Wear cotton-lined rubber gloves when using soap and water for prolonged periods or when using harsh chemicals. Try to take food which is rich in vitamin E. It will not only help your nails but it will also help your skin and hair.

Don’t abuse your nails. To prevent nail damage, don’t use your fingernails as tools to pick, poke or pry things. Don’t use nail polish remover more than twice a month. Instead, touch up the polish. When you do need a remover, avoid those that use acetone, which dries nails. Everyday chemistry is not always harmless and many chemicals for use in the household can damage your nails and skin.

Massage your nails with rose hip oil to strengthen your nails and to stimulate their growth. Lack of vitamin A and calcium causes dryness and brittleness. Lack of protein, folic acid and vitamin C causes hang nails. Eat a diet composed of 50% fruit and raw vegetables in order to supply necessary vitamins, minerals and enzymes. Drink fresh carrot juice daily, this is high in calcium and phosphorus and is excellent for strengthening nails.

Brittle nails signalize about iron deficiency, biotin deficiency, kidney disorder, and thyroid or circulation problems. Very thick nails also indicate circulation problems. Avoid nail polish removers that contain acetone or formaldehyde. An iron deficiency can cause the nail bed to be thin and concave and have raised ridges. Don’t remove the cuticles or clean too deeply under your nails, which can lead to infection.

When nails have pits, this is a symptom of psoriasis. Yellow nail beds signalize of liver disorders, diabetes, lymphatic diseases or chronic bronchitis. To strengthen your nails, avoid infections, and improve their appearance, you have to keep your nails clean and dry. A high protein diet can help your nails grow stronger and healthier. You have to eat a balanced diet and take vitamins containing biotin.

To strengthen and shine nails, combine 2 tsp. salt, 2 tsp. castor oil, and 1 tsp. wheat germ oil and mix thoroughly. Pour into bottle. Shake before using. To use, rub a small amount into your nails. Leave on 3-5 minutes and tissue off. Follow up with more plain castor oil, if desired.

Following are some causes of nail biting.

The causes of nail biting can be a combination of biological and environmental factors.

1. Top causes of nail biting are obsession, aggressiveness and compulsion.
2. It has been suggested that there may be a genetic component because there is often a history of their parents who bite their nails.
3. During the periods of stress, nervousness, boredom, lack of activities and hunger, people start biting their nails.
4. In case of disharmony as a result of friends, family, school or work can trigger the habit. In some cases it can be a sign of mental or emotional disorder.
5. This irritating habit is more common in boys than girls. Another cause of nail biting is dramatic changes in the family. These dramatic changes may include death, divorce, rejection from step- parents and violence etc.
6. Most people and children start biting their nails in stress and anxiety to relax.

The habit of nail biting can be tend to stop especially in children by gaining confidence in his/her environment and in family and school.