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For someone who has had weak nails all her life, I never thought I could have elegantly long, perfectly manicured nails, ever. But after some internet surfing and deep-diving, I found how to make nails stronger. Not only did my nails grow stronger, but they also became harder over time. This meant no chipped or broken nails unless I actively gave in to my intrusive thoughts. I’m a girl’s girl because I am about to un-gatekeep all the tips for you to learn how to make fingernails stronger.
What Causes Nails To Weaken
Brittleness of nails may be caused by trauma, such as repeated wetting and drying, repeated exposure to detergents and excessive exposure to harsh solvents, such as those found in nail polish remover.
Brittle nails are also seen in those with low thyroid function (hypothyroidism), malnutrition, tuberculosis, and certain lung conditions, skin diseases like psoriasis, lichen planus and alopecia areata.
Poor nutrition can also cause brittle nails. The solution is to include foods that will promote healthy nails. Consume a diet rich in lean meat, pulses, legumes, green leafy vegetables, beans, low-fat dairy, and whole grains.
Biotin supplements and clear nail polish that contain proteins can help strengthen nails.
A regular soaking with vegetable oil is very effective. It restores the moisture which is lost by repeated exposure to water.
How To Strengthen Brittle Nails
- What’s Hiding Under Your Nails
If you notice a change in colour, texture, or strength on your nails, or some nails feel weaker than the other, there might be a chance that your nails might be infected. There might also be a blood circulation deficiency that causes this underlying weak nails. Either visit a doctor for some creams, ointments, or oils.
- Replace Your Filer
People often choose emery filer to give shape and smoothen out their nails. But the best nail filer to use is a glass filer such as the Bronson Professional Glass Nail Shiner & Filer for smooth and shiny nails, instead of sandy and sharp edges.
- Let Your Nails Breathe
It’s ideal to take breaks between your frequent nail appointments if you want to learn how to make your nails grow stronger. The constant pressure of pushing your cuticles behind, pressing your nails down, and subjecting your nails to constant UV light can all make your nails weak.
- Say No To Acetone
Almost every drugstore nail polish remover contains acetone in it, acetone is actually one of the worst things you can put on your nails and fingers, they are super dehydrating and likely to peel your skin around the nails. Opt for alcohol-free nail paint removers if your paint starts chipping or you are bored of the colour.
- Glove Is Love
If you are planning to work with water or soil, like washing dishes or gardening, then remember to wear gloves to protect your fingertips and nails. Although water is good for you, constantly dipping your hands in it can make the skin expand and contract, loosening the nail bed, making them weak.
- Cuticles Are Just As Important As Your Nails
Make sure to moisturise your nails as well as your cuticles. There are a number of oils such as jojoba, olive, and apricot that are great for your cuticles. Vitamin E also helps improve the protein levels in your nails and helps them make stronger.
- Pamper Your Nails, But Not With A Manicure
Your actual nails also need some love, not colours or fancy manicures, but a restful indulgence with some sunflower oil, hand creams, and keratin-filled ointments.
- Choose Your Nail Hardeners Wisely
If your nail hardener needs to be removed with a nail polish remover, then they are just glorified clear polish masked as a nail hardener. Ensure your nail hardener comes off as easily as you apply it, when the job is done.
- Aid Your Diet With Supplements
If your body lacks the proper amount of protein, vitamin B7, keratin, and iron, then supplement your diet with the right nutrients, either through gummies, tablets, or powders mixed in your smoothies, shakes, and more.
- Have A Look At Your Protein Intake
Historically, Indian diets lack the sufficient amount of protein required to sustain our body, hair, and nails. You need to intake 1 gram of protein for every kilogram of your weight. Protein deficiency is very easily seen through hair loss, weak nails, and energy loss.
Parting Thoughts
Keeping your fingernails and toenails trimmed will minimise cracks or tears. Use a moisturising cream on your nails after washing or bathing. If your work requires you to work with water, it’s best to cover up with rubber gloves since nails can absorb between 20 and 25 per cent of their weight in water. Nails expand as they absorb water, then contract as they dry. The more water you expose nails to, the more they expand and contract, and this weakens them further.
FAQs
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What causes nails to become brittle?
Before you learn how to make your nails stronger, you need to know what causes the brittleness in the first place. Brittle nails could be a sign of calcium and vitamin deficiency that our body lacks. Moreover, extensive application of gel and acrylic nails, acetone-infused nail paint remover, water-related activities, etc. can all cause your nails to go brittle. They can also be a genetic condition that can be reversed with the right care.
What should I eat to make my nails stronger?
Your nails get weaker mostly due to an iron deficiency, so supplement your diet with iron-dense foods such as meat, eggs, dairy, seafood, beans, lentils, and tofu. Moreover, you also need to include zinc, vitamin B7, and protein in your diet to improve the overall appearance and quality of your nails.
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How can I prevent brittle nails?
Here’s how to make your nails stronger with home remedies:
- Moisturise regularly
- Wear gloves when working with water or soil
- Stop the use of acetone-infused nail paint removers
- Maintain a healthy and balanced diet
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What are the signs of weak nails?
Before you learn how to make your nails stronger, here are some signs to keep an eye out for.
- Your nails crack, chip, or break easily
- Small ridges appear on the nail bed
- The colour of your nails looks more yellow than pinkish-white
- The skin around your cuticles flakes or peels
- Your nails will become thin, weak, and sharp
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Recommend some acetone-free nail paint removers.
Here are acetone-free nail polish removers to avoid making your nails weak:
