How to Make Your Nails Stronger & Healthier
Many of us desire the allure of long, healthy nails but face frustrating issues that make our desired length seem impossible. If your heart breaks a little each time you discover a new crack in your natural nails, don’t lose hope.
Allow your nails to grow, flourish, and shine with just a few lifestyle changes.
If you’ve spent a lifetime wondering how to make your nails stronger, it’s time to finally discover how to accomplish that perfect manicure, starting with the health of your fingernails. Follow this guide to achieve happy, healthy, and strong nails.
Understanding Nail Health
Fingernails are a protective layer for our fingers, composed of a hard protein called keratin. While they’re easy to overlook, fingernails provide many essential benefits to our health and well-being.
Our nails require the same care and attention that we might offer our skin or hair. But how do you know if yours are healthy? Take a look at your fingernails.
Healthy fingernails are smooth and free of dents, grooves, or bumps. They may have a flat or gentle curve on the surface, aren’t prone to breakage, and have a uniform, rosy color.
Why Are My Nails Weak?
Weak fingernails may be due to genetics, daily habits, health conditions, and environmental factors. Check yourself for these common habits that weaken fingernails:
- Nail biting
- Ripping off hangnails
- Picking at your cuticles
- Using nail products with acetone
- Picking off nail polish
- Leaving nail polish on for too long
- Soaking nails in water
- Using your nails as tools
Once you identify the cause of your weak nails, you can begin making the changes to strengthen your nails naturally.
How Can I Make My Nails Stronger Naturally?
Once you’ve narrowed down why your nails may be weak, we can dive into how to make nails stronger. Follow these helpful tips to grow your nails faster and stronger naturally.
#1 Proper Nail Care Routine
Proper nail care goes beyond glimmering polishes and lacquers. While you may desire strong and long nails, the first step to obtaining healthy nails is regular cleaning, trimming, and filing.
- Cleaning – When you wash your hands, remember to clean under your nails to minimize the amount of infection-causing dirt and bacteria. Afterward, dry your nails so they don’t absorb too much moisture.
- Trimming – To build your nail’s strength, trim them regularly to prevent breakage and reduce common issues like hangnails.
- Filing – After you trim your nails, file them to create your desired nail shape and prevent chipping and snagging.
If you have brittle nails, try using a soft nail filer that is less abrasive and less likely to damage your nails.
#2 Nutritional Tips for Stronger Nails
The food you eat directly impacts the health and strength of your nails. Vitamins help replenish necessary proteins—like keratin and collagen—that make up your nails, enhancing growth and health. Look for foods packed full of necessary vitamins and minerals like:
- Biotin
- Vitamin B9
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin C
- Iron
- Protein
- Magnesium
- Omega-3 fatty acids
You can find these nail-nourishing nutrients in common grocery list items like meat, poultry, dairy products, eggs, fish, dark green leafy vegetables, beans, peas, and citrus fruits.
#3 Hydration & Moisturizing
Moisturizing your nails is essential. There are multiple ways to do this:
- Hand lotion – Whenever you apply hand lotion, rub it into your fingernails and cuticles as well.
- Natural oils – After every hand wash, apply natural oils like jojoba, coconut, flaxseed, and rosehip carrier oils to replenish dry nails, cuticles, and the surrounding skin.
Fortunately, many natural oils that moisturize nails also promote nail strength for a two-in-one rejuvenating boost. Just remember to wipe off any oils before applying any polish.
#4 Strengthening Treatments & Remedies
Maintaining a nutrient-rich diet and using lotion is great, but sometimes our nails need a quick boost of strength. Try natural oils like jojoba, olive, or sweet almond oil to get nails stronger faster. These oils are rich in nutrients and minerals like Vitamin E and B, zinc, and magnesium, which support the body’s production of essential proteins like collagen.
If you’re looking for the ultimate Nail Prep, check out Step 1 of our system!
#5 Preventative Measures
Of course, there are plenty of simple preventative measures to take that protect your nails from damage:
- Avoid using your nails as tools
- Don’t bite your nails
- Wear gloves when washing the dishes
- Avoid overexposure to nail products
- Avoid harsh chemicals like acetone, formaldehyde, and toluene
The next time you select the nail products for your next manicure, check the ingredients for any harmful chemicals.
Stronger, Healthier Nails with Dazzle Dry
Your nails endure a lot in the hustle and bustle of daily life. So, if you’re wondering how to make your nails grow faster and stronger, what better way to start than with Dazzle Dry’s non-chipping nail polish for happy, healthy nails? Dazzle Dry’s scientifically formulated products cleanse, moisturize, and color your nails with non-toxic, fast-drying, and long-lasting polish to guarantee a stunning at-home manicure. What more could you ask for?
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Sources:
- Mayo Clinic. Fingernails: Do's and don'ts for healthy nails. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/nails/art-20044954
- Healthline. Top 8 Vitamins and Nutrients for Healthy, Strong Nails. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamins-for-nails
- Healthline. What Are the Benefits of Cuticle Oil? https://www.healthline.com/health/cuticle-oil
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Health Hazards in Nail Salons. https://www.osha.gov/nail-salons/chemical-hazards
- Cleveland Clinic. What Causes Brittle Nails and How to Treat Them. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/brittle-nails-causes-treatment
- GoodRX Health. 6 Signs of Healthy Nails. https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/dermatology/healthy-nails
- Healthline. 13 Foods That Help Your Body Produce Collagen. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/collagen-food-boost
- Healthline. From Ridges to Peeling: What These 8 Fingernail Signs Say About Your Health. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/healthy-nails
- National Library of Medicine. Brittle nails: response to daily biotin supplementation. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8477615/