Isla Bennett
Healthy nails are flexible and strong, but sometimes our nails are more brittle and prone to breakage than we'd like. There are many ways to improve nail health, from taking biotin supplements to staying hydrated and keeping your hands moisturised. Avoiding harsh nail products and manicures can also help, as can making small changes to your nail-care habits, such as filing your nails in one direction with a glass nail file instead of an emery board.
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What You'll Learn
Keep nails short to prevent chipping and cracking
Keeping your nails short is a good way to prevent chipping and cracking. Longer nails are more likely to break and be caught on things, while shorter nails are less likely to be damaged in this way. Using your nails as tools can lead to chipping and breakage, which can weaken the nail over time. Try to avoid this by using the pads of your fingers or a tool, like a paper clip, to open things like soda cans or to reach into small spaces.
If you struggle with brittle, weak nails, keeping them short will allow them time to build up strength. Shorter nails are also less prone to breaking. The way you file your nails after trimming is important, too. Filing your nails in a back-and-forth motion can weaken them, so it's best to gently file them in one direction only. Coarse files, like traditional emery boards, can cause tiny tears that leave the edge of the nail rough and more likely to snag and break. Glass files, on the other hand, create a much smoother edge.
To strengthen your nails, you can also try taking a biotin supplement, drinking enough water, and eating a nutrient-dense diet that is high in protein.
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File nails gently in one direction to avoid weakening them
Filing your nails is an important step in keeping them healthy and strong. However, filing them incorrectly can lead to breakage and chipping, which weakens the nails. To avoid this, it is important to file your nails gently in one direction only. Here are some tips to help you file your nails effectively and maintain their strength:
Firstly, choose the right type of nail file. Coarse files, like traditional emery boards, can create tiny tears that make your nails more prone to breakage. Instead, opt for a glass nail file, which creates a smoother edge and helps prevent peeling and splitting. These glass files are easily available at affordable prices from brands like OPI and Tweezerman.
When filing your nails, always file in one direction gently. Avoid the back-and-forth motion, as this can weaken the nails. Focus on the tips of your nails, as filing the sides too much can also lead to weakening. It is also important to be mindful of the pressure you apply while filing. Use a light touch and avoid pressing too hard, as this can cause thinning and potential breakage.
In addition to the direction and technique, the frequency of filing plays a role in maintaining nail strength. Avoid over-filing your nails, as this can lead to thinning and weakness. Only file your nails when necessary, such as when you need to shape them or smooth out any rough edges. It is generally recommended to file your nails when they are dry, as wet nails can be more prone to damage.
By following these tips and being mindful of the direction, pressure, and frequency of filing, you can effectively file your nails while maintaining their strength. Remember to combine proper filing techniques with other nail care practices, such as moisturization and avoiding harsh chemicals, to promote the overall health and strength of your nails.
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Avoid acetone-based nail polish removers that dry out nails
If you want to improve the health of your nails, it's important to avoid acetone-based nail polish removers. These products are harsh and drying, and can cause nail dryness, peeling, splitting, and white marks.
Acetone is a solvent that can effectively remove nail polish, but it is also a very strong chemical. It can strip the nails of their natural oils and moisture, leading to brittle nails that are prone to breakage. This is because acetone can break down the top layer of the nail plate, causing it to become thinner and more fragile.
Instead, opt for acetone-free nail polish removers, which are much gentler on the nails and will not dry them out. These removers typically contain oils or other hydrating ingredients that can help to nourish and moisturize the nails while removing polish. They may take a little longer to work and may require a little more effort, but they are much better for nail health in the long run.
If you must use an acetone-based remover, try to limit how often you do so. You could also consider using a nail hardener or strengthener after removing polish, to help protect and reinforce your nails. Consistent use of these products can help improve nail strength and prevent breakage.
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Take biotin supplements to increase nail thickness and strength
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, vitamin H, and coenzyme R, is a water-soluble B-complex vitamin. It is a rare occurrence to be deficient in biotin, but taking a biotin supplement can help strengthen your nails and improve their growth. Biotin is also known to help the body's nervous system function properly.
A Swiss study found that 63% of patients with brittle nails who took daily biotin supplements showed a 25% increase in nail plate thickness. The study also found that 37% of patients reported no change in their condition.
If you are considering taking biotin supplements, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional first to ensure that it is safe for you. Biotin supplements can interfere with certain medications and laboratory tests, so it is important to be aware of any potential risks.
In addition to taking biotin supplements, there are other things you can do to increase nail thickness and strength. This includes staying hydrated, eating a nutrient-dense diet that is high in protein, and using nail lotions and oils.
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Moisturise nails and cuticles with hand cream or cuticle oil
Dry, cracked hands can be itchy and uncomfortable, and dry cuticles can cause hangnails. Dry nails can become brittle and are more prone to breakage. Therefore, it is important to keep your hands, cuticles, and nails moisturised.
You can use hand cream or cuticle oil to moisturise your nails and cuticles. Cuticle oil is a moisturising product for your nails and cuticles, usually made up of vegetable oils, and sometimes containing vitamins and citric acid. Cuticle oils with vitamins or other ingredients, such as Vitamin E and antioxidants, are also available. For instance, Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream includes both Vitamin E and antioxidants, and Opi Avoplex Nail & Cuticle Replenishing Oil contains Vitamin E and has a brush application. Dior Crème Abricot is a luxe option that has been around since 1963. You can also use coconut oil, which is a classic hydrating beauty staple that traps water in your skin.
There are also hand creams that can be used to moisturise your hands, cuticles, and nails. For example, No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Nourishing Hand and Nail Treatment has a rich, silky texture that softens the skin without leaving a greasy texture once absorbed. It also has a subtle and clean fragrance. It contains ingredients like pro-vitamin B5, which repairs and conditions, pro-retinol for soft and smooth skin, and a blend of emblica and vitamin C for brighter-looking skin.
You can also use a combination of hand cream and cuticle oil. Olive & June's Cuticle Balm can be used before bed for an extra boost of moisture. Their Hand Serum is lightweight, non-greasy, and absorbs quickly into the skin. It contains hyaluronic acid, cactus flower, and fruit extracts with AHAs that gently exfoliate and brighten the skin.
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Frequently asked questions
To make your nails stronger, you can try taking a biotin supplement, drinking enough water, eating a nutrient-dense diet that is high in protein, moisturising your nails and the surrounding skin with hand cream or cuticle oil, and wearing gloves when washing dishes or taking a bath.
Some habits that might be damaging your nails include using your nails as tools (e.g. to open a soda can), frequent manicures, and filing your nails in a back-and-forth motion.
Traditional emery boards can leave tiny tears that make your nails more prone to snagging and breaking. Glass files are a better option, as they create a much smoother edge.
