Strengthen Your Nails Naturally

Weak Nails

Weak nails can be a real problem, especially when you’re trying to grow them out. There are several reasons why your nails might be weak, including a lack of protein in your diet, exposure to harsh chemicals, or certain medical conditions.

1. Make Sure You’re Getting Enough Protein

Making sure you meet your protein needs will help keep your nails (and muscles) strong and in tip-top shape. So how much do you really need? Somewhere between 45 to 56 grams per day is the recommended intake for an adult.

2. Try Biotin Supplements

Keratin is a protein that makes up your skin, hair, bone, and nails, and biotin (a B vitamin) can help support your keratin levels. You do have to commit to it for a while, and the most recent studies have not proven results (except in brittle nail syndrome), but it works well for some people! Biotin can be found naturally in foods such as nuts and seeds, eggs, avocado, salmon, dairy products, sweet potato, and cauliflower.

Splitting Nails

Splitting nails can be a real pain, and they can be caused by a variety of factors, including exposure to water, harsh chemicals, and certain medical conditions.

3. Consider Having Your Thyroid Levels Checked

Abnormalities in thyroid hormone can cause many physical symptoms, including brittle nails. Changes can be seen in both hyper- and hypothyroid, but 90% of people with low thyroid have thin, brittle nails. So if you have this problem and other symptoms, particularly if the nail changes are new, it would be a good idea to check with your doctor.

4. File Your Nails in One Direction

When giving yourself a manicure, rather than filing back and forth, which can cause your nails to split and peel, file in one direction to keep them intact and less prone to breakage.

Dry Nails

Dry nails can be a real problem, especially during the winter months when the air is dry and cold.

5. Use Gloves When Cleaning

Exposure to detergents, solvents, and chemical cleaning solutions (especially if you use harsher ones—which you shouldn’t!) can wear down your nails and cause them to become weak. Use gloves when washing dishes and cleaning.

6. Limit Water Exposure

Drinking water = good. Water on hands = drying for your nails and cuticles. It sounds backward, but this can be a problem—particularly if your skin is already dry. Research has shown splitting of the nails can occur when the nails are repeatedly exposed to wet and then dry.

Nail Fungus

Nail fungus can be a real problem, and it can be caused by a variety of factors, including exposure to harsh chemicals, certain medical conditions, and poor hygiene.

7. Moisturize—a Lot

After washing your hands, make sure to lather up with a hand lotion or cuticle balm to keep moisture from escaping. Use olive oil for a simple cuticle oil, or soak your hands in oil for 10 minutes to heal dry nails and cuticles.

8. Avoid Industrial-Strength Polish Remover

Heavy-duty nail polish removers, especially those containing acetone, dry out your nails, cuticles, and fingertips, leaving them susceptible to breakage and peeling. Try a protein-enhanced non-acetone remover, or don’t use remover at all.

9. Up Your Zinc Intake

Weak, brittle nails can be a sign that you’re deficient in zinc. Up your intake of nuts, root vegetables, and shellfish to get more of the mineral.

10. Try Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea tree essential oil has been shown to have antifungal activity. Apply 1–2 drops of tea tree essential oil daily to ward off fungal nail infections.

11. Don’t Cut Your Cuticles

If you’re giving yourself a manicure at home, gently massage oil into your cuticles and then use a cotton-tipped swab to push them back. Cutting the cuticle allows fungus and bacteria to enter the nail bed, making it easier for infections to occur.

12. Try Garlic

Evidence has shown that garlic has toxic effects on a common fungus. Crush a clove, and add it to a bottle of clear nail polish. Let it infuse for at least a week, then paint the infusion on to help kill fungus and pave the way for seriously strong nails.

13. DIY a Whitening Scrub

If your nails are yellow or discolored, make a paste of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Massage your nail beds with the mixture, let it sit for a couple of minutes, and then rinse off.

14. Let Your Nails Breathe

Just like it’s a good idea to take a break from coloring your hair or wearing makeup, giving your nails a breather from polish can keep them from turning your nails yellow and help them regain their strength.

Conclusion

Taking care of your nails is an important part of your overall health and beauty routine. By following these tips, you can help keep your nails strong, healthy, and looking their best. Remember to always prioritize your nail health and take steps to prevent common problems like weak, splitting, and dry nails.

FAQs

Q: How often should I moisturize my nails and cuticles?
A: You should moisturize your nails and cuticles after every hand wash, and throughout the day as needed.
Q: Can I use any type of nail polish remover?
A: No, it’s best to avoid using industrial-strength polish removers that contain acetone, as they can dry out your nails and cuticles.
Q: How can I prevent nail fungus?
A: You can prevent nail fungus by keeping your nails and cuticles clean and dry, avoiding sharing nail care tools, and using an antifungal nail polish.
Q: Can I use garlic to strengthen my nails?
A: Yes, garlic has been shown to have antifungal properties and can help strengthen your nails.
Q: How often should I give my nails a break from polish?
A: It’s a good idea to give your nails a break from polish every few weeks to help them regain their strength and prevent discoloration.