Our nails aren't just an aesthetic addition to the body, they serve as a display of one's general health condition. The appearance and pigmentation of the nails reveal hints of underlying medical conditions like hyperthyroidism and possible liver and kidney failures. It is therefore important to maintain a healthy nail skin care regime.

How to Get Soft Nails:

Balanced diet

One of the most common nail conditions is soft nails. People who have soft nails find it very difficult to develop strong nails and are susceptible to breaking, peeling and chipping nails. However with proper and regular nail care, you can protect and develop strong, healthy nails.

Finger and toe nails are made up of a protein called keratin. When we submerge nails in water frequently, the keratin swells. Once the hand begins to dry, the keratin shrinks and in the process weakens the nail plate, making it soft. This condition is further aggravated when dealing with cleaning detergents. The chemicals involved further weaken the nails causing soft fingernails. Using harsh shower gels and soaps has the same effect, leading to soft toe nails. It is therefore essential to wear gloves when dunking hands in water or while doing the dishes, to protect nails from water and chemicals present in both the water and detergents. It is also advisable to switch to gentle detergents and soaps with natural ingredients.

Constant activity and exposure to harsh environmental and chemical agents rob nails of their moisture. This causes nails to become soft and prone to damage. Nail moisture can be maintained by applying oil (olive oil, jojoba oil or coconut oil works best) on your finger nails. The oil works as a protective layer, thus repelling water and other damaging ingredients away from the nails.

If you wear nail polish, be sure to follow some basic rules: allow nails to breathe between fresh coats; always apply a base coat as this prevents nail dehydration; when buying nail polish, opt for protein-based options.

If you are a nail bitter, stop! Biting nails is a habit, or an action brought on by stress. Either way the pressure exerted on the nails during this process weakens them considerably and makes nails softer.

Soft nails may be a result of nutritional deficiencies. Eating a well balanced diet full of greens, fruits, proteins, magnesium, and whole grains will help strengthen your nails. In addition multivitamins and mineral supplements also prove helpful. Another effective measure is to rub Vitamin E ointment on the nail. This helps strengthen soft nails.