8 Tips for Strong Fabulous Nails ...

For the strongest nails, it’s important to clip them often and file them properly as they grow. Try to avoid using a back-and-forth motion when filing. Instead, always file them in one direction. When filing, your nails should always be dry. If you file your nails right after stepping out of the shower, they’ll seem softer and flimsier than usual, causing a higher chance of breakage.

Give yourself a mini manicure to enhance strength and keep nails moisturized. Take a cotton ball and wrap it around an orange stick before dipping it into some vitamin E oil. Use it to gently push your cuticles back at about a 45-degree angle. Add a clear coat of nail-strengthening polish and rub moisturizer into your cuticles once or twice a day. This is sure to give you the strong nails you want!

If you love nail color, the polish remover that you’re using could be contributing to nail brittleness. Acetone-based removers are very drying on your nails. For strong and fabulous nails without the dryness, look for removers that are acetate-based.

Believe it or not, your daily water intake 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.

Since your nails 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 of protein during each meal. Try choosing from lean sources like chicken, turkey, cold water fish, low-fat dairy products and soy products for strong nails.

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.

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, meats and eggs. As an added diet tip, it's also recommended to consume omega-3 essential fats from foods like almonds and walnuts, which can help provide those fatty acids your nails need to keep from splitting.

Last but not least, avoid using your nails as a tool for picking and prying at things. This will weaken and cause them chip, fray or break right off. In fact, this tip alone could help your nails grow stronger and healthier than ever before.

Now you know that maintaining a healthy diet, using proper manicure methods and avoiding chemicals are all important things to consider for stronger nails. What’s your biggest pet peeve about your nails? Which of these tips for strong nails would you most be willing to try?

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