How to Strengthen Your Nails

Nails are great to show off. Keep them strong and healthy with these useful tips.

Step 1: Take vitamin B Take 300 micrograms of the B vitamin biotin, four to six times each day to give you healthy nails. Brittle nails can result from biotin or iron deficiencies and circulation problems.
Step 2: Eat biotin rich foods Eat food containing biotin, such as cheese, eggs, peanuts, and cauliflower.
Step 3: Increase zinc Increase your zinc intake for stronger nails with a daily glass of milk.
Step 4: Limit use of nail polish remover Use nail polish remover sparingly to prevent dry nails and cuticles. Use nail polish remover that is acetate-based.
TIP: Avoid removers with acetone or formaldehyde, which is drying to nails.
Step 5: File in one direction File your nails in one direction, twice a week, with a fine-grain file.
TIP: Avoid filing in a back and forth motion, and never file when your nails are wet.
Step 6: Coat nails Coat your nails with polish containing vitamins A, C, D, and E.
Step 7: Keep nails hydrated Keep your nails hydrated by moisturizing them every evening with petroleum jelly, castor oil, or olive oil. Rub a small amount into the cuticle and the skin surrounding the nail.
FACT: Did you know? Your nails grow faster in the summer than in the winter.