There are many procedures that claim to improve the quality and beauty of the nail, however, most of them have absolutely no scientific basis.The nail is a cellularly‐derived, plate‐like structure composed of keratin fibres embedded in a sulphur‐rich material. Both the fibrous and amorphic structures are genetically regulated. Excess amounts of sulphur‐rich proteins have therefore only a positive effect in the extremely rare case of true deficiency of sulphur‐containing essential amino‐acids. Another popular claim, particularly among women, is of a lack of so‐called essential nutrients, such vitamins, hormones, essential rare elements, iron, calcium, and so on. With the exception of very rare cases of metabolic diseases, such as alimentary or genetic zinc deficiency, such cases rarely occur in Europe; the excellent quality of nails among the poorest people of the third world suggests that dietary factors are not the cause of nail abnormalities. There is, therefore, no need to supplement ‘nail factors’ and attempts at improving the nail quality by a special dietary regimen are ineffective although they may be psychologically beneficial. Whether or not the ‘hair and nail vitamin’ biotin is active is still not proven.Brittle nails are a relatively common complaint, mainly among women. Repeated hyperhydration and desiccation are thought to decrease the nail's resistance. Formaldehyde‐containing preparations are able to harden the nail. Over‐treatment may, however, render the nail so inelastic that it breaks more easily. Other cosmetic measures such as nail wrapping, application of acrylic resin‐impregnated silk or other tissue both supports the free margin of the nail and is a good measure to repair breaks and splits of the free nail margin. Surface irregularities may be camouflaged with a nail varnish or a thin sculptured nail. Stick‐on plastic nails are usually not recommended because their occluding effect may impair the nail quality.Neither can the quality of the nail substance nor the nail shine be improved by surgical methods. To the contrary, nail avulsion is a serious trauma to the nail organ and often worsens abnormalities of the nail shape and form. Surgical measures are effective to improve the width‐to‐length ratio in brachyonychia and racket nail, to flatten the transverse overcurvature in pincer nails, to repair split nails, etc. Many surgical operations could be carried out with more attention paid to the cosmetic outcome.In general, there are few ways to improve the beauty and quality of nails and most claims remain unsubstantiated.