Staying well-manicured as a mom is a challenge when you need to cook, wash, repair, scratch your kid’s back (or husband’s :)) to sleep, and do all sorts of things that take a toll on your nails, but the biggest challenge is not really that, is taking and getting the time to keep them well-groomed always.

And, when you get the time to get a manicure, you are not happy with the work they did because the “manicurist” took you in and out in 30 minutes. A real manicurist will take at least 45 minute to an hour – did you know? These nails salons all over the place seem to be a “fast-nail” service. But, fortunately, below are some guidelines offered by three top dermatologists on how to achieve healthy, well groomed and elegant nails that we can do on our own:

1. Don’t cut or manipulate cuticles (don’t let them do it either!)
2. Use nail hardeners sparingly — or not at all
3. Moisturize the nail bed and the cuticle
4. Take biotin supplements
5. Limit professional manicures – nice, this budget-friendly!
6. Avoid acetone-based polish removers
7. Avoid rough emery boards
8. Don’t overdo hand washing and limit contact with cleaning chemicals
9. Change shampoos
10. Choose nail tips over full extensions
11. Everything that applies to your fingernails applies to your toenails
12. Watch your nails for signs of health problems

Read the entire article to get the all the details of these 12 guidelines to get you on the road to beautiful nails!