How to avoid brittle breaking fingernails.

For everyone your appearance is important. You see your nails constantly and when you have pretty, strong nails you feel better.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Clear nail polish
• water
• Calcium

1. Start by trimming your nails evenly. It will take time for your nails to grow out strong and healthy. Just be patient.
2. Remember, DO NOT BITE YOUR NAILS. Instead of going for that jagged edge with your teeth, use a nail file. You can find mini nail files in any drugstore, and you can carry it with you anywhere. Also if you keep your nails polished you usually think twice before biting them.
3. Dietary changes are also a big factor in nail health. Drink more water, the more you drink the better hydrated you are and it shows in your skin and nails.
   Increase your calcium. There are many ways to increase your calcium intake.
   *Drink 24 ounces of milk a day.
   *Calcium supplements(pills).
   *Foods such as yogurt, cottage cheese, cheese, sardines, broccoli, and green vegetables like Bok Choy or kale have calcium in them.
   
   Taking a good multi vitamin also helps because vitamin A, vitamin C, protein, calcium, folic acid, vitamin B12, and zinc are also essential for nail health.
4. Many people use a daily moisturizer on their hands, but if your nails are brittle check to see if that moisturizer has alcohol. If your lotion has alcohol that could be the source of your problems. Alcohol causes your nails to become over dry and begin breaking.
5. Avoid using your nails for digging, scraping, or picking. Using your nails as tools severely weakens the enamel and causes breaking.
6. When working with harsh chemicals or cleaners make sure to wear gloves. This protects your hands and nails.
7. Apply two coats of clear polish to your nails. Check them daily and do any necessary touch-ups. When using polish remover use one that also moisturizes. Add a new coat of polish over the old every two days for six days and begin again.

Tips & Warnings

• There many brands of polish but the ones that have worked for me are Sally Hansen-Hard as nails, Magic Nail, and Hard as hoofs.
• Your nails will get stronger with time, for the first week or two your nails may break, file your broken nail down and it will grow back fine.
• Check with your doctor before starting any new medication, they may have good advice on which brands will benefit you best.