Sophia Delgado
Having strong and healthy nails is an indicator of good health. However, sometimes our nails need a little extra help to become stronger and grow longer. There are many ways to improve nail health, including maintaining a healthy diet, using the correct nail products, and keeping nails well-maintained.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet | Eat a well-balanced diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean sources of protein, adequate carbohydrates, and plenty of healthy fats. |
| Supplements | Take biotin supplements, which can help strengthen nails. |
| Water | Drink enough water throughout the day to prevent nails from becoming brittle. |
| Nail care | Keep nails dry and clean, trim them regularly, and avoid biting them. |
| Nail polish | Use non-toxic, water-based nail polish and avoid peeling it off, as this can weaken nails. |
| Nail treatments | Consider keratin treatments or nail-strengthening manicures to create a protective layer and prevent chipping. |
| Shampoo | Avoid using drying shampoos, as they can dry out your nails and cause them to become weak and brittle. |
| Sun protection | Apply sunscreen to your hands before exposing them to UV light, such as during gel manicures. |
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What You'll Learn
Eat a nutritious, well-balanced diet
Eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet is essential for maintaining strong and healthy nails. Nails are made of a protein called keratin, so ensuring sufficient protein intake is key. Include lean sources of protein in your diet, such as meat, eggs, and nuts. Additionally, aim for a diet rich in colourful fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, and healthy fats. Avocados, for example, are a great source of healthy fats and also contain vitamins and minerals that promote nail health.
It is also important to stay hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day. Water helps your nails retain moisture, keeping them strong and preventing them from becoming brittle and prone to breakage.
Certain vitamins and minerals are particularly beneficial for nail health. Incorporate foods containing vitamins A, E, and D into your diet, as well as iron. Biotin, a type of B vitamin, is highly recommended as it helps boost nail strength. You can also take biotin supplements to support nail growth and strength.
In addition to a well-balanced diet, remember to practice good nail hygiene. Keep your nails clean and dry, trim them regularly, and consider using moisturising products to maintain nail health and promote growth.
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Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is essential for nail health. Nails can become brittle and break or peel easily when the body is dehydrated. Drinking enough water throughout the day will help your nails retain moisture and stay strong. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day to keep your body and nails hydrated.
In addition to drinking water, you can also hydrate your nails by using moisturising products. Cuticle oil is an effective way to hydrate the cuticle and nail bed, and it is an important step in nail care. Applying oil, balm, or cream to your nails and the surrounding skin can prevent further impairment of the integrity of the nails and protect them from future damage by locking in moisture. You can do this every time you wash your hands or up to three times a day.
Another way to keep your nails hydrated is to avoid over-washing or over-scrubbing them. Nails are weaker after a shower and more prone to breakage. If you routinely have your hands in hot, soapy water, consider wearing gloves to protect your hands, nails, and cuticles.
Finally, you can support nail hydration by consuming biotin-rich foods and supplements. Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that allows the body to turn food into energy, and it is highly recommended as a supplement to boost nail strength. Biotin-rich foods include eggs, nuts, and vegetables.
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Take biotin supplements
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is an essential nutrient that supports your metabolism and helps keep your skin, nails, and hair healthy. Biotin is needed for your cells to function correctly, and it helps convert fat, glucose, and protein into energy.
Several human studies suggest that taking a biotin supplement daily may help strengthen nails. Biotin is found in many of the foods we eat, such as liver, eggs, salmon, pork, nuts, and seeds. However, biotin deficiency can occur due to long-term raw egg consumption, as raw egg whites contain a protein that binds to biotin, preventing its absorption.
If you are considering taking biotin supplements, it is recommended that you speak with your doctor first, as biotin supplements may cause mild side effects such as an upset stomach. Additionally, it is important to address the root cause of brittle nails, which can be due to nutritional deficiencies, chemical exposure, or chronic conditions.
While biotin supplements are popular for promoting nail growth, there is limited scientific evidence to support their effectiveness. Most people get enough biotin through their diet, and there are other options to boost your biotin intake without supplements, such as consuming fish and seeds.
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Use nail lacquer
Using nail lacquer is a great way to strengthen your nails and help them grow longer. Here are some tips on how to use nail lacquer to achieve your desired results:
First and foremost, it is important to understand that nails require nourishment and hydration to stay strong and healthy. This means that in addition to using nail lacquer, you should focus on maintaining a nutritious diet and staying hydrated. Eating foods rich in vitamins A, E, and D, as well as incorporating healthy fats, iron, protein, and folates into your meals can significantly support nail growth and strength.
When using nail lacquer, it is recommended to apply two coats to bare nails, followed by an additional coat daily. This helps strengthen the natural nail and provides a protective layer to prevent chipping and breaking. It is also suggested to use nail lacquer as a base coat before applying coloured nail polish. This not only strengthens your nails but also creates a smooth surface for the colour to adhere to, resulting in a longer-lasting manicure.
While nail lacquer can be beneficial, it is important to give your nails a break from time to time. Constantly wearing nail polish, including gel polish, can undermine the strength and health of your nails. Make sure to remove your nail polish properly using an acetone-based remover and avoid picking or peeling it off, as this can cause damage to your natural nails. Additionally, limit your use of nail polish remover as it can dry out your nails.
If you're looking for specific nail lacquer products to try, Nails & Brows Mayfair offers an IBX Nail Strengthening Manicure, which creates a protective layer against chipping. Young LDN's Japanese Manicure is another option, as it coats the nail with keratin paste, leaving them feeling stronger and glossier. At-home options include keratin-infused base coats and nail treatments that repair damaged nails while adding a lustrous shine.
By incorporating nail lacquer into your nail care routine and following the tips mentioned above, you can effectively strengthen your nails and promote their growth. Remember to maintain a healthy diet and hydration level, use nail lacquer properly, and give your nails occasional breaks to keep them in their best condition.
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Moisturise your hands and nails
Keeping your hands and nails moisturised is essential for nail health. Without adequate moisture, nails can become brittle and break and peel easily.
There are several ways to ensure your hands and nails are well-moisturised. Firstly, drinking enough water throughout the day is key. Staying hydrated helps your nails retain moisture and stay strong.
You can also moisturise your hands and nails with a lotion, making sure to rub it into your fingernails, especially at the base where the cuticles are located. Nail slugging is another effective method. This involves applying moisturising products to your hands and then sealing them in with an emollient to maximise absorption.
In addition to keeping your hands and nails moisturised, it's important to consider the products you're using on your nails. Avoid drying shampoos and nail polishes, as well as harsh nail polish removers. Instead, opt for water-based, non-toxic nail polishes and non-acetone nail polish removers.
Finally, while it may be tempting to pick at or peel off old nail polish, resist the urge! Picking and peeling can remove the top layer of your nails, leaving them weak and thin.
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Frequently asked questions
Eat a well-balanced diet with colourful fruit and vegetables, lean sources of protein, healthy fats, vitamins A, E, and D, and plenty of water.
Yes, biotin supplements are highly recommended to help boost nail strength.
Yes, you can use nail lacquer, nail slugging (applying moisturising products and sealing them with an emollient), keratin treatments, and builder gel (BIAB) to add a protective layer to your nails.
Yes, keep your nails dry, clean, and trimmed. Use a nail file instead of a nail clipper to avoid tiny cracks and tears. Avoid biting your nails and peeling off nail polish.
