Your nails require as much care as any other part of your body. Healthy and well maintained nails are a sign of good health and a healthy lifestyle. Your nails should be clean and well taken care of as they can carry germs and other particles, which may be ingested when you use your fingers to eat anything.

Your nails (both fingers and toes) are products of your epidermis and are made up of the protein keratin. The job of your nails is to shield the protective tips of your fingers and toes. They grow outwards from nail roots that extend back into the skin. Healthy fingernails have an evenly covered pink hue to them. They are smooth and free from ridges, lines and discoloration. Nails that are soft, weak, thin and/or brittle could either be due to some nutritional deficiency in your diet, an underlying health condition or constant exposure to harsh chemicals. There are natural remedies to help your nails get healthier. One such remedy is to make sure that your diet consists of sufficient amounts of proteins and calcium. Some home remedies for nail care are:

Lemon juice

Olive oil penetrates the skin to soften cuticles and nails, and helps repair any damage. It also moisturizes and strengthens your nails. You can soak your nails in a bowl of warm olive oil for about 15 to 30 minutes or regularly massage olive oil into your cuticles and nails in small circular motions for maximum absorption. To give your nails that shine and to protect it from chemicals in nail products, apply two drops of olive oil using a clean cloth to your nail buff, before buffing your nails.

Lemon juice helps the nails become firm, radiant and free of stains. For this, you will need 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice mixed in a cup of warm water. Soak your nails in this mixture for around 4 to 5 minutes. Then take a clean cloth dipped in hot water and wipe the nails. Finish off by moisturizing your nails with moisturizing cream. Or, you can dip a cotton ball in lemon juice and gently massage the nail area for a couple of minutes and then rinse the nails out thoroughly.

Rubber Gloves: Harsh chemicals and an overexposure to water can often be the cause of your nails getting brittle. Wear rubber gloves when doing any household chores.

Water Based Lubricant: Apply a water-based lubricant or petroleum jelly to your cuticles and wear cotton gloves on your hands before going to bed.

Using your Hands: Try not using your fingernails to pick up stuff, instead use your hands as much as possible.

Adhesive bandages – Always carry an adhesive bandage in case your nails crack, Remove the bandage as soon you reach home and mend with a mending kit that is available in any drugstore.

Trimming your Nails: Trim your nails in a straight line instead of the fashionable curve. If the nails are not cut properly or if you wear ill-fitting shoes, it might lead to ingrown nails.

Pedicure and Manicure: Get your nails pampered once a month with a manicure and pedicure. For budgeted nail care, you can buy a home manicure/pedicure set.

The Right Nail Care Product: Nail products often have harsh chemicals. Make sure that you use nail polish and any other nail products with mild chemicals in it. Remove your nail polish regularly as your nails need to get some breathing time too.