Your fingernails are the hard plates that cover the tip of your fingers and are made up of cells called Keratin, similar to your hair. These cells constantly produce new cells and push the old cells to the surface, which give you new nail growth. Most women enjoy having long nails but seem to have problems keeping them from chipping or cracking when reaching a certain length. The cause for brittle nails can be from lack of nutrients in your diet or just lack of protection. Wonders of science have given women with problem nails help in a product, which is called a nail hardener or strengthener.

A nail hardener is like a primer for your nails, a protectant. There are many different kinds of products on the market for you to choose from. The following will help you understand what a hardener can do as well as what are the best ingredients that you should be looking for in a hardener.

The most popular ingredient in a nail hardener is Formaldehyde. Formaldehyde serves for two different purposes, one is that it acts as a fungicide, and also helps to extend the shelf life of the product. Formaldehyde is often found in nail polish and when mixed with a chemical called aryl sulfonamide, it forms a resin that causes the polish to adhere to the surface. Some manufacturers no longer use formaldehyde in their products because of the relation between it and cancer, however the FDA does recommend that using quantities of 3 percent or less in a product as being safe.

Prolonged use of formaldehyde may cause the nails to split, become dry and brittle, so one should consider using a waterproof product to help stimulate nail growth and to help keep moisture in while repelling water and dirt. Nail moisturizers that contain petrolatum, mineral oil or lanolin, glycerin, propylene glycol and proteins come in a cream or lotion form and give the nail strength while allowing it to bend. Alpha-hydroxy acids and lactic acid increase the water-binding effect of the nail plate. A well-formulated nail product should contain all of the aforementioned groups to treat the dehydrated nail plate.

A waterproof nail hardener should be applied after first soaking your nails in warm water for approximately 10 to 20 minutes and should be done on a daily basis for about 3 months while discontinuing use of detergents and nail polish removers. After soaking the nails, gently pat the nails dry. Before applying any hardener, the nails should be trimmed and polished leaving no rough edges immediately following the application of the hardener cream.

Shape your nails using a file or emery board and always file in one direction, do not file in a back and forth motion. The tip of the nail should be slightly rounded as well as the edges. After the initial treatment, follow the above instructions every week. Always wear gloves when doing gardening, washing dishes or even when using daily household chemicals. Household cleaners may contain ingredients that can dry out your nails. Proper and weekly care of your nails will give you beautiful nails that you will be proud to show off.