The Best Ways to Strengthen Your Fingernails

1. Maintain a Balanced Diet
   One of the most crucial factors in nail health is your diet. Nails need essential nutrients like biotin, vitamin E, iron, and zinc to grow strong and healthy. Incorporate foods rich in these nutrients into your diet, such as:
   
   Eggs
   Nuts and seeds
   Leafy greens
   Lean proteins (chicken, fish, tofu)
   Whole grains
   Legumes
   Fruits and vegetables
   Supplements can also help if you're not getting enough of these nutrients through your diet alone. Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplements.
2. Hydrate and Moisturize
   Just as your skin needs hydration to stay healthy, your nails require moisture, too. Dry nails are more prone to splitting and breaking. Apply a quality nail and cuticle oil or cream regularly to hydrate your nails and cuticles. Also, consider wearing gloves while doing household chores or using chemicals to protect your nails from excessive moisture exposure.
3. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
   Chemicals in nail polishes, nail polish removers, and acrylic nails can weaken your nails over time. Opt for nail products free of harmful ingredients like formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP). Acetone-free nail polish removers are gentler on your nails.
4. Keep Your Nails Trimmed
   Maintaining a proper nail length is essential for nail strength. Trim your nails regularly, keeping them at a length that suits your lifestyle and prevents them from getting caught and damaged. Use a crystal nail file to shape your nails gently and prevent splitting.
5. Practice Good Nail Care
   Proper nail care goes beyond trimming. Here are some additional tips for keeping your nails strong:
   
   Don't use your nails as tools for tasks like opening packages or scratching surfaces.
   Wear gloves when gardening or doing chores that may expose your nails to excessive wear and tear.
   Be gentle when pushing back your cuticles; avoid cutting them excessively.
   Don't bite your nails or pick at them.
   Limit nail enhancements like acrylics or gels, as they can weaken your natural nails.
6. Give Your Nails a Break
   If you regularly use nail enhancements or polish, it's a good idea to give your nails a break periodically. Allowing your natural nails to breathe and recover can help maintain strength and integrity.
7. Use a Nail Hardener
   Consider using a nail hardener or strengthener to give your nails an extra boost. When applied regularly, these products often contain calcium and protein that can help strengthen your nails.
8. Protect Against UV Radiation
   Exposure to UV radiation, whether from the sun or tanning beds, can weaken your nails. Apply a UV-protective nail polish or cover your nails when exposed to intense sunlight.