Damaged nails can be the result of many things, but the most likely culprits are a lack of nutrients and absence of general nail care. It's important to remember that continued use of nail polish remover can severely dry out your nail beds, especially if it contains an ingredient called acetone. Try not to use nail polish remover more than twice a month, and try to use nail polishes that are light in color or clear.

Apply a heavy duty cuticle cream to your hands and nails before bed every night. The cream will deeply penetrate your nails and the delicate skin around them to provide much needed moisture. Paint on a thin coating of a protective, vitamin infused clear nail polish. These nail polishes can help protect your nails as well as repair damage and encourage healthy growth.

Wear rubber gloves whenever you are doing chores and housework to avoid unnecessary chips and breaks to your fingernails. The gloves will also protect your nails from moisture stripping activities like washing dishes or using cleaning solution on surfaces.

Take a multivitamin that includes vitamins A and C as well as calcium daily. Many nail damage problems stem from a lack of proper nutrients, and a multivitamin that fills in any nutritional gaps can provide crucial damage repair for your nails.

Drink plenty of water each day, as proper hydration is key for healthy nails.