Sophia Delgado
Having strong nails is a sign of good health, but sometimes our nails are weaker than we'd like. There are many ways to strengthen nails, from taking supplements and vitamins to using nail strengtheners and hardeners. However, addressing the root cause of weak nails can be the most effective way to repair them. For example, vitamin deficiencies, chemical exposure, and chronic conditions can all cause brittle nails. Strategies to strengthen your nails may include taking a biotin supplement, drinking enough water, eating a nutrient-dense diet, and using nail lotions and oils.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet | Include folic acid, biotin, vitamins A, E, and D, protein, iron, calcium, and healthy fats. |
| Nail care | Keep nails dry and clean, trim straight across, file into a soft curve, moisturize, avoid biting, and limit nail polish and remover use. |
| Health | Address any nutritional deficiencies, chronic conditions, or other root causes of nail issues. |
| Products | Use strengthening creams or polishes, non-acetone nail polish removers, and nail lotions or oils. |
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What You'll Learn
Keep your nails hydrated with oils and moisturisers
Keeping your nails hydrated is essential for maintaining their strength and preventing them from becoming brittle and breaking or chipping easily. Here are some ways to keep your nails hydrated with oils and moisturisers:
Moisturisers
Applying a moisturiser to your nails helps protect the nail plate from air and water damage. You can use any type of hand cream or lotion that you already use on your hands. Make sure to rub it into your fingernails, especially at the base around the cuticles. You can also use nail and cuticle-specific creams. After moisturising, you can apply a thick layer of ointment, such as Vaseline, to seal in the moisture.
Oils
Natural oils such as olive oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, and bath oil can be used to keep your nails hydrated. Soak your nails in oil for about 20 minutes, or massage the oil into your nails and cuticles. You can also apply vitamin E oil by breaking open a vitamin E capsule. If you want to combine the benefits of oils and moisturisers, you can first soak your nails in oil, wipe off the excess, and then apply a moisturising cream.
Exfoliation
Exfoliating your nails can help improve moisture absorption. Picture the nail cells on your nail like overlapping tiles on a roof—because they're dead, they'll often become separated and peel or lift up. Exfoliation helps to remove these dead cells and prepare the nail bed for better moisture absorption.
Diet
In addition to external hydration, keeping your nails hydrated also involves internal care. Include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids in your diet, such as salmon, walnuts, soy, eggs, and seeds.
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Wear gloves when washing up or showering
Wearing gloves while washing up or showering can help protect your nails from water damage and breakage. Nails are made of a hard protein called keratin, and they can become brittle and prone to breakage if exposed to too much water. By wearing gloves, you can create a barrier that keeps your nails dry and helps maintain their strength.
When choosing gloves for washing up or showering, you can opt for nitrile, vinyl, or rubber gloves. Nitrile gloves are known for their durability and comfort, providing a good balance between protection and flexibility. Vinyl gloves offer a similar level of protection and are also effective against chemicals, making them a suitable choice if you're using harsh cleaning products. Rubber gloves are another option, providing a good grip and protection from water.
To ensure that your gloves provide an effective barrier against water, consider using small clear elastics or hair ties around your wrists. This helps to prevent water from seeping into the gloves through the wrist area. Additionally, try to keep your hands above waist level, especially when shaving, as it can help avoid water trickling into the gloves.
It is important to note that wearing gloves for extended periods can create a warm and humid environment inside the gloves, which may lead to the growth of natural skin yeast and potential nail problems. Therefore, it is recommended to change your gloves frequently, wash your hands, and allow them to dry completely.
By incorporating glove-wearing into your nail care routine, you can help protect your nails from excessive moisture exposure, keeping them strong and healthy. Remember to combine this practice with other nail care tips, such as maintaining a healthy diet and regular nail grooming, to promote overall nail health and encourage strong nail growth.
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Take supplements and eat a nutrient-dense diet
While there are many supplements marketed for strengthening nails, scientific evidence is lacking. Biotin supplements are the only type shown to have a possible effect on nail health. Biotin is a B-complex vitamin, also known as vitamin B7, coenzyme R, and vitamin H. It promotes healthy cell growth and aids in the metabolism of protein-building amino acids that are essential for nail growth. Biotin-rich foods and supplements may help strengthen your brittle fingernails. A few small studies support biotin supplement use, and consuming biotin through foods or supplements may help strengthen brittle nails and improve their growth.
Other B vitamins are also important for nail health. For example, vitamin B12 plays a role in iron absorption, as well as the development of red blood cells, both of which are necessary for keeping nails strong and healthy. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can result in discolored nails. Similarly, folate, or vitamin B9, is important for nail growth and health by contributing to red blood cell formation and the development of new cells. A deficiency in folate can cause a pigment change in your nails and make them rigid and brittle.
In addition to taking supplements, it is important to eat a nutrient-dense and varied diet. A diet that’s deficient in crucial vitamins and minerals can affect your entire body, including your nails. Consider incorporating foods that are high in protein, as research from 2019 suggests that collagen peptides improve nail and skin health. Speak with your healthcare professional before starting new supplements, as they can interfere with any prescription drugs you may be taking.
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File your nails with a glass nail file
Glass nail files are a great way to file your nails gently and effectively. They are made of tempered glass with a slightly gritty texture, which is used for filing and shaping your nails. They are much gentler on your nails than traditional emery boards, which can be quite harsh, especially if you have thin nails. Glass nail files are ideal if you have weak, brittle, or damaged nails as they seal the keratin layers together at the edge of the nail, preventing peeling and chipping. They are also excellent for reducing splitting and breakage.
When filing your nails with a glass nail file, it is important to keep your nails clean and dry to prevent bacteria from growing beneath them. Use sharp manicure scissors or clippers to trim your nails straight across first, and then use the glass nail file to shape your nails into a soft curve. You can also use the file to smooth and refine the edges of your nails.
It is recommended to disinfect your glass nail file with an alcohol wipe after each use to maintain optimal cleanliness. Good quality glass files can last up to about a year, making them a more sustainable and cost-effective option than traditional emery boards.
While glass nail files are perfect for natural nails, they may not be strong enough for shaping thick nails or removing gel polish. In these cases, a classic nail file or emery board may be more suitable.
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Use nail strengtheners and avoid harsh nail polish removers
Using nail strengtheners is an effective way to promote nail growth and strengthen your nails. These products can help turn things around if you have flimsy, peeling, or breaking nails due to factors like cold weather, age, or the regular use of acrylics, gel manicures, and press-ons. Nail strengtheners with ingredients like keratin or wheat protein are ideal, as they can "crosslink keratin, the building block of your nails, to make the nail more durable," explains Dr. Shari Lipner, M.D., Ph.D., an associate professor of clinical dermatology and director of the nail division at Weill Cornell Medicine, New York.
Some popular nail strengtheners include ORLY Nailtrition Nail Growth Treatment, which is the overall winner according to byrdie.com, and the Sally Hansen strengthener, which is a favourite of manicurist and content creator Hannah Lee. Other recommended products include Olive & June's Nail Strengthener, which is packed with plant-based ingredients, and the Duri intensive growth treatment, which includes powerhouse strengthening ingredients like hydrolyzed wheat protein, hydrolyzed soy protein, and calcium.
When it comes to nail polish removers, it is best to avoid harsh products that leave your nails dry and weak. Traditional nail polish removers with strong acetone formulas can strip your nails of their natural oils and have adverse effects, especially if you are regularly breathing in their noxious fumes. Instead, opt for non-toxic, acetone-free options that are packed with vitamins and nourishing ingredients. For example, the Sundays Soy Polish Remover is formulated with vitamins A, C, and E, and grapefruit essential oils, and the Olive & June Polish Remover Pot is also acetone-free and has a convenient application process.
If you are looking for an easy removal process, the sponge nail remover is a unique option. It comes in a jar with a big sponge soaked in a nail polish remover formula. You simply put your finger inside the hole in the sponge, twist, and the polish is removed. There are also non-toxic options like the Static Nails 100% Non-Toxic Polish & Pop-On Remover, which is formulated with zero scent and won't strip your nails of their natural oils.
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Frequently asked questions
Stay hydrated, drink enough water throughout the day to help your nails retain moisture and stay strong.
Keep your nails painted as it adds layers and helps with breakage. You can also use nail strengtheners and hardeners, and moisturize your nails with a good cuticle and nail oil.
Jojoba oil or emu oil are incredibly moisturising. You can also use almond oil or nail strengtheners with calcium.
Wear gloves when washing dishes or cleaning, and try to keep your hands out of the water while taking a bath. Avoid using your nails to open things and consider taking a biotin supplement.
