Liam Carter
Strong and healthy nails are an indicator of good health, but sometimes our nails need a little extra help to become stronger and longer. There are many ways to improve nail health, from dietary changes to the use of nail strengtheners and treatments. Nails can become brittle due to nutritional deficiencies, chemical exposure, or chronic conditions, so addressing the root cause is the most effective way to repair nails.
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What You'll Learn
Keep nails moisturised and hydrated
Keeping your nails and the skin around them moisturised and hydrated is essential for nail health. Nails can become brittle and break and peel easily without adequate moisture.
Drinking enough water throughout the day helps nails to retain moisture and stay strong. Water follows water, so the longer you soak in it, the more your body and nails will deplete, so try to keep your hands out of the water when bathing, and wear gloves when washing dishes or doing chores that involve water. If you do end up soaking your nails, be sure to moisturise your hands and nails afterwards.
Moisturising the skin surrounding your nails helps to support the nail and offers plenty of nourishment. You can use a hand cream to moisturise your nails and the surrounding skin, preventing further impairment of the integrity of the nails. Ointments, such as Aquaphor Healing Ointment, can also be used to nourish your nails and protect them from future damage by locking in moisture.
Cuticle oils are another great way to keep nails moisturised and hydrated. Cuticle oils are often based on natural ingredients and need to be brushed onto the nail once or twice a day. This helps to hydrate the nail bed, keeping your nails strong and resilient.
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Take biotin supplements
Biotin, also known as vitamin H, vitamin B7, or vitamin B, is water-soluble and not stored by the body, so it needs to be consumed daily. It can help strengthen nails and also helps the body's nervous system to function properly.
Biotin supplements are a well-known tip suggested by doctors to help grow stronger nails. However, it is important to check with a healthcare professional before taking them to ensure they are safe for you and will not interfere with any prescription drugs you are taking. If you decide to take biotin supplements, remember to stop taking them a few days before getting any lab tests done, as large amounts in your system can skew the results.
Biotin is naturally found in many foods, including eggs, meat, cauliflower, bananas, and nuts. You can also get biotin from omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish oil and flaxseed oil. Omega-3 helps to care for the cells in the nail bed and encourages the absorption of nutrients, resulting in stronger, healthier, and harder nails.
In addition to taking biotin supplements, staying properly hydrated is crucial for nail health. Drinking plenty of water helps nails retain moisture and stay strong, while soaking nails in water for long periods can cause them to become weak and brittle.
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Wear gloves when washing up
Wearing gloves while washing up is one of the simplest ways to protect your nails from damage. The hot water and harsh chemicals in dish soap can severely weaken your nails, making them prone to breakage and peeling. Gloves act as a barrier, shielding your nails from these harmful elements.
It's best to opt for rubber or cotton-lined gloves. Cotton lining ensures comfort and breathability, while rubber provides durability and protection against water and chemicals. By wearing gloves, you can effectively prevent your nails from becoming brittle and weak.
Additionally, wearing gloves can help you avoid prolonged exposure to water, which can dehydrate your nails, making them fragile. When your hands are immersed in water for extended periods, they lose moisture, leaving your nails dry and brittle. Gloves act as a protective layer, minimising this moisture loss and helping your nails retain their natural hydration levels.
Wearing gloves while washing dishes is a simple yet effective habit that can make a significant difference in your nail health journey. It is an easy way to protect your nails from the damaging effects of water, chemicals, and vigorous activity. By incorporating this small step into your daily routine, you will be taking a proactive approach to maintaining strong and healthy nails.
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File nails correctly
Filing your nails is an essential step in achieving stronger and longer nails. Here are some detailed tips to help you file your nails correctly:
Firstly, it is important to use the right type of nail file. Opt for a softer nail file instead of a harsh one, as harsh files can cause your nails to split or tear. Go for an emery board, a glass nail file, or a crystal nail file. These files are gentler on your nails and help prevent damage.
When it comes to the filing technique, always file your nails in one direction only. Filing back and forth can weaken your nails and make them more prone to breakage. Gently file in a single direction, lifting the file and starting again from the edge of the nail each time, rather than sawing back and forth. This will help prevent nail damage and encourage smoother, cleaner edges.
Be mindful of the shape you file your nails into. Rounded or square nails with slightly rounded edges are generally stronger and less prone to breakage than pointed or sharp-edged shapes. Filing your nails into a gentle oval shape can also help prevent your nails from catching and tearing.
It is also important to avoid over-filing your nails. Filing too much can weaken your nails and lead to peeling and breakage. Only file enough to shape your nails and smooth any rough edges. If your nails are already quite thin or weak, you may want to avoid filing them and simply trim them with nail clippers, allowing them to grow stronger over time.
Finally, remember to moisturize your nails and the surrounding skin after filing. Filing can dry out your nails, so applying a nourishing hand cream or cuticle oil can help replenish moisture and keep your nails strong and supple.
By following these tips, you can effectively file your nails to promote strength and encourage longer, healthier nail growth.
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Use acetone-free nail polish remover
Using an acetone-based nail polish remover can be harsh on your nails. Acetone is a powerful solvent that can quickly dissolve the hard film on your nails left by the ingredients in the polish. However, it can also cause dryness, peeling, splitting, and white marks on your nails. It can also be drying to the cuticles.
To maintain nail strength, it is advisable to use an acetone-free nail polish remover. Acetone-free removers are formulated with less aggressive solvents like ethyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol, and propylene carbonate. They are gentler on the skin and nails, causing less drying and brittleness.
Acetone-free nail polish removers are especially recommended if you have nail extensions. The acetone can cause extensions to become brittle and lift, separating from your natural nail.
If you opt for an acetone-free nail polish remover, be prepared to spend a little more time removing your nail polish, especially if you are removing dark or glitter nail polishes. These formulas may also require more effort to remove polish effectively.
After using any nail polish remover, it is important to moisturize your hands and nails to counteract the drying effects of the solvents.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to make your nails stronger and longer. Firstly, maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated is essential for nail health. Nails can become brittle and break easily without adequate moisture. Eating a nutrient-dense and varied diet, including colourful fruits and vegetables, can help ensure your body and nails get the vitamins and minerals they need. Additionally, consistent use of nail strengtheners and oils can help protect your nails and keep them moisturised.
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, can help strengthen nails. Vitamin B7 can be consumed through supplements or vitamin-rich foods such as nuts, eggs, and lean meat.
Yes, consistent use of nail strengtheners can help nails grow longer and stronger. Prescription-strength nail treatments are also available from dermatologists if over-the-counter options are ineffective.
Keeping nails painted with regular polish can help protect them. However, it is important to use acetone-free nail polish removers as acetone can cause dryness, peeling, and splitting. Additionally, frequent acrylic nails can cause your nails to peel, so it is recommended to take breaks between applications.
