How do I look after my nails?

[SlightlySuperiorPeasant]

I'm (finally) starting to get a bit self-concious about my nails. I bite them and they look awful: short, rough, white bits down the sides and scraggy bits of skin round the edges. I'm going to get a proper manicure done to get off to a good start, but how do I look after them after that? Foling, clipping, buffing, cuticle care all mean very little to me so an idiot's guide would be great :o

I am not an expert, but I do not think any manicure can be done on nails you have been biting for ages. IMO you need to get a "stop bite" nail varnish with a very disgusting taste, just to allow them grow a little (so that the manicure has something to cut :o). Almond oil baths are also fantastic to rehydrate the skin around the nail.

Thanks Magdalena. I have had manicures before and the beautician just said that as long as there was a bit of white at the top it was fine (there is about 1mm ATM).