Having strong and healthy nails is not only good for your appearance, but it can also indicate overall good health. Unfortunately, many people struggle with brittle nails that break easily.

The good news is that there are several secrets to stronger, longer nails that you can try at home.

1. Maintain a balanced diet

Eating a well-balanced diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals is crucial for strong and healthy nails. Some of the key nutrients that your nails need include biotin, zinc, iron, and vitamin E.

You can find these nutrients in foods such as spinach, almonds, salmon, eggs, and sweet potatoes.

2. Stay hydrated

Drinking plenty of water is essential for healthy nails. When you’re dehydrated, your nails become dry and brittle, making them more prone to breakage.

Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day to keep your nails (and your entire body) well-hydrated.

3. Use nail strengtheners

There are many nail strengtheners available on the market that can help improve the strength and durability of your nails.

Look for products that contain ingredients such as calcium, keratin, and protein, as these can help reinforce your nails from the inside out.

4. Avoid harsh chemicals

Exposure to harsh chemicals, such as cleaning products or nail polish remover, can weaken your nails over time.

To protect your nails, wear gloves when doing household chores, and opt for gentler, acetone-free nail polish removers when removing your polish.

5. Moisturize your nails

Just like your skin, your nails need moisture to stay healthy and strong. Apply a moisturizing nail oil or cream regularly to keep your nails hydrated and supple. Coconut oil, tea tree oil, and vitamin E oil are all great natural options.

6. Don’t over-file your nails

Filing your nails can help smooth out any rough edges and make them look neat and tidy. However, over-filing your nails can weaken them and make them more prone to chipping and breakage.

Instead of filing your nails every day, aim to file them once or twice a week.

7. Take a break from nail polish

While a fresh coat of nail polish can make your nails look great, constantly wearing polish can actually weaken your nails over time. To give your nails a break, try going without polish for a week or two every now and then.

This will give your nails a chance to breathe and recover.

8. Avoid biting your nails

Not only is nail-biting a bad habit, but it can also weaken your nails and make them more susceptible to infection. If you struggle with nail-biting, try keeping your nails trimmed short and wearing gloves when you’re tempted to bite.

9. Be gentle with your nails

Your nails are more fragile than you might think, so it’s important to treat them with care. Avoid using them as tools to open cans or to pry things apart, and be gentle when you’re filing or buffing them.

10. Consult a dermatologist

If you’re struggling with weak, brittle nails, it’s always a good idea to consult a dermatologist.

They can help identify any underlying conditions or nutrient deficiencies that may be contributing to your nail health issues and recommend the best course of treatment.