nails in a state, what can be done?

[MCSpammer]

Just taken my nail varnish off to find these hideous nails underneath, every single one of them flakey. Have always had thin nails but usually they look fine. I use a good nail varnish remover (sally Hansen) and always try and put a layer of clear nail varnish on before a colour. I hardly ever wear gloves when doing housework so I guess that doesn't help. My diet is reasonably healthy. I have been using Opi 'nail strengthener' a couple of times a week over the past few months, could this be the cause?

What can I do to get my nails looking healthy and buff?

I meant weeks not months

I've found this stuff to be very good. It also makes the polish last ages.

Mine are in a worse state after a LOOOONG spell of back-to-back Shellacs. I generally find Nail Envy (OPI) to be very good. You apply it every couple of days, taking it all off once a week and starting again. Also, if my nails are in a bit of a state, I tend to cut them right down to get rid of the worst bits and start again.

I always use rubber gloves when washing up though (but that's also for skin reasons - the soapy water is bad for my eczema)

They really don't look bad OP! I have seen a million times worse. Rubber gloves when cleaning/washing up is a good idea. Get a good, moisturising hand cream - I use Garnier Intensive 7 Days hand cream, costs about 3-4 - and use it at least 3 times a day, really rub it in to the beds of your nails. Ideally use it every time you wash your hands. Keep your nails short - I prefer cutting with a good set of clippers rather than filing.

You could take some vitamins that help with nail and hair.
Lots of them about.
I also 2nd OPI Nail Envy. I used to bite my nails then had years of acrylics. They were paper thin.
Now I don't bite them and they are good. Nail Envy helped me no end.

Aren't you also supposed to eat raw Jelly squares? (if you aren't veggie of course)

The best thing for my nails is almond oil - costs about £1.30 from Sainsbury's pharmacy section and rub a few drops in every evening

Make sure you are getting the vitamins you need. Get multi vit, my nails were weak, I've been taking vitamins and they are as strong as acrylics now.

I want to second or third the suggestion to look into your diet and vitamins. I cut out sugar, pasta, and bread which means I'm eating a lot of protein and my nails are growing strong and fast. I used to have problems with them flaking, breaking, etc. No more! So, more protein and/or nail vitamins may help.

In the meantime, cut them short. As long as your cuticles are neat you will look fine.

Thanks, lots of good tips. I'm going to get the nail envy asap.

With regards to hand cream and rubbing into nails: I really like to wear polish most days so guessing that would be a waste of time for me?

I took multivitamins for years when trying for a second child, really good Solgar ones - nails still thin. A beautician once described them as 'paper thin' (wish I could say the same for the nails on my toes .