How to Harden Your Fingernails

Fingernails that are too soft or too brittle can be vexacious. If you engage in work activities or hobbies that put your nails through a lot of abuse, the results can be embarrassing. Try this simple homemade cure if your nails are prone to cracking, splitting or bending.

Things You'll Need

• Small measuring cup
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden stirrer
• Small glass container with a tight lid
• 2 tablespoons of glycerin
• 2 teaspoons of alum
• 1/4 cup of witch hazel
• 1/4 cup warm water

Instructions

Get Your Supplies

1. Pour 1/4 cup of warm water into a measuring cup.

2. Add 1/4 cup of witch hazel to the water and stir.

3. Add two tablespoons of glycerin and two teaspoons of alum to the mixture and stir well.

4. Transfer the contents to a small glass container with a tight fitting lid. The yield will be about one-half cup of formula.

5. Dip your fingers individually into the jar each night and allow them to thoroughly dry.

6. Repeat this ritual every evening for a week and you will notice a visible difference in the strength of your nails.

Tips & Warnings

• Prior to the dipping phase, you'll need to remove any nail polish you are wearing. Otherwise, the mixture will only be adhering to the polish and not to the surface of the nail itself. After your nails have sufficiently hardened, you can start applying and wearing polish again.

• Weak nails may be the sign of a dietary/vitamin deficiency. If this is an ongoing problem, you may want to consult with your family doctor to ensure that a serious health issue is not inhibiting your ability to grow strong nails.