Isla Bennett
Having strong, healthy nails is an indicator of good health, but sometimes our nails are weaker than we would like. Weak nails can be a symptom of several different medical conditions, but there are ways to strengthen them. If you are looking to make your nails stronger, it's important to consider both what you put into your body and what you put onto it. For example, vitamin B7, or biotin, can help strengthen nails, but it's important to check with your healthcare provider before taking a supplement. Additionally, cuticle oil can help to hydrate the nail bed, keeping your nails strong and resilient.
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What You'll Learn
Keep nails short to prevent breakage
Keeping your nails short is an effective way to prevent breakage. Nails that are too long are more prone to breaking, chipping, and tearing. Short nails are also less likely to get in the way of everyday tasks and activities.
If you struggle with brittle, weak nails, consider keeping their length shorter to allow them time to build up strength. Shorter nails are also easier to manage and maintain. You can trim your nails with a nail clipper or nail scissors. When trimming your nails, be sure to use the right tools and techniques. Filing your nails in a back-and-forth motion can weaken them, so it's best to gently file them in one direction only.
In addition to keeping nails short, it's important to moisturize your nails and the skin around them regularly. Hydration plays a crucial role in nail health. You can use a good quality hand cream or cuticle oil to keep your nails and hands hydrated. Cuticle oils are often based on natural ingredients and can be brushed onto the nail once or twice a day to help hydrate the nail bed, keeping your nails strong and resilient.
Another way to prevent breakage is to limit water exposure. Too much soaking in water can cause your nails to become weak and brittle. Wear gloves when washing dishes or doing household chores that involve water. If you're a frequent swimmer, consider wearing swimming gloves to protect your nails.
Additionally, be mindful of the products you use on your nails. Avoid harsh chemicals in nail polish removers, as acetone can dry out and weaken your nails. Choose an acetone-free nail polish remover instead.
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File nails gently in one direction
Filing your nails gently in one direction is an essential step in keeping your nails healthy and strong. Filing your nails in a back-and-forth motion can weaken them, causing them to fray, peel, and break prematurely. This is because the harsh trauma of filing causes weakness in the nail.
When filing your nails, start by shaping the sides of your nails by filing from the side to the centre in one fluid motion. Then, finish the tip of your nail in one direction. Avoid using a harsh nail file, as this can cause your nails to split or tear. Instead, opt for a softer file or a crystal nail file, which provides a smooth edge finish.
The grit of your nail file is also important. For natural nails, it is recommended to use a grit of 180 or higher. Grits below 180 can cause too much damage to your nails. Additionally, be mindful of the pressure you apply when filing. If you notice your nail moving back and forth like a loose tooth, you may be filing too aggressively.
By filing your nails gently in one direction, you can help prevent peeling and breakage, keeping your nails strong and healthy. This technique, combined with other nail care practices, such as proper hydration and cuticle oil, can help you achieve the nail length and strength you desire.
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Avoid acetone-based nail polish removers
If you want to make your fingernails stronger or thicker, it's important to avoid acetone-based nail polish removers. While acetone is highly effective at removing nail polish, it can be very harsh on your nails and skin. Acetone is a powerful solvent capable of dissolving plastic, and it can cause dryness, peeling, splitting, and white marks on your nails. It can also be drying to the cuticles and cause nail extensions to become brittle and separate from your natural nail.
Instead of acetone-based removers, opt for non-acetone alternatives that are far gentler on the skin. These removers typically contain ethyl acetate, methyl ethyl ketone, or n-butyl acetate as their active ingredient. They are less effective at removing nail polish and require more effort, especially for dark or glitter nail polishes. However, they are much kinder to your nails and can help maintain their strength.
To remove nail polish with a non-acetone remover, you may need to soak a cotton pad with the remover and hold it on your nail for a few seconds before gently wiping the polish away. This process may take longer, but it will be less damaging to your nails in the long run. Remember to always moisturize your hands and nails after polish removal, regardless of the type of remover used, to counteract the drying effects of the solvents.
In addition to avoiding acetone-based removers, you can further strengthen your nails by keeping them at a shorter length, filing them gently in one direction only, and wearing gloves when washing dishes or bathing to minimize water exposure. With consistent care and the right products, you can help your nails become stronger and healthier.
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Consume vitamins and nutrients to prevent deficiencies
Consuming vitamins and nutrients is essential to prevent deficiencies and promote nail health. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a water-soluble vitamin that contributes to nail thickness and hardness. Adults should aim for 30 micrograms of biotin daily, which can be obtained through supplements or dietary sources such as organ meats, eggs, fish, meat, seeds, nuts, and certain vegetables. Omega-3, found in foods like fatty fish and nuts, is another vital nutrient that strengthens nails by nourishing the cells in the nail bed and enhancing nutrient absorption.
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can lead to brittle nails, so ensuring adequate intake is crucial. Vitamin E, vitamin B, zinc, and magnesium are particularly important for nail health as they support the production of proteins like collagen, which provides structure and strength to nails. Consuming a nutrient-dense and high-protein diet can help promote nail growth and strength while also benefiting overall health.
In addition to biotin and omega-3, there are other essential vitamins and nutrients that play a role in nail health. These include vitamin A, which promotes cell growth and division, and vitamin C, which is necessary for collagen synthesis and acts as an antioxidant to protect nails from damage caused by free radicals. Calcium is also important for nail strength, as it is the most abundant mineral in nails and helps to harden them.
While dietary sources are always preferred, supplements can be considered if recommended by a healthcare professional. Before taking any supplements, it is essential to consult with a doctor or nutritionist to ensure they are suitable for your individual needs and won't interact with any medications you may be taking. Additionally, addressing any underlying health conditions that may be contributing to nail weakness is crucial for long-term nail health.
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Moisturise nails and the surrounding skin
Just like the skin on the rest of your body, your nails and the skin around them need to be moisturised. Nails are 1000 times more permeable to water than the skin, so water exposure from everyday activities like hand washing can weaken the nail's structure and its ability to retain hydration.
To prevent this, wear gloves when washing dishes or doing any other activity that involves water. You can also apply a moisturiser to your nails and the surrounding skin immediately after they have been exposed to water. This will help to prevent your nails and hands from drying out.
You can also use a product with glycolic acid or urea to exfoliate your nails once a week. This will help to break down the bonds of the keratin that makes up the nail cells, and it will also help to hold onto moisture.
If you have dry, cracked, or ripped skin around your nails, you can repair it by following these steps:
- Soak your hands in warm water for around 5 minutes.
- While your skin is still soft, push back your cuticles and carefully trim away any excess skin on your fingers.
- Rub moisturiser around your nails and put on a set of cotton gloves for the night to lock the product into your skin.
- Moisturise your hands each day to prevent them from drying out, and avoid products that dry out your skin, like acetone.
- Stop biting your nails and the skin around them, as this can lead to painful rips and tears that can become infected.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some ways to make your fingernails stronger:
- Keep them short.
- Moisturise your nails and the surrounding skin with hand cream or cuticle oil.
- Avoid nail polish removers that contain acetone.
- Take a biotin supplement.
- Wear gloves when washing dishes or doing other household chores that involve water.
Brittle nails can be caused by a variety of factors, including nutritional deficiencies, chemical exposure, and chronic conditions such as hypothyroidism.
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is said to improve nail growth. You can also increase your intake of omega-3, which is a natural nail strengthener.
