Strengthen brittle nails

Do your nails break before you have had a chance to shape them? Nail strengtheners can go a long way in helping you with this problem. They contain proteins and calcium to assist the nails in growing stronger, and repair fragile nails and easily-splitting cuticles. Apply the strengthener as you would apply nail polish. While you don't have to apply it daily, re-apply when the strengthener starts to wear away.

If you want to apply nail paint, first apply a coat of the nail strengthener, follow through with the nail colour, then re-apply a coat of the strengthener.
When using the strengthener, apply a thin coat. A thicker coat leads to needless product build-up on your nails.

Here's a recipe to make "nail strengthener" at home: Take 2tbsp each of almond oil and olive oil, and mix with 1tbsp of castor oil.

Whisk together, bottle, and refrigerate. Massage your nails and cuticles with it before leaving home and before going to bed.

Also, having milk daily also helps; it's rich in calcium, and "fixes" brittle nails.

-- via Good Housekeeping - www.yahoo.com