Caleb Foster
Growing thick and strong nails requires a lot of time and patience. It is important to address the root cause of brittle nails, which can be due to nutritional deficiencies, chemical exposure, or chronic conditions. Strategies to strengthen your nails include maintaining a nutrient-dense diet, staying hydrated, using nail lotions and oils, and wearing gloves when washing dishes or cleaning to prevent prolonged exposure to water. Additionally, consider taking biotin supplements, which are known to strengthen hair and nails, and always use a non-acetone nail polish remover to avoid damaging your nails.
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What You'll Learn
- Diet and supplements: Eat a nutrient-dense, high-protein diet, and consider taking biotin supplements
- Moisturise: Use cuticle oil or ointment to keep nails hydrated
- Avoid harsh products: Steer clear of drying shampoos and nail polishes with harsh ingredients
- Nail care: File nails instead of clipping, and use a non-acetone remover
- Protect nails: Wear gloves when washing up and avoid using nails as tools
Diet and supplements: Eat a nutrient-dense, high-protein diet, and consider taking biotin supplements
A well-balanced, nutrient-dense, and high-protein diet is key to growing thicker nails. Nails are made of protein, so consuming too little protein may adversely affect nail health. To increase your protein intake, opt for eggs, chicken, turkey, lean beef, pork, and fish. If you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, good sources of protein include lentils, peanuts, nuts, and dairy products.
Fatty acids are also important for nail health. Consuming healthy fats, such as salmon and other fatty fish, will help you grow shiny, strong nails. Salmon is also a good source of vitamin D, which can help prevent dry and brittle nails. Other foods rich in healthy fats include nuts, seeds, avocados, and olive oil. Vegetables that are orange or yellow in colour, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and bell peppers, tend to contain a higher concentration of beta-carotene, which is a precursor to vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for strong, healthy, and accelerated nail growth.
In addition to dietary changes, you may want to consider taking biotin supplements. Biotin, also known as vitamin H and vitamin B7, is a water-soluble vitamin that promotes healthy cell growth and aids in the metabolism of protein-building amino acids, which are essential for nail growth. However, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider before taking any supplements, especially if you are taking medications or have a chronic condition.
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Moisturise: Use cuticle oil or ointment to keep nails hydrated
Cuticle oil is a specialised product designed to nourish and moisturise the cuticles, which are the thin strips of skin at the base of your nails. Cuticles that are exposed to excessive cold, sun, chlorine, or salty or soapy water can become chapped, cracked, and dry. In these cases, cuticle oil can help restore them to health.
Cuticle oils are typically made with a blend of natural oils, such as jojoba, almond, avocado, grapeseed, sesame, kukui, and sunflower oils. They may also contain vitamins and antioxidants, such as vitamin E, aloe, and citric acid. These ingredients provide essential hydration to the cuticles, preventing them from becoming dry and brittle.
To apply cuticle oil effectively, start by removing any nail polish or residue from your nails using a gentle nail polish remover. Wash your hands with warm water and mild soap to clean your nails and soften the cuticles. Take a small amount of cuticle oil on a brush or applicator and gently dab it onto each cuticle, starting from the base of the nail and working towards the tip. Use a small amount to avoid excess oiliness.
Gently massage the oil into each nail and cuticle in circular motions using your fingertips. This helps stimulate blood circulation and aids in the absorption of the oil. Allow the oil to sit on your nails for a few minutes to fully absorb.
Regularly applying cuticle oil can promote healthy nail growth, improve the overall appearance of your nails, and protect them from breakage and splitting. It helps to prevent the formation of painful hangnails and shields the nails and cuticles from environmental damage, such as harsh chemicals, water, and excessive dryness.
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Avoid harsh products: Steer clear of drying shampoos and nail polishes with harsh ingredients
To grow thicker nails, it is important to avoid harsh products and ingredients that can dry out your nails, making them weak and brittle. This includes drying shampoos and certain nail polishes.
When it comes to shampoos, avoid those that are meant for oily hair as they tend to strip the natural oils from your scalp and hair, which can also dry out your nails. Opt for a moisturising shampoo that will nourish your hair and nails. Similarly, some nail polishes contain harsh ingredients such as toluene, formaldehyde, and DBP, which can dehydrate your nails. It is advisable to opt for nail polishes that are free from these chemicals and to give your nails a break between applications to allow them to breathe.
In addition to choosing nail polishes wisely, it is also crucial to use a non-acetone nail polish remover. Acetone can be very drying and damaging to the nails, so opting for a gentler alternative will help maintain nail health. Gel nail polishes, for example, while long-lasting and hard to break, can be damaging in the long run due to the removal process, which can leave nails in poor condition.
To summarise, when aiming for thicker nail growth, it is essential to avoid products that strip moisture from your nails. Opt for hydrating and nourishing alternatives, and always read the ingredient lists to steer clear of known harsh chemicals.
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Nail care: File nails instead of clipping, and use a non-acetone remover
When it comes to nail care, it's important to remember that your nails are jewels, not tools. Here are some tips to help you grow your nails thicker and stronger:
File nails instead of clipping
Using a nail clipper can create tiny cracks and tears in your nails that you may not be able to see, which will lead to further breakage. Instead, use a nail file to leave a smooth edge and a more desirable shape. Aim to file your nails a little bit every week or two to maintain their strength and length.
Use a non-acetone nail polish remover
Avoid peeling off your nail polish, as this can weaken your nails. Instead, use a non-acetone nail polish remover to gently take off the nail polish. Acetone-based removers can be harsh and drying to your nails.
Hydration is key
Hydration is essential for nail health. Cuticle oil is a great way to hydrate the cuticle and nail bed, making it an important step in nail care. Organic Dadi oil or jojoba oil are affordable and effective options. Applying a thick ointment or Vaseline to your hands and nails at night can also provide intense hydration.
Supplements and diet
Taking biotin supplements, also known as vitamin H and vitamin B7, can help strengthen nails. As biotin is water-soluble, it needs to be consumed daily. In addition, ensuring you have enough protein and calcium in your diet promotes healthier nails. Drinking plenty of water is also crucial for nail health.
Protect your nails
When doing tasks that may involve using your nails as tools, such as opening parcels, wear gloves to protect your nails from breakage. Avoid harsh nail products, such as nail hardeners and gel polishes, which can weaken and damage your nails over time.
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Protect nails: Wear gloves when washing up and avoid using nails as tools
Protecting your nails is an important step in keeping them strong and healthy. This involves being mindful of activities that may seem harmless but can actually damage your nails. One such activity is washing dishes. While it may seem innocuous, exposing your nails to water and cleaning products can weaken them and cause brittleness. Therefore, it is recommended to wear gloves when washing dishes to create a protective barrier between your nails and these harmful substances.
Similarly, it is important to avoid using your nails as tools. This means refraining from tasks such as opening packages or picking at old manicures, as these actions can cause your nails to chip, crack, or break. Instead, use the appropriate tools, such as scissors or a package opener, to avoid causing damage to your nails.
In addition to wearing gloves and avoiding using your nails as tools, it is also beneficial to handle your nails with care during everyday tasks. This includes being gentle when washing your hands or doing other activities that involve water. Try not to soak your hands in water for prolonged periods, as this can contribute to nail weakness. Instead, be mindful of the amount of time your hands are submerged and try to keep them out of the water as much as possible.
Another way to protect your nails is to be cautious when removing nail polish. Avoid the temptation to peel off your nail polish, as this can weaken your nails. Instead, opt for a non-acetone nail polish remover to minimize the risk of damage. Additionally, be careful not to overuse nail clippers, as they can create tiny cracks and tears that lead to further breakage. A nail file is a better alternative, as it leaves a smooth edge and helps maintain the desired shape of your nails.
By following these protective measures, you can help ensure that your nails remain strong and healthy. Wearing gloves when washing dishes, avoiding using your nails as tools, and being mindful of everyday handling will contribute to the overall health and strength of your nails.
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Frequently asked questions
Growing nails thicker and stronger takes time and patience. It is recommended to use cuticle oil or cuticle and nail oil to nourish the skin and contribute flexibility to the nail. Biotin supplements are also a popular choice for strengthening nails and promoting growth.
Keeping nails hydrated is important for nail health. Drinking enough water is essential, and it is recommended to wear gloves when washing dishes to avoid prolonged exposure to water.
Gel polish and nail hardeners can damage nails in the long run. Exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) light required for gel polish has been identified as a risk factor for cancer, and it also ages the skin that supports a healthy nail. Harsh ingredients in nail polish, such as toluene, formaldehyde, and DBP, can also dry out your nails.
