Healthy Toenails: The Dos, Don’ts, and How to Maintain Them
Healthy Toenails: The Dos, Don’ts, and How to Maintain Them
How To Make Nails Stronger: 12 Healthy Tips
If you’re someone who struggles with nail growth and breakage, the strength of your nails may be the root cause of the problem. Knowing how to make nails stronger can be a challenge when you’re constantly left wondering why are my nails so brittle? The good news is that there are many ways to make your nails stronger.
Nails are made from layers of keratin, which is a protein also found in your skin and hair. Keratin is naturally strong, but there are further steps you can take to make your nails stronger and avoid breakage. Take a look at these 12 tips for healthy nails to find out how:
1. Reduce contact with water
Prolonged submersion in water can cause your nails to become weak. So, if your hands are regularly in contact with water either at work or home, it’s helpful to wear gloves to avoid weakening your nails.
2. Use nail tools correctly
Using the correct nail tools is crucial to keep your nails looking healthy. However, using them in the wrong way can actually weaken your nails. When filing your nails, always move the file in one direction. Moving the file back and forth in a sawing motion can cause nails to weaken.
3. Trim your nails regularly
Keeping your nails on the shorter side is an excellent way to help them grow stronger. The longer your nails are, the more prone they are to breakages. Keeping nails short gives them extra time to strengthen. Always use good quality nail clippers to reduce the chances of your nails splitting while they’re being clipped.
4. Keep yourself hydrated
Everyone knows staying hydrated is essential for health. However, it’s also an excellent way to promote healthy fingernails. Staying hydrated enables your nails to retain moisture, preventing them from becoming brittle.
5. Eat a healthy diet
Staying hydrated is a must to support nail growth, but your diet is also crucial. Eating a diet rich in calcium and protein is an excellent way to make your nails stronger. Lean meats, lentils, eggs, and poultry are helpful choices.
6. Recognize the signs of fungal nail infections and treat them fast
Nail infections caused by fungus are a common cause of brittle nails. So, it’s helpful to know the first signs of nail fungus to ensure it’s treated early. Look out for white or yellowish colored spots underneath the surface of the nail, as these often signal the start of a fungal nail infection. Using a topical anti-fungal treatment early can prevent the fungus taking hold of your nail, causing it to become brittle and crumbly.
7. Never use your nail as a tool
Using their nails as a tool is something many people have done at some point. Whether it’s to break open a package or to open a can of soda, using your nails for these everyday tasks can leave them weak and increases the chances of them breaking.
8. Try a nail hardener
Using a nail hardening product can be a fast way to make your nails stronger. However, it’s important to choose the best nail strengthener for your needs. Some nail strengthener products focus on stopping nails from peeling and becoming weak, while others work to reinforce soft nails.
9. Minimize gel nail manicures and pedicures
Skipping acrylic nails and gel nail manicures and pedicures is a helpful way to strengthen your natural nails. The use of chemicals and UV light on your nails during these nail treatments can leave them extremely soft and more likely to peel.
10. Use acetone-free nail polish remover
To let you nails breathe, it’s helpful to leave them polish free, but how you remove your nail polish is important. Nail polish removers that contain acetone can dry out nails, making them brittle and more likely to break. So, selecting acetone-free nail polish remover is always advisable.
11. Wear gloves
Excessive exposure to water and to chemicals, such as cleaning products, can cause nails to soften, making them far more likely to break. Wearing gloves, especially cotton-lined gloves, is an excellent way to protect your nails.
12. Apply Moisturizer
Moisturizing your hands is a must for healthy skin, but it’s also crucial for strong, healthy nails. So, next time you put on some hand cream, be sure to apply it to your cuticles and nails to give them extra hydration.
Healthy Nails vs Unhealthy Nails
| Feature | Healthy Nails | Unhealthy Nails |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Pinkish, even | Yellow, white, or black spots |
| Texture | Smooth, ridge-free | Brittle, peeling, deep ridges |
| Growth | Steady, consistent | Slow, distorted |
| Strength | Flexible but firm | Breaks or splits easily |
Everyone wants strong and healthy nails to keep their hands looking at their best. With help from the above tips, it should be easy to encourage nail growth and make your natural nails stronger.
FAQs
Why are my nails so brittle?
Causes include dehydration, overuse of polish removers, poor diet, or medical conditions like anemia.
Do nail strengtheners really work?
Some do, but consistency matters. Look for keratin or calcium-based formulas, and avoid constant use.
What vitamin helps strengthen nails?
Biotin is the most studied supplement for nail strength, but overall protein intake is equally important.
Swissklip Team
Our blog is authored by the Swissklip founders alongside our trusted medical advisors. What began as a heartfelt solution for Opa’s thick toenails blossomed into a full line of premium self-care tools, all designed with quality and safety in mind. Working closely with podiatrists and dentists, we ensure every article carries medical-grade insights you can trust. Expect practical, expert-backed advice every time.
Table of Contents
- 01. How To Make Nails Stronger: 12 Healthy Tips
- 02. Reduce contact with water
- 03. Use nail tools correctly
- 04. Trim your nails regularly
- 05. Keep yourself hydrated
- 06. Eat a healthy diet
- 07. Recognize the signs of fungal nail infections and treat them fast
- 08. Never use your nail as a tool
- 09. Try a nail hardener
- 10. Minimize gel nail manicures and pedicures
- 11. Use acetone-free nail polish remover
- 12. Wear gloves
- 13. Apply Moisturizer
- 14. Healthy Nails vs Unhealthy Nails
- 15. FAQs
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