Liam Carter
Strong, healthy nails can be a sign of good health, but sometimes our nails are weaker than we would like. Weak nails can be caused by genetics, daily habits, health conditions, and environmental factors. To make your nails harder and longer, you can make some changes to your lifestyle and habits. This includes drinking enough water, eating a nutrient-dense diet, taking supplements, moisturising your nails, and taking breaks from manicures.
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What You'll Learn
Diet and supplements
In addition to hydration, consuming a nutrient-rich diet can promote the growth of strong and healthy nails. A well-balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and adequate protein is recommended. Lean meats, fish, eggs, beans, and legumes are excellent sources of protein, which is crucial for nail health. Nails can also benefit from the healthy fats found in salmon, fatty fish like sardines, nuts, seeds, and avocados, which supply the body with magnesium, an essential mineral for nail health.
Vitamin deficiencies can negatively impact nail growth and strength. Ensuring adequate intake of certain vitamins can help support nail health. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, is a water-soluble vitamin that promotes healthy cell growth and aids in the metabolism of amino acids, which are essential for nail growth. Biotin-rich foods include organ meats, egg yolks, dairy products, yeast, salmon, avocado, sweet potato, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Vitamin B12, found in poultry, dairy, and fish, is also important for nail health as it aids in iron absorption and the development of red blood cells. Vitamin C is another vital nutrient for nail health as it is necessary for the production of collagen, and a deficiency can lead to brittle nails. Good sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, peppers, and tomatoes.
While consuming a nutrient-rich diet is the best way to improve nail health, taking supplements may be beneficial in certain circumstances. Biotin supplements, in particular, have been shown to possibly strengthen nails and improve their growth. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements, especially if you are also taking medications, to ensure safety and avoid potential interactions.
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Moisturising and natural oils
Keeping your nails moisturised is essential for nail health. When you apply hand lotion, rub it into your fingernails and cuticles, too.
Natural oils are also great for moisturising nails and promoting nail strength. After washing your hands, apply natural oils like jojoba, coconut, flaxseed, and rosehip carrier oils to replenish dry nails, cuticles, and the surrounding skin. Oils like jojoba, olive, or sweet almond oil are rich in nutrients and minerals like Vitamin E and B, zinc, and magnesium, which support the body's production of essential proteins like collagen.
Massaging your nails with warm coconut oil can promote nail growth. Coconut oil is filled with Vitamin E and is a great source of antioxidants. Massage your fingernails with coconut oil every night before sleep, and you will eventually see the difference.
You can also warm up some virgin olive oil and gently massage your nails and cuticles for around five minutes. Cover your hands with gloves and let the oil rest overnight. Olive oil is easily permeable and reaches the inner layer of your nails, soothing and curing them of all dryness.
Cuticle oils are often based on natural ingredients and need to be brushed onto the nail once or twice a day. This helps to hydrate the nail bed, keeping your nails strong and resilient.
If you are looking to make your nails stronger, you need to look at what you put into your body, too. Omega-3 is a natural nail strengthener as it helps care for the cells in the nail bed. It encourages the absorption of nutrients, ensuring that the nails grow stronger, healthier, and harder.
Drinking enough water is also essential for nail health. Without adequate moisture, nails can become brittle and break and peel easily. Drinking enough water helps nails retain moisture and stay strong.
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Manicure tips
Manicures can be a great way to improve the look and health of your nails, but they can also weaken your nails if not done correctly. Here are some tips to ensure your manicures help your nails become harder and longer:
Give Your Nails a Break
Allow your nails to breathe by taking a break from manicures and nail polish. Constant use of polish, even non-toxic varieties, can weaken your nails. If you're trying to grow out your nails, it's best to leave them free of polish for a month or so.
Choose Your Polish Carefully
When selecting a nail polish, opt for brands that do not contain harsh chemicals like formaldehyde, DBP, and toluene, which can dry out and weaken your nails. A base coat is essential as it provides a protective barrier for your nails. Finish with a good top coat to delay chipping and maintain a flawless look for longer.
Moisturise
Nail health is closely linked to hydration. Drinking enough water throughout the day is crucial for maintaining nail strength and preventing brittleness. Additionally, moisturising your nails and cuticles with hand lotion or natural oils like jojoba, coconut, or olive oil can help replenish and strengthen your nails.
Trim and File
Regular trimming and filing are essential for nail health. Trim your nails to prevent breakage and reduce issues like hangnails. Filing helps create your desired nail shape and prevents chipping. If you have brittle nails, opt for a soft nail file to minimise the risk of damage.
Dietary Adjustments
A nutrient-dense diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein can significantly impact nail health. Include foods like meat, poultry, dairy, eggs, fish, dark green leafy vegetables, beans, peas, and citrus fruits. You can also consider taking a multivitamin with minerals or a biotin supplement to boost nail strength, but be sure to consult a healthcare professional first.
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Trimming and filing
Trimming your nails regularly is important to prevent breakage and reduce common issues like hangnails. It is recommended to use a nail file instead of a nail clipper, as clippers can create tiny cracks and tears in your nails that you may not be able to see, leading to further breakage. A nail file, on the other hand, leaves a smooth edge and a more desirable shape. If your nails are too long, you can use a nail clipper to cut off most of the length and then file them down to your desired length. Filing your nails every week or two can help keep the tears in your nails intact and prevent them from breaking.
After trimming your nails, the next step is to file them. Filing helps create your desired nail shape and prevents chipping and snagging. If you have brittle nails, opt for a soft nail filer, which is less abrasive and less likely to damage your nails. Filing your nails regularly also helps prevent common issues like hangnails.
In addition to trimming and filing, it is important to keep your nails moisturized. Natural oils like jojoba, coconut, flaxseed, and rosehip carrier oils can be applied after each hand wash to replenish dry nails, cuticles, and the surrounding skin. These natural oils not only moisturize but also promote nail strength. Remember to wipe off any oils before applying nail polish.
To maintain nail health, it is also crucial to protect your nails from excessive water exposure. When doing chores or activities that involve submerging your hands in water for prolonged periods, consider wearing cotton-lined gloves or keeping your nails out of the water as much as possible. If your nails do come in contact with water, be sure to moisturize your hands and nails afterward to minimize the dehydrating effects.
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When to see a doctor
While you may desire strong and long nails, the first step to obtaining healthy nails is regular cleaning, trimming, and filing. Cleaning your hands and nails regularly helps to minimise the amount of infection-causing dirt and bacteria. However, if you notice that your nails are still weak and brittle despite maintaining good nail hygiene, it may be time to consult a doctor.
Firstly, it is important to identify the underlying cause of your weak nails. Weak fingernails may be due to genetics, daily habits, health conditions, or environmental factors. For example, frequent gel or acrylic manicures can cause your nails to peel and weaken. Additionally, submerging your hands in water for long periods can dehydrate your nails, making them brittle and prone to breakage. If you suspect that your nail weakness is due to any of these factors, it is advisable to make the necessary lifestyle changes and give your nails time to recover.
However, if you have made appropriate lifestyle changes, ensured adequate hydration, and allowed your nails to breathe, yet they remain weak and brittle, it is recommended to seek medical advice. There might be an underlying condition causing thin or brittle nails, and treating the root cause is essential for restoring nail health. Your doctor can assess your overall health, review your medications, and determine if any underlying conditions are contributing to your nail issues. They may also recommend specific treatments or supplements to help strengthen your nails.
Additionally, if you notice any other concerning symptoms accompanying your nail issues, such as persistent discolouration, pain, or changes in the shape or texture of your nails, it is important to consult a doctor. These could be indicators of more serious nail or health conditions that require medical attention. By seeking professional advice, you can ensure that you receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan to help improve the health and strength of your nails.
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Frequently asked questions
To make your nails harder and longer, you should ensure you are eating a nutrient-dense and varied diet with enough protein and calcium. You should also drink enough water to ensure your nails don't become dehydrated and brittle. It is also recommended to moisturise your nails and cuticles with hand lotion or natural oils such as jojoba, coconut, flaxseed, and rosehip.
Biotin supplements are known to help nails grow stronger and longer. However, if you don't see any improvement in nail strength, it is unlikely that biotin supplements will help.
To care for your nails, you should regularly clean, trim, and file them. You should also allow your nails to breathe by taking breaks from nail polish and avoiding polishes that contain formaldehyde, DBP, and toluene.
You should avoid frequent gel or acrylic manicures as these can cause your nails to peel and weaken. You should also avoid using nail clippers as they can create tiny cracks and tears in your nails, leading to further breakage. Instead, use a nail file to create a smooth edge and a more desirable shape.
