by Jess Shanahan

Created on: July 13, 2009   Last Updated: July 14, 2009

If you can afford to get weekly manicures then brilliant, but not everyone can afford to splash out, especially in difficult times such as these. There are many things you can go at home to keep your nails looking strong and healthy.

Moisturise

Using a good hand and nail moisturiser can keep skin supple whilst keeping your nails shiny and your cuticles soft. This is the easiest thing you can do to ensure that your hands and nails look good. Moisturising can keep your hands looking younger and the process of massaging moisturiser into your nails can encourage them to grow. When painting nails you should always apply a moisturising base coat so that nails don't dry out and break. Also when removing nail polish make sure you use an acetone free variety that has moisturising compounds or moisturise thoroughly before removing that polish.

Eat the right foods

If your nails tend to split or break then this could be down to a lack of protein, get some more meat, eggs and vegetables in your diet to combat this. Also try and get enough calcium in your diet, milk and cheese are great for your bones, nails and teeth keeping you strong and healthy.

Stop biting

Some people, even if they don't bite their nails bite the skin around them, don't do this. It looks messy but also makes the nail more prone to breaking if the skin around it isn't intact. If you don't have the will power to just stop then try buying a product that you put on your nails that tastes so nasty that you won't want to bite them. There are products especially designed to help you stop biting your nails.

Cut your nails

If you nails are getting too long then cut them with nail scissors, don't file them down to the desired length this just weakens them. If you then need to shape your nicely clipped nails then you can use an emery board. Don't let your nails get too long, if they do get longer than you can mange then you will just end up breaking them and broken nails are harder to grow and maintain then well clipped ones.

Use strengthening products

There are loads of different products out there designed to strengthen your nails. A must have is an enamel strengthener, a simple clear product that you pain onto your nails that will keep them strong. This can be used on its own on before your base coat when applying nail polish. You can also get hand creams that contain nail strengthening properties, look for products designed especially for hand and nail.

Steering clear of water.

Water weakens nails so when doing the washing up wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from the water and harsh chemicals that are often found in washing up liquid. After exposing your hands to water make sure you moisturise them, this stops you skin and nails from drying out, giving you supple, beautiful hands. It is best to keep a hand cream with you at all times this way if you feel your hands becoming dry you can instantly moisturise them. Also when washing your hands never use normal soap, this will definitely dry your hands and nails out, opt for a special soap that has moisturising qualities.

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