HOW TO: Get Strong Nails

*File Correctly
It’s important to file in one direction. Filing back and forth like a saw can separate the nail layers. Be sure your nails are always dry when filing. Wet nails are softer and can break easily.


*Treat yourself
Give yourself a mini manicure! Take a cotton ball and wrap it around an orange stick. Dip it into some vitamin E oil. Use it to gently push your cuticles back. Add a clear coat of nail-strengthening polish and rub moisturizer or lotion into your cuticles once or twice a day.


*Switch Removers
If you're like me and love nail polish, then your nail polish remover could be making your nails brittle over time. Acetone-based removers are very drying on your nails. Look for removers that say moisturizing, strengthening, or nourishing (or even acetone free!) on the bottle.

*Drink Water
Staying hydrated can affect the health of your nails. If you have a hard time getting the recommended eight glasses of water each and every day, try adding a glass of milk. Milk is rich in zinc, which can really help toughen up your nails for better strength, giving you strong nails.


*Get Enough Protein
Since your nail are made of laminated layers of keratin proteins, getting enough protein in your diet can really do wonders to help them grow and stay strong. Women are recommended to consume about 4 to 6 ounces (or about 25 grams) of protein during each meal. Try choosing from lean sources like chicken, turkey, cold water fish, low-fat dairy products and soy products. If that's still not enough, try protein bars or adding protein powder to cereal or smoothies.


*Consider Taking Biotin
Biotin supplements include B-complex vitamins, which are recommended by the National Institute of Health to help strengthen hair and nails. Taking just 300 micrograms of biotin daily can help improve brittle nails, and transform them into strong nails.


*Eat Iron and Omega-3 Fats
Iron is important to help keep skin, hair and nails healthy looking. Make sure you’re getting enough iron by eating 100 percent whole grain breads and pastas along with dark and leafy vegetables or legumes (like green beans), meats and eggs. As an added diet tip, it’s also recommended to consume omega-3 fats from foods like almonds and walnuts, which can help provide those fatty acids your nails need to keep from splitting (and are also good for your heart).


*Don't Pick
Finally, try to avoid using your nails as tool to pick, pry, and open things. This can weaken nails and they will fray or break. It will also chip your polish! These changes won't be so hard to make and your nails will thank you for it. 

 

Half of this list deals with your diet. Eating better can make you healthier 

AND make your nails stronger and prettier!