Regular manicures (and a balanced diet) make fingernails strong. Professional manicures are a treat, but you can give yourself a manicure at home without going to unnecessary expense.

Use a soft emery board to file your nails, in one direction only, in a shape that suits your fingers-and your lifestyle; pointed talons don’t always suit typists or busy mothers.

The strongest nails are of medium length, filed flat across the top with rounded corners that do not catch.
Dip your finger tips in a cup of warm olive oil to soften the nails; if nails are supple, they are less likely to snap off.