Sophia Delgado
Brittle nails can be caused by a variety of factors, including nutritional deficiencies, chemical exposure, and chronic conditions. While there are many remedies for strengthening nails, addressing the root cause is key. Strategies to strengthen nails include taking a biotin supplement, ensuring adequate hydration, eating a nutrient-dense and high-protein diet, and using nail care products like lotions and oils. It's also important to be mindful of external factors that can dry out or damage nails, such as certain nail care habits and environmental exposures. By making lifestyle changes and consulting healthcare professionals when needed, individuals can effectively improve the health and strength of their nails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Causes | Nutritional deficiencies, chemical exposure, chronic conditions, dehydration, aging, hormone changes, anemia, thyroid problems |
| Prevention | Wear gloves when cleaning or washing dishes, practice proper nail care, get enough protein in your diet, moisturize hands and nails, drink enough water |
| Treatment | Take supplements, apply a clear coat of nail polish or nail product, use a dedicated nail oil or hand lotion with alpha-hydroxy acid or lanolin, use a strengthening nail polish |
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What You'll Learn
Address nutritional deficiencies
Brittle nails can be a sign of nutritional deficiencies. A diet lacking in crucial vitamins and minerals can affect nail health. Ensuring adequate intake of certain nutrients and staying hydrated can help improve nail strength and reduce brittleness.
One key nutrient to focus on is protein. Nails are made primarily of a protein called keratin. Eating enough protein is essential for boosting keratin production and maintaining strong nails. Include various protein sources in your diet, such as lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy, beans, and nuts.
Another important nutrient is biotin, a B vitamin. While research has not found a direct link between biotin supplementation and improved nail growth, a biotin deficiency can lead to brittle nails. Most adults should aim for 30 micrograms of biotin daily, according to the National Institutes of Health. Biotin is water-soluble, so it's difficult to overdose, and any excess is excreted from the body.
Additionally, consider taking a collagen supplement or consuming collagen-rich foods. Collagen peptides have been shown to improve nail and skin health. Vitamin C is also crucial for collagen synthesis, so ensure you're getting enough citrus fruits, bell peppers, or broccoli in your diet.
Iron deficiency is another possible cause of brittle nails. Incorporate iron-rich foods such as spinach, lentils, red meat, and poultry to address this deficiency.
Finally, staying hydrated is vital for nail health. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help your nails retain moisture and stay strong. Dehydration can lead to brittle, peeling nails, so make sure you're meeting your fluid intake requirements.
Remember to consult a healthcare professional before making significant dietary changes or taking supplements, especially if you have any health concerns or are on medication.
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Avoid over-moisturising
Nails that are too moist or too dry are often prone to becoming brittle. While it is important to ensure your nails are adequately moisturised, over-moisturising can also cause damage. Nails that are exposed to frequent wetting and drying are more likely to chip and break, weakening the nail over time. This can be caused by activities such as handwashing, doing the dishes, or even from swimming. The use of hand sanitiser can also dry out your nails, so it is recommended to use hand sanitiser wipes to avoid the nail area during application.
If your nails are soft but brittle, they may have become too moist, so it is important to cut back on lotions and oils. Try to avoid keeping your nails permanently covered with manicures, as this can weaken the nail. It is also recommended to skip additional moisturisers and allow your nails to breathe.
To combat this, you can try wearing gloves when washing dishes or using cleaning products to prevent further damage and strengthen the nails. You can also try a strengthening polish or a clear coat of nail polish to help increase nail strength over time.
If you have tried various remedies and nothing seems to help, it is recommended to see a doctor as there may be an underlying condition causing your nails to become brittle.
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Take biotin supplements
Biotin is a B vitamin and an essential nutrient that can be found in some foods. It is also available in supplement form. Biotin deficiency is a common cause of brittle nails.
If you have brittle nails, taking biotin supplements may help improve their condition. A recent study from Switzerland demonstrated a 25% increase in nail plate thickness in patients with brittle nails who received biotin supplementation. Twenty-two of thirty-five patients (63%) showed clinical improvement. However, it is important to note that biotin deficiency in healthy people is very rare, as most individuals get enough biotin through their diet. Biotin is most plentiful in organ meats like liver, and it is also found in eggs, salmon, pork, beef, seeds, nuts, and sweet potatoes. If your diet includes these foods, you probably do not need to take a supplement.
If you decide to take biotin supplements, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider first, especially if you are taking any medications. Taking too much biotin can also interfere with some laboratory tests, leading to inaccurate results.
While biotin supplements may help with brittle nails, it is also important to address other factors that can contribute to nail health, such as hydration, exposure to chemicals, and underlying health conditions.
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Wear gloves for cleaning
Nails that frequently come into contact with water and cleaning solutions can become brittle. This is because water can cause your nails to become too moist, making them prone to peeling, breaking, and cracking. Additionally, cleaning solutions often contain harsh chemicals that can damage your nails.
Wearing gloves while cleaning is a simple yet effective way to protect your nails from these harmful substances. Gloves create a barrier that shields your nails and skin from moisture and chemicals, helping to keep them strong and healthy.
When choosing gloves for cleaning, opt for those made from nitrile. Nitrile gloves are durable, resistant to many chemicals, and offer a comfortable fit. They are also less likely to cause allergic reactions, unlike latex gloves, which can trigger severe allergies in some individuals. Nitrile gloves are widely available online and in hardware stores.
To further enhance the protective effects of gloves, consider applying a nail oil or lotion before donning them. This extra step will help nourish and moisturize your nails, counteracting the drying effects of cleaning solutions and frequent handwashing.
Remember to change your gloves regularly, especially if they become damp inside. This will prevent the buildup of moisture, which can lead to nail weakness and breakage over time. By combining glove use with proper nail care, you can effectively reduce nail brittleness and promote stronger, healthier nails.
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Use nail strengthening products
Using nail-strengthening products can be an effective way to reduce nail brittleness. Essie offers a range of treatments for various nail concerns, including strengtheners for weak or brittle nails. You can also try a strengthening nail polish, such as a dedicated nail oil or a hand lotion with alpha-hydroxy acid or lanolin. These products can help protect soft, brittle nails and prevent splitting by reinforcing the nail structure.
It is important to be cautious when using nail strengtheners with formaldehyde, as they can cause allergic reactions. However, there are alternative options available, such as OPI's Repair Mode Bond Building Nail Serum, which has been praised for reducing nail breakage, peeling, and flaking. This product is applied daily over bare nails and does not dry hard, allowing your nails to become more flexible and consistent in texture.
Additionally, you can try using a base coat and top coat, such as Pink Armor, which has been reported to promote nail growth. Regular nail polish can also be used to create a film on the nails and protect them. Olive and June nail strengthening treatment is another option that has been said to make natural nails feel as hard as gels.
While nail-strengthening products can be beneficial, it is also important to address the root cause of nail brittleness. This may involve improving your diet, increasing water intake, or seeking advice from a healthcare professional if the issue persists or is related to an underlying condition.
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Frequently asked questions
Drinking enough water throughout the day can help your nails retain moisture and stay strong.
Biotin is a B vitamin that has been purported to increase nail firmness and thickness. However, research has shown that higher doses of biotin could interfere with blood work results.
Yes, nail-care habits, the products used, and environmental exposures can cause nails to dry out and/or become damaged, resulting in weakness. For example, constantly using hand sanitiser can dry out your nails and make them brittle.
Eating a nutrient-dense and varied diet that is high in protein can help improve nail health.
