We all long for long nails, but this is harder to achieve than you might think if your nails are not strong enough to support the length.
Without strength, they will crack, tear and break, so it is important to understand how to make your nails stronger.
Here, we look at what makes nails strong and what you can do to strengthen fingernails to get the length and look that you want.
1. Cuticle oil
If you want to know how to make nails stronger, then look no further than cuticle oil.
A little bottle that looks like nail polish holds a lot of power.
Cuticle oils are often based on natural ingredients and simply need to be brushed onto the nail once or twice a day.
This helps to hydrate the nail bed, keeping your nails strong and resilient.
2. Omega fatty acids
If you are looking to make nails stronger, then you need to look at what you put into your body as well as what you put onto it.
Omega-3 is a natural nail strengthener as it helps to care for the cells in the nail bed.
It encourages the absorption of nutrients, ensuring that the nails grow stronger, healthier and harder.
‘Using omega-3 for healthy hair, skin and nails’ looks at all of the benefits of this amazing acid and how it can help your nails.
3. Increase your biotin
If you are looking for the best way to strengthen nails, then you need to look at the nutrients in your body.
Biotin is an essential B vitamin that contributes to the thickness and hardness of the nail.
You can increase your levels of biotin through a supplement such as the Solgar Biotin Vegi Capsules or through consuming organ meats, eggs, fish, meat, seeds, nuts and some vegetables.1
4. Protect your hands
Have you noticed that the more you do around the house, the more your nails seem to break?
This is because hot water, chemicals and vigorous activity can severely damage the nails.
If you are looking to strengthen nails, then you need to protect them from these things.
Whilst it would be nice to put your feet up and let the maid take care of things, it is more likely that you need to invest in a good pair of rubber gloves.
5. Change your nail care products
We think we are taking good care of our nails when we perform a little manicure at home, but sometimes, doing this wrong can do more harm than good.
A harsh nail file can cause your nails to split or tear, so swapping to a softer one will help to keep them looking good. Learn how to file your nails correctly here.
Removing your nail polish with an acetone-free nail polish remover will also help to protect your nails.
This is because high levels of acetone can dry out the nail, making it become weaker.
6. Pimp up your protein
Have you ever wondered what makes your nails strong? It is actually due to a protein called keratin, which is also found in your skin and hair.
This keratin forms the cells of your nails beneath the skin before it grows out into the open.2
If you are looking to strengthen weak nails, then increasing your levels of the keratin protein can help.
Foods such as eggs, onions, salmon and sunflower seeds are all great for boosting your keratin production naturally.
7. Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise
Hydration is key when it comes to nail health, both on the inside and the outside of your body.
Moisturising the skin surrounding your nails helps to support the nail and offers plenty of nourishment.3
Drinking plenty of water will also help as this allows your nails to retain moisture and avoids them becoming dry and brittle.
Do you want to know how to get strong nails? The key is health! Keeping your body healthy and caring for the health of your nails all helps to improve their resilience, reducing breakages and leaving them strong and beautiful enough for you to show them off in all their glory.
If you are worried that your nails are excessively brittle, ridged, discoloured or peeling, then it might be worth seeking medical advice to check whether there are any underlying health issues which might be contributing to this.
Last updated: 28 January 2021
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Author: Donia Hilal, Nutritionist
Donia started her career as a freelance nutritionist, later she joined Nestle as their Market Nutritionist to help support their healthier product range, before joining the team at Holland & Barrett in January 2018. Donia has 6 years experience as a Nutritionist and also works with clients on a one to one basis to support their goals which include weight loss, prenatal and postnatal nutrition and children’s health. Donia has a special interest in; weight management, plant-based nutrition, pregnancy nutrition, special diets and disease risk reduction. Donia’s LinkedIn profile |
Sources
1 https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Biotin-HealthProfessional/
2 https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/what-are-nails-made-of
3 https://www.prevention.com/health/a20516850/14-secrets-to-strengthen-brittle-nails/
