Noah Sinclair
Strong nails are an indicator of good health, but sometimes our nails aren't as strong as we'd like them to be. This could be due to various reasons, such as nutritional deficiencies, chemical exposure, or physical abuse. To strengthen your nails, it is important to address the root cause. Some general tips include staying hydrated, maintaining a nutrient-dense diet, using nail lotions and oils, and wearing gloves when washing dishes or taking a bath to avoid excessive water exposure. Additionally, consistent use of nail strengtheners and taking biotin supplements can help achieve long-term results.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hydration | Staying hydrated helps nails retain moisture and stay strong. Cuticle oil hydrates the cuticle and nail bed. |
| Diet | A nutrient-dense diet with sufficient protein and biotin can help strengthen nails. |
| Products | Over-the-counter nail strengtheners and hardeners can help in the short term, but prescription treatments are best for long-term use. Keratin-infused base coats and nail treatments can repair damage and add shine. |
| Manicures | Frequent manicures can cause chronic nail bed infections and make nails brittle. It is recommended to skip manicures for a while and let nails recover. |
| Chemicals | Exposure to harsh cleaning chemicals and drying nail products can damage nails. |
| Physical abuse | Typing or excessive use of fingertips can weaken nails. |
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What You'll Learn
Keep your nails hydrated with creams, oils and water
Keeping your nails hydrated is essential for maintaining their strength and preventing breakage. Here are some tips to ensure your nails remain hydrated and healthy:
Firstly, using creams, oils, and moisturisers is a great way to nourish your nails and the surrounding skin. Cuticle oil is particularly beneficial, as it hydrates the cuticle and nail bed, strengthening the nails and improving their overall appearance. Natural oils such as organic Dadi oil or jojoba oil are recommended by manicurists and nail artists. Applying these oils three times a day, especially after hand washing, can help develop a healthy habit for hand and cuticle care, keeping the hands nourished and free of dry cuticles.
Additionally, using nail lotions and creams can also help to strengthen nails. Look for products containing keratin, a protein that promotes nail strength and imparts a lustrous shine. Applying a keratin-infused base coat or nail treatment can help repair damaged nails while also providing a minimalist manicured look.
It is also important to remember that hydration comes from within. Drinking enough water throughout the day will help your nails retain moisture and stay strong. However, be mindful not to overdo it, as too much soaking in water can have the opposite effect, causing your nails to become weak and brittle. Wear gloves when washing dishes or doing household chores that involve water, and try to keep your hands out of the water while bathing to avoid excessive moisture exposure.
Finally, if you're looking for an extra boost, consider a nail-strengthening manicure. Some salons offer treatments like the IBX Nail Strengthening Manicure, which creates a protective layer to prevent chipping, or the Japanese Manicure, which uses a keratin paste to strengthen and gloss the nails. These professional treatments can be complemented by at-home care for optimal results.
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Take supplements like biotin and eat a nutrient-dense diet
Biotin is a B-complex vitamin, also known as vitamin B7, coenzyme R, or vitamin H. It is an essential nutrient that can be found in some foods and is also available in supplement form. Organ meats like liver are particularly rich in biotin, and it can also be found in eggs, salmon, pork, beef, seeds, nuts, and sweet potatoes. If your diet contains these foods, you probably don't need to take a supplement. However, if you have brittle nails, taking a biotin supplement may help strengthen them.
A few small studies support the use of biotin supplements for nail strengthening. For example, a 1993 study examined 35 people with brittle fingernails and found that 2.5 mg of biotin per day for six weeks to seven months improved symptoms in 63% of participants. Another small, retrospective study from Switzerland demonstrated a 25% increase in nail plate thickness in patients with brittle nails who received biotin supplementation.
While biotin supplements may be beneficial for some people, it's important to note that there is limited evidence to support their effectiveness in strengthening nails. The exception is in people who have a deficiency of biotin. Individuals with a biotin deficiency often see their nails improve after increasing their biotin intake through diet or supplementation.
In addition to taking supplements, eating a nutrient-dense diet that is high in protein can also help promote strong and healthy nails. This includes consuming a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, as well as adequate protein sources such as meat, fish, and dairy.
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Avoid harsh chemicals, drying nail products and manicures
When it comes to nail care, it's important to be mindful of the products and treatments you use to avoid damaging your nails. Here are some detailed tips to help you avoid harsh chemicals, drying nail products, and manicures that can weaken your nails:
Limit Chemical Exposure:
Protect your nails from harsh chemicals that can dry them out and make them brittle. When doing household chores, wear gloves to shield your nails from cleaning products and detergents. These chemicals can be extremely drying and damaging to your nails and the skin around them.
Choose Non-Toxic Nail Products:
Opt for nail polishes, removers, and treatments that are free from toxic chemicals. Some common chemicals in nail products like acetone, acetonitrile, butyl acetate, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, mouth, and throat. They may also cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and other serious health issues. Look for natural, non-toxic alternatives or water-based nail polishes that are gentler on your nails.
Avoid Over-Buffing:
Buffing your nails can make them thinner and more susceptible to splitting and breakage. If you choose to buff your nails, do so infrequently and gently. Avoid over-buffing, especially at the nail salon, where it's common to buff more aggressively. Instead, opt for gentle filing to shape your nails, and always ensure your tools are sanitized to prevent infections.
Be Cautious with Gel Manicures:
While gel manicures can give you long-lasting, chip-free nails, they can also dry out your nails and cause damage if not applied and removed correctly. The curing process under UV or LED light can be particularly drying. Always have gel polish professionally removed to avoid harming your nails. Allow your nails to recover between gel manicures, and opt for hydrating and nourishing treatments during this time.
Select a Reputable Nail Salon:
Choose a nail salon that prioritizes nail health and uses high-quality, non-toxic products. Ensure the salon has good ventilation to minimize chemical exposure. Well-ventilated spaces help reduce the buildup of harmful chemicals in the air, protecting both you and the nail technicians. Check reviews and ask for recommendations to find salons that maintain hygiene standards and employ skilled technicians who are knowledgeable about nail health.
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Wear gloves when washing dishes or taking a bath
Wearing gloves can be an effective way to protect your nails from harsh chemicals and keep them strong and healthy. While this is especially important for nail technicians, who are frequently exposed to chemicals, solvents, and other materials that can be harmful if absorbed through the skin, it is also a good practice for anyone looking to strengthen their nails.
Disposable nitrile gloves are often recommended for use during nail services as they protect against numerous chemicals typically found in nail products, such as polish removers, acrylic powders, and gel nail formulas. They also help prevent skin irritation and breakouts and can protect your manicured nails. Additionally, nitrile gloves are less likely to cause allergic reactions compared to latex gloves. If you are using acetone, it is recommended to use latex or vinyl gloves as they offer better protection against this chemical.
Wearing gloves while washing dishes or taking a bath can help shield your nails from harsh chemicals found in cleaning products and certain soaps. These chemicals can contribute to nail brittleness and weakness. By wearing gloves, you create a barrier that prevents your nails from absorbing these harmful substances.
In addition to chemical protection, gloves can also provide hydration to your nails and cuticles. Cuticle oils and creams should be applied regularly, especially after washing your hands, to keep them nourished and healthy. This will help reduce nail splitting and improve their overall appearance.
Finally, wearing gloves can also protect your nails from physical damage, such as chipping or breaking, which can occur during activities like washing dishes or scrubbing in the bath. By keeping your nails covered, you provide a layer of protection that helps maintain their strength and integrity.
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Use nail strengtheners, hardeners and treatments
Nail strengtheners, hardeners and treatments are a great way to restore your nails to their healthiest state. They can help repair damaged nails and promote nail growth, leaving your nails stronger and healthier-looking.
Nail Hardeners
Nail hardeners form a protective shell over your nails to reinforce and thicken them, making them less prone to breaking. However, they stop working as soon as you remove them. Londontown's Nail Hardener and Base Coat is a good option for a manicure that doesn't compromise nail health.
Nail Strengtheners
Nail strengtheners contain ingredients that penetrate the nail bed to hydrate and nourish your nails so they can grow stronger. ONYX Professional's Hard As Hoof Nail Strengthening Cream is a popular choice, with a formula that includes moisturising ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter and jojoba seed oil for stronger and healthier-looking nails.
Nail Treatments
Nail treatments nourish the nail from the inside out and can be used as often as you like. They are a better option for long-term nail health. JINsoon's HyperRepair is a low-maintenance treatment that leaves nails looking healthy and freshly polished, with a gorgeous shine and smooth finish. It can also serve as a strong base coat for layering other polishes.
Ingredients to Look Out For
Wheat protein, keratin and biotin are effective ingredients to look for in nail strengtheners, hardeners and treatments. These ingredients help promote healthy nail growth and strengthen nails. Calcium is another beneficial ingredient that can help crosslink keratin without causing toxic and detrimental effects on your nails.
Ingredients to Avoid
It is recommended to steer clear of products that contain formaldehyde or formalin. These ingredients can make nails appear strong initially but will weaken and cause them to become brittle over time.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many ways to strengthen your fingernails, including staying hydrated, wearing gloves when washing dishes, using cuticle oil, and eating a nutrient-dense diet that is high in protein.
Over-the-counter nail hardeners work in the short term, but for long-term use, prescription strengtheners are best. Keratin-infused base coats and nail treatments can also help repair damaged nails.
Weak fingernails can be caused by nutritional deficiencies, chemical exposure, and chronic conditions. Frequent manicures can also cause chronic nail bed infections, and acetone nail polish remover can make nails brittle.
