Some people are lucky enough to be born with strong, healthy nails, while others will struggle constantly with fragile nails that are easily chipped and broken. The goal is to develop healthy fingernails that are firm, pink and somewhat glossy, says Health Services at Columbia University. Restoring health to weak or brittle nails can be a challenge, but with regular attention and proper grooming, you can proudly show off your strong, resilient nails.
Step 1
Soak your fingernails in warm water for 15 minutes before trimming your nails. Add a few drops of body oil or olive oil to the water to make brittle nails more pliable.
Step 2
Trim your nails regularly to keep them strong and to prevent breakage. Use sharp manicure scissors to trim your nails so they are short and slightly rounded on top. File file thick areas and smooth rough edges with an emery board. File in one direction only, advises Reader's Digest magazine. Never file damp fingernails, as doing so will weaken the nails. Clip hangnails, and never attempt to remove hangnails by pulling, which will damage the skin tissues and can sometimes lead to infection.
Step 3
Massage lotion into your nails and cuticles several times every day and any time that your hands have been in water, as well-hydrated nails will be stronger and less prone to breakage.
Step 4
Apply nail polish weekly, as a thin layer of clear or colored polish will help to retain moisture in the nail. Remove the polish after a week, using an acetone-free nail polish remover, as acetone will contribute to dry, brittle nails. Massage lotion into your fingernails and cuticles after using polish remover. Never chip or pick at nail polish, as doing so can remove the top layer of the nail.
Step 5
Eat a healthy diet, rich in biotin, which is found in whole grains, egg yolks, soybeans, fish, peanut butter, lentils and cauliflower. Research indicates that biotin can strengthen fingernails, according to Columbia University. Biotin levels found in food are safe, but additional biotin supplementation should be supervised by a physician.
Step 6
Protect your nails by wearing rubber gloves when doing dishes, working in the garden or working with chemicals that will cause nail weakening and breakage. Apply a thin coating of lotion before wearing gloves to give your hands an extra moisturizing treatment.
Things You'll Need
- Body oil or olive oil
- Manicure scissors
- File
- Emery board
- Fingernail clippers
- Hand lotion
- Nail polish
- Acetone-free polish remover
- Rubber gloves
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