Isla Bennett
There are many ways to strengthen fingernails and prevent them from breaking or chipping. Firstly, it is recommended to keep nails short while they build strength, as shorter nails are less prone to breaking. Filing nails gently in one direction with a fine-grade nail file can also help prevent damage. Avoiding harsh nail polishes, acrylics, and acetone nail polish removers can prevent nail brittleness, dryness, and thinning. Maintaining a healthy diet with foods rich in antioxidants, iron, and magnesium can help protect your body's cells and promote nail strength. Staying hydrated and drinking enough water are also essential for nail health, as it helps nails retain moisture and stay strong.
How to make fingernails harder
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Filing | File nails in one direction only, using a fine-grade file (400 to 600 grit). |
| Nail Polish Remover | Avoid acetone-based removers, which can cause dryness, peeling, splitting, and white marks. |
| Nail Polish | Avoid gel polishes and continuous applications, which can leave nails brittle, thin, and dry. |
| Cuticles | Avoid cutting cuticles, which can lead to infection, ridges, and other nail problems. Instead, gently push back the cuticle edge and moisturize with a nourishing oil. |
| Water Exposure | Limit water exposure by wearing gloves when washing dishes and avoiding submerging hands in water for extended periods. |
| Hand Sanitizer | Minimize the use of hand sanitizer, as it can dry out nails. |
| Hydration | Stay hydrated by drinking enough water to help nails retain moisture and stay strong. |
| Diet | Consume a nutrient-dense and varied diet, including foods rich in antioxidants, iron, magnesium, protein, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids. |
| Supplements | Consider taking biotin supplements, vitamin B, and collagen peptides to support nail strength. |
| Nail Hardeners | Over-the-counter nail hardeners offer short-term results, while prescription strengtheners are recommended for long-term use. |
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What You'll Learn
Keep your fingernails short to avoid breakage
Keeping your fingernails short is an effective way to avoid breakage and maintain strong, healthy nails. Nails that are too long are more susceptible to breaking, tearing, and splitting, which can be a nuisance and negatively impact your confidence.
One way to keep your nails short and healthy is to file them regularly. Jin Soon Choi, the founder of Jin Soon Hand and Foot Spa in New York City, recommends filing in one direction and lifting the file on the return stroke to prevent damage. It is also important to choose the right grade of the file; a very high-grain file can cause breakage, while a fine-grade file (400 to 600 grit) can be used for gentle filing in a back-and-forth motion.
Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet can contribute to stronger nails. Consuming foods rich in antioxidants, such as blueberries, and those with high iron content, like leafy greens, can promote nail strength. Almonds, which are rich in magnesium, are also beneficial for smoothing vertical ridges on nails, as suggested by a study published in the Austin Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences.
If you prefer longer nails, you can still take measures to minimise breakage. Applying a nail hardener or using nail tape can reinforce the structure of your nails and prevent splitting. Wearing gloves while performing tasks that involve water, such as washing dishes or swimming, can also help prevent breakage, as excessive water exposure can weaken nails.
In summary, keeping your fingernails short is a simple and effective way to avoid breakage. Combined with proper filing techniques and a nutritious diet, you can achieve and maintain strong, healthy nails.
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File your nails gently in one direction, avoiding back-and-forth motions
Filing your nails is a great way to keep them at a uniform length and shape and to 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.
The direction in which you file your nails is important. Jin Soon Choi, founder of Jin Soon Hand and Foot Spa in New York City, recommends filing in one direction, lifting the file each time on the return stroke to prevent damage or breakage. Filing back and forth can cause stress and damage to the nail bed and cuticle, and may even cause the whole nail to move.
However, some people disagree with this method. One person has tested the concept by using high-magnification photography to record the results of various filing techniques and claims that they did not observe any differences in the condition of the natural nail plate when comparing filing in only one direction with doing it in a back-and-forth fashion.
If you are using a fine grit or glass file, you are less likely to get ragged edges. It is also important to be aware of the file angle against the edges of your nails during filing. Lean the file more so towards the underneath of your nail, rather than tilting it inwards toward the top of the nail.
To file your nails, hold your fingers towards your face by making a half-fist, with the underside of your wrist facing up and nails bent towards your face. Start from one of the outside corners and file towards the centre. Repeat the motion on the other side. Go slowly, as filing too fast will result in taking off too much nail, making it hard to achieve the desired shape.
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Avoid harsh nail polishes and removers, especially those containing acetone
While nail polishes can elevate the look of your nails, some polishes and removers can be detrimental to your nail health. Acetone is a potent solvent commonly found in nail polish removers. It is highly effective at breaking down nail polish due to its harsh chemical properties. However, this potency comes at a cost to your nail health.
Acetone-based nail polish removers strip away the natural oils and moisture from your nails, cuticles, and the skin on your hands. This leads to dryness, potential brittleness, and irritation, making your nails more prone to splitting and peeling. The skin around your nails can become dry, flaky, and irritated, causing discomfort and potential dermatological issues.
Additionally, acetone compromises your nail's natural defences by removing its protective layers. This increases your nails' susceptibility to developing nail fungus infections, such as onychomycosis. Nail fungus thrives in warm, moist environments, and acetone's drying effects create the perfect conditions for fungal growth by weakening the nail structure.
To maintain nail health, opt for non-acetone nail polish removers that use alternative solvents like ethyl acetate or isopropyl alcohol. While these may take longer to remove polish, they are generally less drying and damaging to your nails and skin. You can also explore soy-based removers, which leverage the natural dissolving properties of soy to remove polish in a gentler, more nourishing way. These alternatives will help you avoid the negative consequences of acetone-based products while still effectively removing your nail polish.
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Consume vitamins and minerals for nail health, including biotin
Consuming vitamins and minerals is an essential part of maintaining nail health. A diet that is deficient in crucial vitamins and minerals can affect your nail health. Vitamin, mineral, and other dietary deficiencies may affect the appearance of your nails.
Biotin, also known as vitamin H and vitamin B7, is one of the B vitamins that promote healthy cell growth. Biotin supplements are the only type of supplement shown to have a possible effect on nail health. Biotin can help strengthen hair and nails and is also important for the proper functioning of the body's nervous system. Since biotin is water-soluble, it is not stored in the body, so it is important to ensure that you consume it daily. You may also consider taking a B vitamin supplement, but it is recommended that you check with your healthcare provider first.
In addition to biotin, consuming a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and adequate protein is important for nail health. A study published in the Austin Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences found that magnesium-rich almonds are great for smoothing your nails' vertical ridges. Dairy products such as milk and cheese can also help nails grow fast, long, and strong. 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 while many supplements are marketed for strengthening nails, scientific evidence is lacking. It is always best to try to get your vitamins and nutrients from food sources, but when this is not possible, taking a supplement can help meet your needs and likely improve your nail health.
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Moisturise your nails and cuticles with oils
Cuticles are part of your skin and act as a protective barrier for your nails. Cuticle oil is a specialised product designed to nourish and moisturise the cuticles. It is typically made with a blend of natural oils, such as jojoba, almond, avocado, olive, or coconut oil, and may be enriched with vitamins and antioxidants.
Cuticle oils can extend the life of a manicure, whether it's gel or polish. A moisturising cuticle oil keeps the nails flexible so they bend but don't break. Cuticle oil provides essential hydration to the cuticles, preventing them from becoming dry and brittle. This helps to maintain the overall health and flexibility of the nails. The vitamins and nutrients present in cuticle oil nourish the nails, promoting their strength and resilience. This can help prevent breakage and splitting, allowing your nails to grow longer and healthier.
Regularly applying cuticle oil can enhance the appearance of your nails by softening and smoothing the cuticles. This gives your nails a more polished and well-groomed look. Cuticle oil helps to prevent the formation of painful hangnails by keeping the cuticles moisturised and preventing them from tearing or peeling. By creating a protective barrier, cuticle oil shields the nails and cuticles from environmental damage, such as harsh chemicals, water, and excessive dryness.
To apply cuticle oil, 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 drop or two of cuticle oil onto the brush or applicator. Gently dab the oil onto each cuticle, starting from the base of the nail and working your way towards the tip. Use a small amount to avoid excess oiliness. Massage the oil into the cuticles using your fingertips in circular motions. This helps stimulate blood circulation and aids in the absorption of the oil. Allow the oil to absorb for a few minutes.
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Frequently asked questions
Keeping your nails moisturised and avoiding harsh chemicals are two ways to make your nails harder.
Staying hydrated by drinking water is one way to ensure your nails retain moisture. You can also apply cuticle oil or a moisturising cream to the skin surrounding your nails.
Nail polishes, acrylic nail glue, acetone soaks, and acetone nail polish remover can all cause nail brittleness, dryness, and thinning. Hand sanitiser can also dry out your nails.
Yes, biotin (vitamin B7) and collagen peptides can help strengthen nails. You can also increase your intake of protein, calcium, and omega-3, which are all thought to promote nail health.
