Liam Carter
Strong and healthy nails are an indicator of good health. However, sometimes our nails aren't as strong as we'd like them to be due to various internal and external factors. While over-the-counter nail hardeners work in the short term, consistent use of prescription strengtheners is best for long-term nail health. In addition to nail care products, there are several lifestyle changes you can make to strengthen your nails and promote their growth, such as wearing gloves while washing dishes, eating a nutrient-dense diet, and staying hydrated.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Nutritional deficiencies, chemical exposure, chronic conditions, genetics, aging, nail care habits, products used, environmental exposures |
| Remedy | Biotin supplement, drinking water, eating nutrient-dense food, wearing gloves when washing dishes, keeping hands out of water during baths, applying nail creams and oils, prenatal vitamins, nail strengtheners and hardeners, cuticle oil, prescription treatments |
| Prevention | Avoid drying shampoos, gel polish, and acetone-based nail polish removers; keep nails short, change nail shape, file nails gently in one direction, allow nails to breathe |
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What You'll Learn
Consume a nutrient-dense diet with protein, calcium, and biotin-rich foods
Consuming a nutrient-dense diet with adequate protein, calcium, and biotin-rich foods is essential for maintaining strong and healthy nails. Here are some dietary recommendations to achieve this:
Firstly, ensure that you are consuming sufficient protein. Animal proteins, such as beef liver, are excellent sources of zinc, which is crucial for nail growth. Additionally, legumes like peas, beans, and lentils are high in protein and other essential nutrients. Including these foods in your diet can provide your body with the necessary building blocks for nail growth and strength.
Secondly, focus on incorporating biotin-rich foods into your meals. 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, both of which are vital for nail health. Foods like eggs, especially the yolk, almonds, leafy greens such as spinach, mushrooms, legumes, and nuts like peanuts and soybeans, are excellent sources of biotin. By including these foods in your diet, you can naturally increase your biotin intake and promote stronger nails.
Additionally, maintaining overall calcium intake is important for nail health. While calcium-rich foods like dairy products and dark, leafy greens are essential, ensuring adequate vitamin C intake can enhance calcium absorption. Include foods like oranges, strawberries, and citrus fruits in your diet, along with calcium-rich foods, to maximize the benefits.
Remember, a well-rounded diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds can contribute to stronger and healthier nails. While supplements are available, especially for biotin, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplements or making drastic dietary changes.
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Stay hydrated to retain moisture and prevent breakage
Moisture plays a crucial role in keeping your nails healthy and strong. Nails that are well-hydrated are less likely to become brittle and break, which is a common issue for those aiming for longer nails. Here are some tips to ensure your nails stay hydrated and healthy:
Drink an ample amount of water throughout the day. Aim for a minimum of eight cups of water daily to ensure your body is hydrated. This will reflect in your nail health, as well as benefit your overall well-being. Carry a water bottle with you as a reminder and to make it convenient to stay hydrated on the go.
Use a moisturizer on your hands and nails several times a day. Moisturized hands and cuticles will help prevent nail breakage and encourage growth. Look for creams or ointments with natural oils and ingredients such as shea butter, aloe vera, or vitamin E, which are particularly nourishing for the nails. Apply the moisturizer after washing your hands or whenever your nails feel dry.
Consider using a cuticle oil or nail serum. These products are designed to provide intense hydration to the nail and cuticle area. They often contain essential vitamins and nutrients that promote nail growth and strength. Massage a small amount into your cuticles and nails daily, allowing it to absorb and nourish your nails.
Avoid overexposure to water. While staying hydrated is important, too much water exposure can actually be damaging to your nails. Prolonged soaking or frequent swimming can cause nails to become brittle and weak. If you spend a lot of time in water, be sure to use gloves or apply a protective layer of moisturizer or cuticle oil to create a barrier and minimize direct water exposure.
Finally, eat a balanced diet rich in biotin and healthy fats. Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that contributes to nail strength and overall health. Include biotin-rich foods such as eggs, nuts, seeds, and avocados in your diet. Healthy fats, like those found in olive oil, salmon, and nuts, also promote nail health and moisture retention.
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Use nail lotions, oils, and strengtheners
Using nail lotions, oils, and strengtheners is an effective way to strengthen and grow your nails. These products can help seal in moisture, keeping your nails hydrated and preventing them from becoming brittle and weak.
There are various nail lotions, oils, and strengtheners available that can help promote nail growth and strengthen your nails. One option is to use a nail-strengthening cream, such as ONYX Professional's Hard As Hoof Nail Strengthening Cream, which has a creamy texture and is infused with moisturising ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and jojoba seed oil. This product is easy to apply and only requires a small amount per application, although it is ideally reapplied three times a day.
Another option is to use cuticle oils, which can help restore nails that are dry and brittle. Cuticle oils penetrate the nail plate, providing strength and conditioning benefits. You can apply cuticle oil daily, even with painted nails, to keep your nails hydrated. Some cuticle oils to consider include MiniLuxe's nail-strengthening blend, which includes apricot kernel oil and vitamin E, and the Cs.02 Hydrating Cuticle Serum, which features a blend of vitamins and natural oils.
You can also find nail strengtheners that come in the form of polishes, such as Chanel's Protective and Smoothing Nail Treatment, which can be used as a base coat or on its own to nourish the nail and alleviate dryness with camellia oil. While nail strengtheners in polish form may not be compatible with gel polish, they can be used weekly to boost nail strength before a gel manicure.
Additionally, you can create your own DIY nail-strengthening serums using essential oils and carrier oils. For example, you can combine avocado oil with a formula containing essential oils and massage it into your nails and cuticles. You can also add vitamin E and rosehip oil to a dropper bottle with essential oils and rub the mixture onto your nails to soften cuticles and strengthen nails.
When choosing nail lotions, oils, or strengtheners, look for those containing nourishing ingredients like vitamin E, coconut oil, shea butter, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, argan oil, and apricot kernel oil. These ingredients are known to moisturise, strengthen, and enhance the resilience of nails and cuticles.
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Avoid harsh nail polishes, shampoos, and removers
While it is important to maintain nail hygiene and health, it is also crucial to avoid certain products and practices that can damage your nails. One such product is shampoo—if you are using a shampoo that is meant for oily hair, it might dry out your nails and cause them to become weak or brittle. Shampoos that strip oils or are marketed for oily hair should be avoided, or at least used sparingly, to maintain nail health.
Similarly, certain nail polishes and removers can be harsh on your nails. Nail polishes that require exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, such as gel polishes, should be used with caution. The UV light required for curing gel nail polish has been identified as a risk factor for skin cancer by the Skin Cancer Foundation. They recommend applying sunscreen to your hands at least 20 minutes before exposure to UV light. Additionally, acetone-based nail polish removers should be avoided as they can cause dryness, peeling, splitting, and white marks on your nails. Opt for nail polishes that do not require UV light curing and choose acetone-free nail polish removers to maintain nail health.
It is also important to note that while nail strengtheners and hardeners can provide temporary results, they can make your nails too hard and brittle over time. Consistent use of these products can lead to nails that are more prone to breaking or snapping. Therefore, it is recommended to use these products sparingly and focus on maintaining a well-balanced diet and proper nail care habits to promote nail strength and growth.
Additionally, frequent use of acrylic nails and manicures can cause your nails to peel and weaken. If you choose to get acrylic nails or manicures, be sure to give your nails a break in between applications and allow them time to recover. This can help prevent nail damage and promote nail growth.
By avoiding harsh shampoos, nail polishes, removers, and overuse of certain nail treatments, you can help promote nail strength and growth while maintaining overall nail health.
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Wear gloves when washing dishes or keeping hands submerged in water
Water is the enemy of strong nails. While it's impossible to avoid water completely, you can minimise the damage it does to your nails by wearing gloves when washing dishes or keeping your hands submerged in water for long periods.
Water can cause your nails to become weak and brittle, so it's important to limit their exposure to it as much as possible. When you do have to wash dishes or submerge your hands in water, be sure to wear gloves to protect your nails. This will help to keep them strong and healthy.
The reason water is so damaging to nails is that it swells the cuticle and separates the layers of keratin. This can make your nails more prone to breakage and peeling. By wearing gloves, you can create a barrier between your nails and the water, helping to keep them strong and healthy.
In addition to wearing gloves, it's also a good idea to moisturise your nails and cuticles regularly with a nail oil or cream. This will help to seal in moisture and prevent your nails from becoming dry and brittle. Look for products that contain jojoba oil, as the molecules are similar to the sebum our bodies produce and can penetrate the nail plate more easily. Applying oil at least once a day, or even 2-3 times a day, will help to nourish your cuticles and strengthen your nails.
While it may be tempting to reach for a nail hardener or strengthener to protect your nails, these products can actually do more harm than good. Consistent use of these products can make your nails too hard, causing them to become brittle and prone to breaking. Instead, focus on dietary and lifestyle changes, such as increasing your protein intake, staying hydrated, and limiting your exposure to water by wearing gloves when necessary.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some ways to make your nails stronger:
- Eat a nutrient-dense diet that is high in protein and calcium.
- Take a biotin supplement.
- Drink enough water throughout the day.
- Wear gloves when washing dishes and try to keep your hands out of the water while bathing.
- Use nail lotions and oils.
- File your nails in one direction only.
- Use nail strengtheners and hardeners.
Weak nails can be caused by various factors, including:
- Nutritional deficiencies.
- Chemical exposure.
- Chronic conditions, such as hypothyroidism.
- Frequent use of nail polish and acrylic nails.
- Genetics and aging.
To make your nails grow faster, you can try:
- Taking prenatal vitamins.
- Using a nail strengthener, such as Olive and June or Sally Hansen nail nutrition.
- Applying nail hard cream, such as Onyx Hard as Hooves cream.
- Keeping your nails trimmed and shaped to a style that doesn't break easily, such as a round shape.
Some other tips for nail care include:
- Avoid nail polish removers that contain acetone, as they can cause dryness, peeling, and splitting.
- Be mindful of the shampoo you are using, as shampoos for oily hair may dry out your nails.
- Consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist if you have tried multiple treatments without success, as they can help determine if there is an underlying issue and prescribe a treatment plan.
