How to stop nails from breaking

Many women battle dry, damaged nails that split, peel or break. Nail care is important when you're trying to grow out your fingernails, maintain length or have just gotten a fabulous manicure. Fingernails serve as protection for our fingertips, as well as help in picking up objects. Breaking your nails is always a risk in everyday life. Give your nails some extra assistance to keep them strong and healthy.

You can take some measures to help your fingernails grow longer, stronger and healthier. Follow these tips to help prevent and repair damaged, brittle nails.

• Wear gloves when washing dishes or cleaning.
• Avoid biting your nails.
• Your fingernails aren't intended to be tools to open soda cans, dial the phone and other tasks. Instead, use a pen or other object rather than your fingernails to do these everyday tasks.
• Protect your hands with gloves on cold days.
• Moisturizer is essential for correcting the problem of splitting fingernails. Apply a lanolin based lotion to the nails on a daily basis to infuse your nails with needed moisture.
• When filing or buffing your nails, always go in one direction. If you file or buff your nails back and forth, this will cause splitting.
• It is very important to drink plenty of water. This is necessary for fingernail health because it keeps the body hydrated.
• Don't use nail polish remover more than once or twice a month, if possible. And never use a nail polish remover that contains acetone, which can dry and damage nails.
• For weak and thin nails, soak them in extra virgin olive oil 10-15 minutes a day for a month, then twice a week thereafter. This inexpensive home beauty treatment will help fortify damaged, weak or peeling nails.
• To promote nail strength and flexibility, eat foods that contain folic acid such as whole grains, berries, kale, and citrus fruits.