Remember, your nails will only be harder while the nail hardener is on them. Once it wears off your nails will return to their normal strength. Reapply the nail hardener daily to keep your nails strong. Nail hardener should be used only as a temporary supplement to a more long-term nail health plan in which you improve the nail’s natural strength.

For longer nails, make sure to protect your nails from water by cutting down on exposure — wearing gloves while washing the dishes, for example.

For strong nails, try to eat a wide variety of healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products.

You can purchase biotin supplements in drug stores, grocery stores, or health food stores. A common dosage of biotin for adults is 30 micrograms per day.

Use a thick, creamy lotion, such as a hand lotion. When applying the lotion to your hands, take special care to massage it over the nails and into the cuticles. Be especially careful to apply lotion after you wash your hands, as soap removes natural protective oils from your nails and makes them more vulnerable to breakage.

You can also file away less severe jagged edges on your nails.

Softening the cuticle will make it easier to push the cuticle back without damaging it. Try soaking your fingertips in warm water with a little bit of soap to help soften them. Then use an orange tipped cuticle pusher to push them back. Massage your cuticles to maintain healthy blood flow in that area. While this won’t make your nails grow more quickly, it will strengthen the nail, keeping it healthier and stronger for a longer period of time. Avoid cutting your cuticles. This can lead to bleeding and it may also introduce an infection into your nails.

If you prefer the square look, then at least try to soften the edges so that your nails will be less likely to catch on things.

Try giving yourself a manicure at least once per week. Trim your nails, file and buff them, and then apply a coat of nail polish. [8] X Expert Source Marta NagorskaNail Artist Expert Interview. 29 July 2019. You can also purchase special nail polishes that are meant to help you quit biting your nails. These polishes will taste bitter if you bite your nails.

Getting more physical activity, such as walking, running, biking, dancing, or swimming. Practicing yoga. Meditating. Using deep breathing.

Playing an instrument. Knitting or crocheting. Making jewelry. Cooking or baking.