Ava Monroe
Weak nails are often caused by vitamin deficiencies, frequent exposure to water, and the use of certain nail polishes and removers. To grow out weak nails, you can make dietary changes, such as taking biotin supplements and drinking more water, as well as adopting healthier nail habits, such as wearing gloves when washing dishes and choosing nail polishes and removers that don't contain harsh chemicals.
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What You'll Learn
Avoid harsh shampoos, nail polish removers and gel manicures
While having well-maintained nails may make you look more put-together, certain nail care practices can be detrimental to your nail health. Here are some tips to avoid harsh treatments and maintain strong, healthy nails:
Avoid harsh shampoos
When shampooing your hair, avoid using your nails to scrub your scalp. The friction from scrubbing can weaken and potentially rip out your hair follicles, leading to hair damage and frizz. Instead, use the soft pads of your fingers to gently massage the shampoo into your scalp in circular motions. This will increase blood flow and ensure that your hair absorbs the nourishing ingredients of your conditioner effectively.
Steer clear of acetone-based nail polish removers
Acetone-based nail polish removers can be extremely drying and damaging to your nails. They can strip the top layers of your nails, leading to thinning and brittleness. Instead, opt for acetone-free nail polish removers, which are gentler on your nails. Additionally, be sure to give your nails a break from polish now and then to allow them to recover.
Exercise caution with gel manicures
While gel manicures can give you long-lasting, chip-free nails, they can also be detrimental to your nail health if not properly maintained. The removal process typically involves soaking your nails in acetone, which can lead to dryness and brittleness. Improper removal, such as peeling off the gel polish, can also damage your nail beds, making them thin and brittle. To maintain nail health, ensure that you get gel nails removed by a professional or follow proper at-home removal steps. Additionally, give your nails a break of at least one to two weeks between gel manicures to allow them to recover.
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Wear gloves when washing dishes or doing chores
Wearing gloves while washing dishes or performing chores that involve water is essential for maintaining nail health. Water can cause nails to become weak and brittle, so it is important to minimise their exposure to it. By wearing gloves, you create a barrier that prevents water from coming into direct contact with your nails.
It is worth noting that this advice applies not only to dishwashing but also to any activity that involves water. For example, when taking a bath, try to keep your hands out of the water as much as possible. While it may not always be feasible to avoid submerging your hands entirely, being mindful of this can make a difference.
In addition to protecting your nails from water, wearing gloves can also shield them from harsh chemicals commonly found in cleaning products. Many household cleaning agents contain strong substances that can contribute to nail weakness and brittleness if exposed to them repeatedly without protection. By donning gloves, you minimise the absorption of these chemicals through your skin and nails.
It is important to remember that wearing gloves for extended periods can create a warm and humid environment inside the gloves, promoting the growth of natural skin yeast. This can potentially lead to nail yeast infections and other fingernail problems. Therefore, it is advisable to let your hands dry completely between tasks that require glove usage. Keeping your nails trimmed short can also help them dry faster, reducing the risk of yeast overgrowth.
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Take biotin supplements and eat a nutrient-dense diet
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is an essential nutrient that can be found in some foods and is also available in supplement form. It promotes healthy cell growth and aids in the metabolism of protein-building amino acids, which are essential for nail growth. While biotin is widely recommended for treating weak or brittle nails, there is limited evidence to support this claim, except in people with a biotin deficiency.
Biotin-rich foods include organ meats like liver, eggs, salmon, pork, beef, seeds, nuts, and sweet potatoes. If you consume a diet containing these foods, you probably don't need to take a supplement. However, taking a biotin supplement or a supplement containing biotin along with other ingredients is unlikely to cause harm. For most adults, a daily biotin intake of 30 micrograms is considered adequate for optimal nail health.
In addition to taking biotin supplements, it is important to eat a nutrient-dense and varied diet to support nail health. A diet deficient in crucial vitamins and minerals can affect nail health. Consider taking a multivitamin with minerals to ensure you are getting all the nutrients you need. Research from 2019 also suggests that collagen peptides, which have been proven to improve nail and skin health, can be incorporated into your daily diet by consuming foods that are high in protein.
It is important to note that taking too much biotin can interfere with some laboratory tests and may interact with certain medications. If you think you may have a biotin deficiency, it is recommended to consult your healthcare provider for an evaluation.
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Use cuticle oil to repair and moisturise nails
Cuticle oil is a product that supports overall nail health, promotes nail growth, and increases the longevity of your manicure. It is most commonly made up of vegetable oils and sometimes contains vitamins and citric acid.
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 to moisturize your cuticle and nail, restoring them to health.
When choosing a cuticle oil, you can opt for one that has vitamins or other ingredients, such as antioxidants. For example, Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream includes both Vitamin E and antioxidants, while OPI's Pro Spa cuticle oil is enriched with grapeseed, sesame, kukui, and sunflower oils.
To apply cuticle oil, simply dab a little onto your cuticles and rub it in. You only need a few drops, as most oils work best in small amounts. You can either use a cotton ball or brush to apply the oil.
By incorporating cuticle oil into your daily routine, you can improve the health and appearance of your nails, making them stronger and less prone to breakage, hangnails, and chips.
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File nails gently in one direction, not back-and-forth
Filing your nails is a good way to keep them at a uniform length and shape, and it can prevent them from breaking. However, it is easy to file your nails incorrectly, which can lead to jagged, frayed nails, and even nail bed or cuticle damage.
When filing your nails, you should always file in one direction, from the outer corner of the nail into the centre. Repeat this motion on the other side, rather than using a back-and-forth sawing motion. Filing back and forth can fray the nail and even damage the nail bed and cuticle. The whole nail may move (like a loose tooth) if you file this way.
It is also important to file slowly. If you file too fast, you may take off too much nail too quickly, which makes it hard to achieve the desired shape.
There are several types of nail files available, including emery boards and glass files. Glass files are often recommended because they are gentle on the nails and easier to clean.
It is important to keep your nails hydrated and nourished. Drinking enough water is essential for nail health, and nail beds should be kept moisturised with nail oil.
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Frequently asked questions
Be mindful of how often your nails are submerged in water. Wear gloves when washing dishes and keep your hands out of the water when taking a bath.
Use cuticle oil to repair and nourish your nails. Keep your nails short while you build up their strength. File your nails gently in one direction only.
Nail polish can strengthen or weaken your nails, depending on the brand. Avoid nail polish with harsh ingredients like toluene, formaldehyde, and DBP, and always use a base coat. Use a non-acetone nail polish remover instead of peeling off the nail polish.
Drink plenty of water and eat a nutrient-dense and varied diet. Take a multivitamin with minerals. Consider adding biotin supplements to your daily routine.
Yes, prescription topical agents like Nuvail and Genadur can help strengthen weak nails. Prescription nail strengtheners are the best choice for long-term use as they increase nail strength and trap moisture to prevent brittleness.
