Isla Bennett
Strong and healthy nails are an indicator of good health, but several factors can affect nail health, including nutritional deficiencies, chemical exposure, and chronic conditions. To promote nail growth and strength, it is essential to address any underlying causes and adopt a holistic approach. This includes maintaining a nutrient-dense diet, staying hydrated, and incorporating supplements like biotin and collagen peptides. Additionally, protecting nails from excessive water exposure and using hydrating hand creams and cuticle oils can help prevent dryness and enhance nail flexibility. While nail strengtheners and hardeners can provide temporary solutions, consistent hydration and a balanced approach to nail care are key to achieving long-term results for stronger and healthier nails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of brittle nails | Nutritional deficiencies, chemical exposure, chronic conditions |
| Strategies to strengthen nails | Take biotin supplements, drink enough water, eat a nutrient-dense and high-protein diet, use nail lotions and oils, wear gloves when washing dishes or bathing |
| Shampoo | Avoid using drying shampoo meant for oily hair |
| Nail polish | Avoid gel polish due to UV exposure, use sunscreen before UV exposure, allow nails to breathe without polish, use nail strengtheners sparingly to prevent brittleness |
| Multivitamins | Take a complete multivitamin with gentle iron a few times a week |
| Hydration | Use hand creams and cuticle oils to maintain hydration and prevent infections |
| Filing | File nails gently in one direction only |
| Nail polish remover | Choose acetone-free nail polish remover to avoid dryness and peeling |
| Prescription treatments | Consult a dermatologist for prescription-strength nail treatments if other methods are ineffective |
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What You'll Learn
Consume nail-strengthening vitamins and supplements
Consuming vitamins and supplements is a great way to strengthen nails and promote their growth. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a popular choice for nail health. It is essential for the production of keratin, the protein that gives nails their strength and resilience. A biotin deficiency can lead to brittle, weak nails, hair loss, and skin rashes. Studies have shown that taking biotin supplements can improve nail symptoms in 63% of participants, with an overall increase in nail thickness of 25%. Biotin-rich foods include meat, eggs, fish, seeds, beans, and nuts.
Vitamin B9, or folate, is another important vitamin for nail health. It contributes to red blood cell formation and the development of new cells. A deficiency in folate can cause nail discolouration, making nails rigid and brittle. Foods high in folate include beef liver, spinach, black-eyed peas, fortified breakfast cereals, asparagus, and Brussels sprouts.
Vitamin C is also key to nail health, as it is needed to produce collagen, a building block for nails that lends them their strength, shape, and resistance to breakage. Vitamin C-rich foods include red and green bell peppers, oranges, grapefruit juice, kiwi, and broccoli.
Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that helps protect nails from oxidative stress and environmental damage, while also improving blood circulation to the nail bed. Vitamin E can be found in nuts, seeds, green leafy vegetables, fortified cereals, and vegetable oils.
Other important vitamins and minerals for nail health include vitamin D, zinc, iron, and magnesium. While supplements can be helpful, it is always best to consult a doctor before starting a new supplement and to address potential deficiencies through diet first.
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Moisturise and use cuticle oil
Water is essential for health, but it can be a nail's worst enemy. Nails can absorb a third of their weight in water, which causes the layers of keratin to separate and leads to peeling. This is why it's important to moisturise and use cuticle oil.
Dr Zainab Laftah, a consultant dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson, recommends the "regular application of cuticle oil" to maintain hydration. She adds that hydration reduces brittleness, enhances nail health, supports healthy nail growth, and prevents infections. Ami Streets, a session manicurist, agrees that cuticle oil is the best product for growing nails, as it keeps them flexible and withstanding everyday wear and tear.
You can use a variety of oils as cuticle oil, such as jojoba oil, emu oil, or almond oil. Applying an oil at least once or even two to three times a day will nourish your cuticles and help seal your nails.
It's also important to keep your hands moisturised. Streets recommends using a nourishing and hydrating hand cream, as it keeps the skin in a supple and soft condition and acts as a protective barrier against environmental stressors, like cold weather. Dry, cracked skin and cuticles can lead to infection or weak nail growth, so consistent daily use of a moisturising product is essential.
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Avoid water and wear gloves for chores
Water is the worst enemy of your nails. Nails can absorb about one-third of their weight in water, which pushes apart the layers of keratin and causes delamination (peeling). This makes your nails weak and brittle.
To avoid this, wear gloves when washing dishes or doing chores that involve water. Try to keep your hands out of the water while taking a bath. Although it is impossible to avoid water, being mindful of your nail's exposure to water will help them grow stronger.
It is also important to keep your nails and the skin around them well-moisturised. Use a nourishing and hydrating hand cream to maintain hydration and prevent infection. This will also act as a protective barrier against environmental stressors, such as cold weather.
If you want to seal in moisture and prevent water absorption, consider using cuticle and nail oils. Applying oil at least once a day, or even 2-3 times a day, will nourish your cuticles and help seal your nails. Jojoba oil and emu oil are incredibly moisturising options.
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Use nail strengtheners and hardeners sparingly
While nail strengtheners and hardeners can be effective in improving nail health, it is important to use them sparingly and be mindful of potential drawbacks.
Nail hardeners can make nails excessively hard, causing them to become brittle and more prone to breaking. This is because hardeners can dry out the nails, leading to a loss of flexibility. As a result, the nails may become more susceptible to damage and may not withstand everyday wear and tear. Therefore, it is advisable to strike a balance between hardness and flexibility when using nail hardeners.
Additionally, it is recommended to prioritize hydration and flexibility for nail health. Well-hydrated nails are less likely to become brittle and are stronger overall. Applying cuticle oil and using moisturizing hand creams can help maintain nail hydration and prevent dryness. This is especially important when nails are frequently exposed to water, as water can be absorbed by the nail plate, leading to expansion and brittleness over time.
To maintain nail health, it is also crucial to address any underlying nutritional deficiencies. Ensuring adequate intake of vitamins and minerals through a nutrient-dense diet or supplements can promote stronger and healthier nails. Biotin, for example, is known to support nail growth and strength. Consulting with a healthcare professional can help identify any specific deficiencies and determine the appropriate course of action.
In summary, while nail strengtheners and hardeners can be beneficial in certain situations, they should be used sparingly and complemented with a holistic approach to nail care. Prioritizing hydration, flexibility, and addressing nutritional deficiencies are key factors in achieving and maintaining strong and healthy nails.
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File nails gently and avoid acetone-based removers
While it's important to trim and buff your nails, filing them too often can slow down their growth. Filing your nails is recommended only if you want to shorten them or fix cracks and splits. If you have a stiletto or a very slender pointy shape, you may need to file more often. However, for most people, filing once in a while is enough. If you have a growth cycle of 6-8 months, you only need to file your nails once after they are trimmed, and gently buff the edges if there are any cracks. If you have a shorter growth cycle, you may want to file your nails every 2-3 weeks or just a tiny bit each week to help them grow.
When it comes to nail polish removers, acetone-based products are a common choice. Acetone is a solvent that breaks down nail polish, removing it from the nail plate surface. While it is effective at removing polish, it can also dehydrate the nail plate, cuticles, and surrounding skin. This can lead to nail dryness, brittleness, and flaky, red, and irritated cuticles. Prolonged exposure to acetone, such as through gel manicure removal, has been associated with nail splitting, white discolouration, thinning, and severe brittleness.
Non-acetone nail polish removers are an alternative, but they may contain other chemicals and often require more scrubbing to remove polish, which can also damage nails. Some people find that these removers leave their nails feeling nourished or less damaged. However, there is no conclusive research proving that acetone is harmful, and the FDA has deemed it safe in adhesives and food contact coatings.
To minimise any potential negative effects of using acetone-based removers, it is recommended to use them in a well-ventilated area and to moisturise and apply cuticle oil after removal. This will help counteract the dehydrating effects of acetone. Additionally, using pure acetone can reduce the time your nails are exposed to the chemical, as it removes polish with one gentle swipe, whereas non-acetone removers may require more vigorous rubbing, which can cause soreness and trauma to the nail.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to make your nails stronger and help them grow. Firstly, you should ensure you are staying hydrated as this helps your nails retain moisture and stay strong. You should also consider taking a multivitamin with minerals and biotin, which can help your nails grow faster and stronger. Applying cuticle oil can also help maintain hydration and prevent infections.
Some common mistakes that can weaken nails include using drying shampoos, frequent use of nail polish and nail hardeners, and not wearing gloves when washing dishes or bathing.
Some recommended products for nail growth and strength include Builder in a Bottle (BIAB), a type of builder gel that lends strength and structure to natural nails, and cuticle oils such as Simply Pure from My Bliss Kiss and Cuticle Buddy from Shop NBM.
