Changes in nutrition and lifestyle may strengthen nails. Stay hydrated, take a biotin supplement, and avoid certain chemicals, among other things.
The good news is that we can always modify our lifestyle and routines to strengthen our nails and achieve the desired length.
What can I use to strengthen my fingernails?
Here are 12 techniques you can use immediately to strengthen your nails.
1. Take a biotin supplement
Biotin is one of the B vitamins, also known as vitamin H and vitamin B7. Because it is water-soluble, the body cannot store it; therefore, you must ingest it daily.
Biotin can aid in hair and nail growth. Additionally, it helps the nervous system function effectively.
It is present in foods such as sardines, prepared eggs, and legumes, or it can take as a supplement.
Before taking a biotin pill, check with your doctor to ensure it is safe.
2. Minimize exposure to water
Overexposure to water can cause nails to become brittle and inflexible. Wear gloves when washing dishes, and attempt to keep your hands out of the bath water.
It is impractical to avoid submerging your hands at all times, but this is something to keep in mind.
3. Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water is vital for health, including nail health. Without sufficient moisture, nails can become brittle, break, and peel readily. Consuming adequate water enables them to retain moisture and remain robust.
4. Pay attention to your diet
Ensure you consume a varied, nutrient-dense diet and a multivitamin with minerals. A deficient diet in essential vitamins and minerals can impact the entire body, including the nails.
Before beginning any new supplements, consult a healthcare professional. They interact with any prescription medications you may take and pose additional hazards.
5. Be careful about the products you use
Nail polish and remover
Many nail treatments and polishes contain harsh chemicals that deteriorate nails. Acetone-containing nail polish removers should avoid, as they can cause injury to the nails.
Look for non-toxic nail varnishes, soaks, and polish removers.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Warns against additional potentially hazardous chemicals in daily nail care products.
Hand sanitizer and cleaning products
If you use hand sanitizer, you should avoid putting it on the fingertips and apply it sparingly. The hand disinfectant containing alcohol makes nails (and palms) grow brittle.
When cleaning around the home, you should wear rubber gloves. Numerous cleansing products and wipes contain chemicals that can deteriorate the nail. Gloves assist in preventing contact with these substances.
Shampoo
If you use a shampoo that is drying or designed to strip oils (i.e., for oily hair), it may cause your cuticles to become dry and brittle.
Try using a different shampoo for two weeks to detect a difference.
6. Avoid using gel or acrylic nails, if possible
While these promote as a simple alternative for those with difficulty growing their nails, frequent use can cause peeling and weaken your nails. However, if you insist on wearing them, you must give your nails a respite between applications.
Exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) light required for gel polish has been identified as a cancer risk factor, though additional research is needed.
Additionally, exposure ages the epidermis that supports a healthy nail. The Skin Cancer Foundation suggests applying sunscreen to your hands at least 20 minutes before exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
7. Give your nails a break from polish
Similarly, although nail polish is aesthetically pleasing, your nails must breathe. Constant use of polish, even non-toxic lacquer, can cause the nail to become brittle.
After approximately a week of donning nail polish, remove it with an acetone-free remover and let your nails rest for a week.
8. Keep your nails on the shorter side
Long nails are inclined to break and get stuck on objects, whereas shorter nails are less prone to chipping, cracking, and splitting, which helps to maintain their health.
9. Don’t use your nails as a tool
Use your finger pads to open a soda can or a paper clip to reach something in a confined space. You used your nails as instruments that can break and chip, weakening the nail.
10. Use lotion on your nails
After removing nail polish, or if you are not adequately hydrated, moisturize your cuticles with hand cream. It can perform each time you cleanse your hands.
11. Change how you file your nails
Using a saw-like back-and-forth motion to file your cuticles can weaken them. Instead, arrange them in a single orientation.
Also, be careful when polishing the sides of the nails, as excessive filing there can weaken the nail.
12. Talk with your doctor
Advise a dermatologist or other skin care professional if you’ve tried multiple treatments for several weeks and haven’t seen any nail improvement. They can examine your cuticles and inquire about your daily routine and general health.
They can, if necessary, prescribe a prescription-strength nail treatment to strengthen your nails.
The Bottom Line
Our nails can convey various messages to others, and having fragile or brittle nails can cause feelings of insecurity. Thankfully, you can do many things to strengthen and enhance your nails.
You should consult a physician if you have attempted numerous remedies without success. The only way for your nails to regain their strength is to treat the underlying cause of their fragility or thinning.
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