Strong finger nails are a sign of good grooming as well as good health. But everyday wear and tear can take a toll on your fingernails, making them brittle and dry and prone to cracking.

If your fingernails are weak, the following are some tips that will help you to strengthen them:

Apply a nail strengthener.
You can get nail strengtheners or hardeners at your local drugstore. These will help you to have harder, stronger nails. Use them alone and apply one or two coats just once per week and you will start to notice a difference soon. If you want to wear nail polish, first apply the hardener or strengthener before the colored polish.

Pay attention to your diet.
Your diet actually has a huge influence on the strength and health of your nails. Because nails are made of protein, a lack of protein in your diet can leave your nails weak. White lines on your nails can indicate your nail problems are from your diet. Make sure you eat enough protein (found in lean meats, fish, beans, nuts, and eggs).

The strength of your nails also comes from calcium. Keep your nails from becoming brittle and dry by drinking plenty of milk and getting a balanced diet with dairy products and leafy vegetables. People who are lactose intolerant should take supplements.

Avoid getting acrylic nails.
While they look nice, acrylic nails are horrible for your nails. The process involves sanding the top layer of your nails away, then covering them with acrylic powder that hardens. When the acrylics come off, your nails are left weak and brittle and take months to strengthen and grow out. Avoid getting acrylics put on your nails and instead get a manicure.

Protect your hands and nails.
Make sure you take care of your hands and nails when doing routine things around the house like cleaning. Many cleansers have harsh materials that can weaken and dry your nails. Wear gloves when cleaning, and use natural, gentle cleansers when possible.

Develop a nail care routine.
Take care of your nails on a daily basis. Keep your nails trimmed and neat, and keep your hands and nails moisturized as much as possible. Apply lotion after washing your hands (water dries out nails and leaves them weak) and use a cuticle oil or cream every day. This will strengthen your nails and also prevent hangnails.

Use acetone-free polish
Many people like to apply nail polish, but it can leave nails yellowed and brittle, causing them to break easily. You can fix this by always using acetone-free nail polish and acetone-free nail polish remover.

Break the nail-biting habit.
If you have the habit of biting your nails, now is the time to stop. Biting your nails weakens them and also makes them rough and uneven around the edges. Keep your nails manicured, which makes you less likely to bite them. Drugstores also sell special products for people who habitually bite their nails.

Keep nails moisturized.
One of the best ways to strengthen nails is by moisturizing them. You can use petroleum jelly or Vaseline effectively, or special moisturizers designed for nails. Soaking your nails in a bowl of olive oil or bath oil once a week will also help to strengthen them.

Strong fingernails signify health and concern for your appearance. The above tips will help you to have strong, healthy nails.