How to Help Have Strong Fingernails

Developing strong fingernails means taking care of your hands.

Your fingernails are composed of a protein known as keratin. When healthy, your nails will appear smooth and free of discoloration, or spots. Neglecting your nails and medical conditions can cause your nails to develop problems. Even fungus and bacteria can contribute to issues with your nails. Simple care methods can strengthen and keep your nails healthy. If you develop thickened yellow nails, nails that detach from their bed, nails that curve or nail indentations, visit your physician to rule out conditions such as diabetes and anemia.

Things You'll Need

• Rubber gloves
• Hand towel
• Hand lotion
• Nail file
• Nail hardener
• Nail glue
• Clear nail polish
• Biotin supplement

Instructions

1. 

   Prevent water from causing nail damage.

   Protect your hands with rubber gloves when you wash dishes, especially if you have brittle nails. Remove excess moisture from your hands after washing by using a hand towel. Excessive contact with water can cause your fingernails to split.

2. 

   Apply hand lotion to fingernails.

   Moisturize your hands often. Massage your nails and cuticles with hand lotion. Use a hand lotion when you remove fingernail polish.

3. 

   Nail hygiene promotes healthy nails.

   Trim your nails regularly and file them, to soften rough edges. Use a nail hardener to strengthen nails. But be wary of nail hardeners containing toluene, formaldehyde and sulfonamide, according to the Mayo Clinic. These products can cause skin irritations.

4. Fix damaged nails such as split nails using nail glue. Apply a clear nail polish to prevent further splitting.

5. Consider taking a biotin supplement with your physician's approval. Biotin can help strengthen nails, especially brittle nails.

6. 

   Be observant of your nail technician.

   Choose a reputable nail salon if you get manicures. Ask to see your technician's and salon's license. Ask for a new nail file when your nails are filed. This ensures that bacteria and fungi aren't transferred to your nails from another customer.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid using your nails to open items such as soda cans. This can cause breakages.

• Stop biting your nails if you do. Nail biting can hurt your nail bed.

• Don't use nail polish removers containing acetone. Acetone causes drying of your nails.

References

• Mayo Clinic; Nails; How to Keep Your Fingernails Healthy and Strong; Nov. 25, 2009
• Mayo Clinic; Is it Possible to Prevent Split Fingernails?; Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.; July 17, 2010

Resources

• American Academy of Dermatology: Nails