Whether you treat yourself to regular manicures, or you’re someone who’s constantly picking and biting at their cuticles, we all desire healthy and strong, perfectly manicured nails. If you’re not taking care of your nails on a daily basis, it’s quite easy for them to succumb to the elements.

However, regular nail care doesn’t need to be extensive, here are seven simple tips to help restore your nails and keep them healthy and strong.

Use olive oil: Rubbing olive oil into your nails can help stimulate nail growth and will help keep your skin, nails and cuticles hydrated.

Take care of your cuticles: Don’t bite or tear your cuticles. This will increase your exposure to harmful bacteria, which can cause infection.

Trim: Just like your hair, trimming your nails will help promote strong nails. How often you need to trim will depend on how quickly they grow. Try using a glass nail file to smooth out the edges of your nails. You can also lightly buff the surface of your nails, especially if you tend to get ridges.

Avoid chemical exposure: Make sure you always wear gloves when washing-up or cleaning the house. Direct exposure to chemicals can weaken your nails.

Eat right: Eating calcium-rich and biotin-rich foods can help strengthen your nails. This can be as simple as having a glass of calcium fortified plant milk or having a handful of almonds during the day.

Stay hydrated: Make sure you drink at least two litres of water every day. Water is vital for your overall health, including the health of your nails.

Use hand cream: Apply hand cream or oil every day to keep your nails hydrated and healthy. If you have extremely dry hands and nails, try applying a rich hand cream and restore your hands by wearing gloves overnight.