Your nails could be breaking for a number of reasons. First, ensure your diet is right, one that is rich is essential fatty acids (the healthy fats) from nuts, seeds, avocados and oily fish will help keep your nails supple. Vitamin B also has a positive effect on skin, hair and nails so include plenty of whole grains, lean meat and milk (which is packed with nail-friendly calcium) in your diet.
Brittle nails can also be down to iron deficiency, this is especially common in pregnant women. Try an iron supplement like Quest Synergistic Iron, from £4.75, at Victoria Health but as with most nutrients the best way to get them in your system is through diet. The NHS advises you include iron-rich foods like watercress, kale, meat, apricots, prunes and raisins.
Once you've got your diet on track, look to filling your make-up bag with nail-friendly products. You can't beat Sally Hansen Nail Care products; I swear by Diamond Strength Nail Hardener, £8.69, which does what it says on the bottle. OPI's Original nail Envy, £18.75, is also a good choice.
Daily, use a cuticle oil like Jessica Phenomen Oil, £13.65, it contains vitamin E, jojoba and sweet almond oil to intensively hydrate. Massaging it in whenever you can (the more, the better) will prevent your nails and the surrounding skin from drying out. Dry, damaged cuticles can contribute to weak nails.
Finally, keep a hand and nail cream with you at all times. Nuxe Hand and Nail Cream, £10, contains honey, sunflower oil and vitamin E that leaves skin supple and nails moisturised.
Oh, and this is a top tip from me to you, chores especially washing up are a no-no. Get yourself a chic pair of washing up gloves, a willing partner or a cleaner...
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