Do you know your nail type? If not then you could be using the wrong products and causing more damage.
Brittle Nails – If you press the sides of your nails together and they refuse to bend, then they are brittle. They have no moisture in them and are not flexible so will break as soon as they are knocked. Don’t make the mistake of using a nail hardener as this will just make the nails even harder and will allow them to break more easily.You need to increase flexibility by oiling the nails with a good quality almond oil.
The shape of the nails can help to add more strength. Leave the sides straight and just round off the tips, as this will help to absorb knocks better.
Dry Nails – Will look dull and if you run a finger over the surface it will drag instead of sliding smoothly over. Dry nails need to be rehydrated. Using the oil from a vitamin E capsule directly onto the nail both morning and night will help.
Using a moisturising base coat under polish will also help, as will swapping your soap for a hand wash. Never use a pearlised nail polish as the ingredient which gives the sparkle can also be dehydrating.
Damaged Nails – Dehydration is the most common cause of dry, splitting and flaking nails. Use a treatment base coat to help heal the nail and stipple it on flaky spots as you apply. This stops air bubbles forming. Use cuticle oil twice a day to help encourage a strong nail to grow.
Soft Nails – are the type that bend at the slightest touch and rarely grow past the end of your finger tips. Paint on a nail hardener, use washing up gloves and apply hand cream after washing.
Normal Nails - If you don’t have any of the above problems, then you have normal nails. Look after them by applying hand cream regularly and avoid detergents.