Mix two tablespoons of powdered gelatin in a glass of milk or fruit juice and drink daily in the morning. This is a sure cure for brittle and splitting nails.

To soften hands soak them in a mixture of honey and orange juice for about ten minutes. Pat dry and apply hand cream.

Lemon juice is a whitening agent and can also be used for removing stains from fingers and nails. Apply and leave for 15-20 minutes. Remove with warm water, pat dry and follow with a rich moisturising cream (lemon juice can be drying, so you must compensate).

Take three tablets of calcium lactate daily with a warm glass of milk for strong bones, nails and teeth.

To repair the damage done by soaps and hard detergents rub equal amounts of rose water and glycerin to the hands.

Exercise your hands daily – like any other part of your body, they need a workout, tool. Bend your fingers up and down 15-20 times daily. Pep up the circulation by taking the fingers of one hand in the other and gently pulling each finger.