Liam Carter
Long, strong, and healthy nails are an indicator of good health and can be quite glamorous. However, long nails are more prone to breakage and chipping. To strengthen your nails, you can try using nail strengtheners, hardeners, or polishes with strengthening properties. You can also try natural solutions like herbal nail oils, or consume biotin-rich foods like whole grains, bananas, and avocados. It is also important to avoid using your nails as tools, as this can lead to breakage and chipping.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Filing technique | File nails in one direction, using long, swift but gentle strokes. Start from the outside edge and move into the centre. |
| Diet | Eat foods rich in folic acid, such as fish, red meat, and cheese. Include biotin-rich foods such as whole grains, bananas, and avocados. |
| Nail care products | Use nail polishes with strengthening properties, base and top coats, builder gel, nail creams, or serums. |
| Moisturizing | Keep your nails moisturized by using hand cream or cuticle oil. |
| Avoidance of water | Wear gloves when washing dishes or doing chores, and try to keep your hands out of the water while bathing. |
| Avoidance of nail biting | Biting, chewing, or picking your nails can damage them and lead to infections. |
| Nail length | Shorter nails are less prone to breaking and have less surface area for water and chemical absorption. |
| Avoidance of fake nails | Acrylic and gel nails can weaken the outer layer of your nails. |
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What You'll Learn
Consume biotin-rich foods and supplements
Biotin, also known as vitamin H, vitamin B7, and vitamin B, is a water-soluble nutrient that our bodies do not store, so it must be consumed daily. While biotin deficiency is rare, it can cause brittle nails and thinning hair. Increasing your biotin intake through diet or supplementation can help improve the condition of your nails.
Biotin-rich foods include organ meats like liver, eggs, salmon, pork, beef, seeds, nuts, and sweet potatoes. If you consume a diet containing these foods, you probably don't need to take a supplement. However, if you have brittle nails and think you might have a biotin deficiency, it's a good idea to visit your healthcare provider for an evaluation. They can determine if a biotin supplement is safe and appropriate for you.
In addition to taking biotin supplements, you may also want to consider taking a B-complex vitamin supplement, which includes other B vitamins important for nail health, such as vitamin B12 and folate (vitamin B9). Vitamin B12 plays a role in iron absorption and red blood cell development, both of which are necessary for keeping nails strong and healthy. Folate contributes to red blood cell formation and the development of new cells, and a deficiency can cause nail pigmentation changes, rigidity, and brittleness.
While there are many supplements marketed for strengthening nails, scientific evidence is lacking. To date, biotin supplements are the only type shown to have a possible effect on nail health. However, it's always best to try to get your vitamins and nutrients from food sources first, as consuming a variety of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients through your diet is likely the best way to achieve strong, shiny, and healthy nails.
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Avoid using nails as tools
Using your nails as tools can lead to breakage and chipping, which can weaken the nail. Nails are not tools and should not be used as such. For example, instead of using your nails to open a soda can, use the pads of your fingers or a bottle opener. Rather than using your nails to reach into a small space, use a paper clip or something similar.
It is also important to avoid picking at your nails. Picking at your nails can cause them to become brittle and weak. It can also lead to nail infections. If you have a hangnail, use a cuticle nipper to carefully trim it off. Cuticle nippers are tools designed to safely remove hangnails without damaging your nails or skin.
Another way to avoid using your nails as tools is to keep them well-maintained. This includes trimming, filing, and polishing your nails regularly. Well-maintained nails are less likely to break or chip. When filing your nails, be sure to use a soft file and file in one direction only. Back and forth sawing motions can weaken your nails and cause them to splinter.
Finally, consider using a nail hardener or strengthener. These products can help protect your nails and make them less likely to break or chip when used as tools. You can find nail hardeners and strengtheners at most drugstores or beauty supply stores.
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Use the correct filing technique
Filing your nails is a good way to keep a uniform length and shape, and it can keep nails from breaking. However, filing your nails in a back-and-forth motion like a saw can weaken your nails. Instead, file them in one direction using long, swift but gentle strokes. Start from the outside edge and move into the centre to achieve a smooth finish and more control over the shape you're trying to create.
It is also important to note that you should go slowly. If you file too fast, you may take off too much nail too quickly, making it difficult to achieve your desired shape. Start on the outside corner and file toward the middle, then do the opposite corner.
The type of nail file you use is also important. Glass nail files are often recommended because they are gentle on the nails and easier to clean. However, session manicurist Ami Streets recommends using a soft file to prevent tearing or splitting your nails.
It is also important to clean your nail file to prevent the spread of bacteria.
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Apply nail strengthener or hardener
Using a nail strengthener or hardener is a great way to improve the health and strength of your nails. These products are designed to strengthen and protect natural nails, especially those that are weak, brittle, or peeling. Formulated with proteins, calcium, and other fortifying ingredients, they reinforce your nail's structure, making them more flexible and less prone to breakage.
When applying a nail strengthener, start by painting a thin, even coat onto each nail. Use the applicator brush to start at the base of the nail and brush out to the tip, covering the entire surface, including the edges. This total coverage helps reinforce the entire nail, providing maximum breakage protection. Let the first coat dry completely before adding another layer. Depending on the product, this usually takes a few minutes. You can then add a second coat for extra strength, especially if your nails are weak or brittle. Remember to let each layer dry completely before adding another. Consistent use is key, so incorporate nail hardener into your regular routine by reapplying as directed, typically every few days or weekly.
In addition to nail strengtheners, there are other ways to improve nail health. For example, you can increase your intake of biotin-rich foods or take a biotin supplement, as biotin is known to help strengthen hair and nails. You can also protect your nails by wearing gloves when washing dishes or keeping your hands out of the water while bathing to avoid excessive water exposure, which can cause nails to become weak and brittle.
It's also important to note that filing your nails correctly can help strengthen them. Avoid filing your nails in a back-and-forth motion, as this can weaken them. Instead, file them in one direction, going easy on the sides to avoid over-filing. Additionally, using your nails as tools, such as to open cans or reach into small spaces, can lead to breakage and chipping, so try to avoid this.
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Wear gloves when washing dishes
Water can be damaging to your nails, causing them to become weak and brittle. Therefore, wearing gloves when washing dishes is a great way to protect your nails and keep them strong and healthy.
When choosing gloves, opt for a pair that covers your wrists to prevent water from seeping in. You can even find elbow-length gloves that offer more protection. If you have long nails, you may need to size up to ensure your nails don't puncture the gloves.
There are many affordable and durable options available, such as the Morning Gloss Red Korean Dish Gloves, which offer both style and functionality. These gloves are long and feature an accordion pattern around the elbow, ensuring a comfortable fit.
In addition to wearing gloves, you can also apply oil or cuticle oil to your nails and hands after washing dishes. This helps lock in moisture and prevents your nails from becoming dry and brittle.
By taking these simple precautions, you can effectively protect your nails from the damaging effects of water and maintain their strength and health.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many ways to strengthen long natural nails. Firstly, you can take a biotin supplement or eat biotin-rich foods such as whole grains, bananas and avocados. You can also try to avoid using your nails as tools, as this can lead to breakage and chipping. Instead, use the pads of your fingers to open things.
You can make your own nail oil by combining 3 tablespoons of dried herbs with half a cup of jojoba, sweet almond, argan, coconut, emu, or olive oil. You can also try to increase your vitamin B9 intake, as this vitamin repairs and multiplies the cells that make up nails.
You can use nail strengtheners or hardeners such as a strengthening polish, cream, or serum. Base and top coats are also helpful when your nails are weak, as they provide an additional protective barrier.
