Unhealthy nails are easy to spot, as they have ridges, are uneven in color, and break easily. While some problems may be caused by injury to the nails or fingers, in many cases it is simply a case of the nails not being on their best health condition. Keeping nails in top condition is not as difficult as you may think, and it doesn't require expensive trips to the beauty salon.
Step 1
Switch to more nutritious foods, as bad nutrition and lack of vitamins will lead to brittle nails or nails that are not growing at a good pace. Vitamin D and biotin are especially important to the health and strength of nails. Take them on a daily basis and you should see a difference within a couple months.
Step 2
Give up bad habits that damage your nails, such as biting them, picking at them or cutting your cuticles too short. This weakens the nails and can cause infection or ingrown nails. Avoid using your nails to open things or to apply pressure on items, as it can cause them to break.
Step 3
Keep your nails moisturized. Everything from nail polish to heaters used during the winter dry up your nails. Nail polish strengthens your nails, but to keep using it, make sure your nails are moisturized. Petroleum jelly, castor oil or a vitamin E capsule are all good choices.
Step 4
Apply a coat of nail polish regularly to protect your nails against scratches and breaks. Clear polish is thicker and stronger, so if you prefer color, apply it over a clear base. Reapplying a thin coat of clear polish every day will keep it fresh. Remove every 10 days and reapply, so the coat stays fresh and strong.
Step 5
Wear gloves when working with chemical products, including household cleaners. Harsh chemicals, long exposure to water and scrubbing can all seriously damage your nails. Standard rubber gloves should be enough, but wear specialty gardening gloves if you are working outdoors.
Step 6
Choose shoes that don't apply too much pressure on the top of your toes. This can lead to ingrown nails or cause breakage. Non-absorbing socks (those that are not made of cotton), as well as damp athletic shoes can cause fungal infections to develop under the nails.
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