Simple Steps to Soothe Dry, Brittle Nails

Having healthy, beautiful nails is a goal that shouldn't be difficult to achieve. However, since we are always exposed to cleaning products, soaps and even the harshly drying effects of winter, too many of us are often left with nothing but short, brittle, cracked nails.

Since getting a professional manicure isn't always a reality for many of us, keeping our hands looking nice is something we should be able to do easily and at home. Well groomed hands, with or without polish, usually means having healthy nails. So, how do you ensure that our nails look great while still doing all of the those "real world" tasks we know all too well, such as washing dishes, doing heaps of laundry and even walking the dog? The answer is simple. Hydrate your nails just as you would your skin.

Nails get weak and brittle because they dry out. Dry nails lose their strength and flexibility which leads to cracks, splits and snags. Exposure to cold weather, wind, chemicals, as well as old age can leave your nails dried out and easily snagged and cracked. In order to strengthen your nails and protect them, one of the easiest things anyone can do is to rub petroleum jelly directly on the nails after going outside and after washing hands, dishes, and so on. Petroleum jelly is extremely conditioning and will lock moisture into the nailbed while also working wonders for dry cuticles.

Another excellent way to use petroleum jelly as an intensive nail conditioning treatment is to rub some thoroughly onto your nails and fingertips and then put on white, cotton gloves right before bedtime. Leave the gloves on all night and in the morning your nails will be healthy and buffed looking. If your toenails are also dry and brittle you can use this same method and substitute the gloves for cotton socks.

If you have some extra time on your hands for a little hand spa treat, try soaking your fingertips in a small bowl of warm olive oil. Soak your fingers in this solution for 15 minutes then wash with warm water, gently towel dry and moisturize with your favorite hand cream. Dry nails become instantly healthier and more pliable. Using a hand cream that contains alpha hydroxy is another excellent boost in your quest to healthier nails. Alpha hydroxy is known to aid in correcting damage creating by dryness. Perfect for those brittle nails!

Since healthy nails are hydrated nails, you will want to try and avoid using products that will rob your hands of moisture. Nail polish remover is, ironically, one of the worst things you can use if you have dry nails. Many nail polish formulas are made with formaldehyde which acts as a harsh drying agent and strips your nails of moisture upon contact. Opt for a brand of remover that contains aloe, vitamin E, biotin or even gelatin and avoid ones that use formaldehyde.

It is also a good idea to always remember to use a richly emollient lotion on your hands right after you get a manicure. This will help in recapturing some of the natural moisture that your nails and hands lost during the treatment. If possible, you will also want to allow your nails to breathe freely for a few days between manicures.

To help keep your nails healthy from the inside out, make sure that you are always hydrated. Drink plenty of liquids and eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables which are naturally full of water. Having a diet rich in biotin is also a fantastic way to assure that your nails will remain flexible and strong. Biotin can be found as a supplement at your local health food store and can also be found naturally in foods such as eggs, legumes and cauliflower. Keeping your nails at a shorter length and filing or clipping them only after a bath or shower while they are still damp will further aid your nails in growing strong.

By keeping your nails well moisturized you can avoid the splitting and cracking that brittle nails are prone to. Anyone can achieve pretty, well groomed nails, with or without polish simply by making sure that any moisture they lose is replaced, by eating healthily and by avoiding harsh chemicals which can accelerate nail damage. Healthy nails no longer need to be something you just dream about!