Never use blades on the soles of the feet to get rid of dead skin. Instead use a product like Scholl Instant Hard Skin Remover.

Never apply dark polish without a base coat first. Otherwise it will end up stainingyour nails, causing them to look yellow.

Avoid using fast dry top coats as they can harden the polish so much that the polish will crack after a few days.