Stronger Nails: Tips For Hardening Your Fingernails

Strong nails are an indicator of good health, but brittle nails are a common problem with many possible causes, from nutritional deficiencies to chemical exposure and chronic conditions. While there are many over-the-counter nail hardeners and hydrators that can help to strengthen nails, it's also important to address the root cause, which may be as simple as drinking more water or taking a biotin supplement. Prescription nail strengtheners are another option, which contain chemicals to increase nail strength and trap moisture to prevent future brittleness.

How to Harden Fingernails

Nail-strengthening products

There are numerous nail-strengthening products available that can help fortify and harden your fingernails. Here are some options to consider:

• Nail Hardeners: These are typically clear coatings that you apply directly to your nails. They contain ingredients like formaldehyde, vitamin E, and protein that help harden and strengthen soft, brittle nails. Look for products like Nailtiques Formula 2 Plus or Quimica Alemana, which have a reputation for their effectiveness in nail hardening.
• Nail Strengthening Polishes: Some nail polish brands offer specific lines of nail-strengthening polishes that come in various colours. For example, OPI's Nail Envy Collection and Essie's Treat Love & Color Collection are formulated with ingredients like biotin, collagen, and vitamin E to help fortify nails while providing a range of shades to choose from.
• Nail Strengthening Base Coats: Using a strengthening base coat under your regular nail polish can help improve the health of your nails. These products often contain similar ingredients to nail hardeners but are designed to be used as a base layer before applying coloured polish. Try products like CND Rescue RXx Daily Keratin Treatment or Orly Nail Defense to help protect and reinforce your nails.
• Nail Oils and Cuticle Creams: Hydrating your nails and cuticles with nourishing oils and creams can also contribute to nail strength. Look for products that contain natural oils like jojoba, avocado, and sweet almond oil, as well as vitamins and antioxidants. Massage these into your nails and cuticles regularly to promote nail health and strength. Examples include CND Solar Oil Nail and Cuticle Conditioner or Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream.
• Supplements: While not a topical product, taking supplements that promote nail health can also be beneficial. Look for supplements that contain biotin (vitamin B7), as it is known to support nail strength and growth. Other beneficial ingredients include vitamin C, collagen, and silica. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.

When choosing nail-strengthening products, it is important to read the ingredients and opt for those that are free from harsh chemicals that can potentially damage your nails over time. Additionally, be mindful that results may vary among individuals, so it may be worth experimenting with different products to find the ones that work best for your specific nail needs.

Diet and nutrition

Firstly, it is important to ensure adequate protein intake, as protein is essential for boosting keratin production, which keeps nails strong and resilient. Animal sources of protein include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy, while plant-based sources include soy, legumes, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Lean meats, such as chicken and turkey, are also good sources of collagen, which is crucial for nail health.

In addition to protein, certain vitamins and minerals are important for nail health. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, promotes healthy cell growth and aids in the metabolism of protein-building amino acids, which are essential for nail growth. Biotin-rich foods include organ meats, egg yolk, dairy products, yeast, salmon, avocado, sweet potato, nuts, seeds, and cauliflower. Vitamin B12, found in dairy products and eggs, is also important for nail health, as it plays a role in iron absorption and red blood cell development.

Other key nutrients for nail health include vitamin C, which is essential for collagen production, and omega-3 fatty acids, which help lubricate nails and give them a shiny appearance. Citrus fruits, bell peppers, green vegetables, and tomatoes are good sources of vitamin C, while omega-3 fatty acids can be found in salmon, nuts, and seeds.

Overall, a healthy diet that includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods can help support nail health and overall well-being. Staying properly hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day is also important for maintaining strong and healthy nails.

Filing and shaping

Preparation:

Before you begin filing, it is important to trim your nails to the general desired shape and length. Use a nail clipper to cut your nails down, ensuring they are all roughly the same length. If your nails are already short, you can skip this step.

Filing Technique:

• Hold your fingers towards your face, with your wrist facing up and nails bent towards your face.
• Start from one of the outside corners of your nail and file towards the centre.
• File in smooth, single strokes in one direction, avoiding a back-and-forth sawing motion, which can lead to tears or breakages.
• Gradually transition to holding the file tilted under your nail to achieve a curved edge, if you are filing rounded nails.
• File most shapes from the edges towards the centre. For a rounded or pointed shape, start on the outside edges and work inwards.
• For square nails, file perpendicular to the tip until flat, then smooth out the edges.
• For coffin nails, file perpendicular at the very tip to create a squared end.
• For almond nails, use a gentle nail file to shape the sides into a tapered, pointy form. Gradually file away the corners, ensuring both sides are symmetrical and well-balanced.
• Avoid excessive filing on the sides, as this can weaken your nails.
• Use your file to flick away any shavings that build up underneath your nail.

Finishing Touches:

• Buff your nails to give them a smooth finish and shine.
• Wipe your nails with a lint-free towelette and nourish them with cuticle oil.

Tools:

• Glass nail files are recommended as they are gentle on the nails, allow for precise filing, and are easy to clean.
• Fingernail clippers are useful for trimming long nails before filing.
• A nail oil can help repair frayed nails and prevent future breakage.

Remember, the shape of your nails can significantly impact the overall look and feel of your manicure, so choose a shape that harmonizes with your nail bed, cuticles, and finger shape.

Moisturising

There are several ways to moisturise your nails. One common method is to apply a moisturising cream or ointment to your hands, cuticles, and nail plates. These products can include hand balms, hand creams, and cuticle serums. Many of these products contain ingredients such as avocado oil, jojoba oil, and cactus flower extract, which are known to be hydrating. You can also use natural products like coconut oil, which is known to trap water in your skin. When applying these products, focus on massaging your fingertips to increase circulation to the skin around your nails, which will help keep them healthy and prevent cracking and peeling.

Another way to moisturise your nails is to soak them in warm olive oil for about 20 minutes. This method can be particularly effective if you have very dry nails. However, it is important to note that if you have nail polish on, you will need to remove it before moisturising your nails, as the polish acts as a barrier. Additionally, acetone, commonly used to remove nail polish, can dehydrate your nails and cuticles, so it is crucial to choose a nail polish remover that is gentle and nourishing.

Exfoliation is also an important step in the moisturising process. Just like you exfoliate your skin to remove dead cells, you can exfoliate your nails using products containing glycolic acid to help remove dead nail cells and allow the moisturiser to better penetrate the nail.

Finally, it is essential to protect your nails from environmental factors that can contribute to dryness. This includes wearing gloves when doing dishes or other activities that involve water exposure. Water can weaken and break down the bonds of your nail's structure, so it is crucial to minimise direct contact with water and always apply moisturiser immediately after your nails are exposed to water.

Prescription treatments

If you've tried multiple remedies for several weeks and haven't noticed any improvement in your nails, it's a good idea to consult a dermatologist or another skincare professional. They can examine your nails, review your health history, and ask about your daily routine and overall health. Based on their assessment, they may recommend or prescribe prescription-strength nail treatments to help strengthen your nails.

Prescription topical agents, such as Nuvail and Genadur, are specifically formulated to fortify weakened nails. These treatments are ideal for long-term use as they contain chemicals that simultaneously increase nail strength and lock in moisture, preventing future brittleness. It's important to remember that consistent and dedicated use of these nail hardeners is crucial for achieving successful results.

If you feel that a prescription nail strengthener could benefit your nail health, it's always best to consult your doctor or dermatologist to determine the most suitable options for your specific needs. They can provide guidance on the appropriate treatment, ensuring it aligns with your overall health and personal care routine.

Additionally, it's worth noting that certain vitamin deficiencies, such as a lack of biotin (vitamin B7), can contribute to brittle nails. Before starting any new supplements, it's important to consult your healthcare provider, especially if you're taking prescription medications, as interactions and potential risks should be considered.

While prescription treatments can be effective, it's also important to be mindful of the products you use on your nails. Many nail polishes, nail polish removers, and hand sanitizers contain harsh chemicals, such as acetone, that can weaken and damage nails. Opting for nontoxic and acetone-free alternatives can help support the health of your nails.

Frequently asked questions