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How To Harden Your Nails

Use Protective Gloves To Harden Nails Naturally

BTT: How To Make Your Nail Polish Harden Faster

The use of protective gloves when handling chemical cleaning products helps to avoid the weakening of the nails.

The contact with aggressive chemicals is a factor that affects the deterioration of the nails. For the above, to achieve harden the nails naturally, It is essential to opt for the use of protective gloves when doing household chores with cleaning products.

The gloves work as a barrier so that the chemists do not have direct contact with the nails. Further, They protect hands when they must be submerged in water for a long time.

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Hold Your Hands In The Freezer

Brrr, we know. As much as we hate feeling cold, when it comes to our nails and the chance to not smudge them before they’re dry, we’re willing to do what it takes. In this case, it means holding your hands in the freezer for a minute or two. The cold air will help solidify the top layer of polish so that you don’t have to be as careful immediately after your mani.

Nail polish manufacturers caught on to the fact that most people wish polish would dry faster. As such, many brands have launched quick-dry polishes that require zero extra steps to speed up dryinglike Sally Hansen’s Insta-Dri Nail Color. Simply paint it on and marvel at how dry your nails are by the time you finish your last one.

How Long It Takes To Strengthen Your Nails

No matter what intervention you end up taking, don’t expect to see any differences overnight. “Changes can take many months longer for toenails than fingernails because they take longer to grow to become noticeable,” says Dr. Kim. “People tend to give up too quickly. Unfortunately, there are no super-quick solutions if the end goal is to have truly healthier nails.” Again, it could take up to several months depending on your personal growth rate, so stick it out.

Part of it comes down to your genetics. Your genetic makeup and the presence of conditions such as psoriasis or thyroid issues can affect nail growth.”Because some people will genetically be more prone to weaker nails, any intervention may take even longer to reap visible results and the degree of improvement may be somewhat diminished, unfortunately,” says Dr. Kim. “But with patience and perseverance, it is still possible.”

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Easy Ways To Strengthen Your Nails

We all want strong, thick, beautiful nails. But simply going about our lives can become a minefield of potentially nail-damaging situations.

Here at Julep weve put a lot of thought, love, and science into helping you strengthen your nails with products like Take a Breather Oxygen Nail Treatment, Mighty Nail & Cuticle Serum, and our Color That Treats Nail Polish. All these products let your nails breathe while infusing them with natural nail-strengthening ingredients.

But even with the help of powerful nail treatments, growing your healthiest nails ever starts with fine-tuning your everyday habits. Here are our top tips for strengthening nails and preventing nail damageso you can better enjoy all your gorgeous manicures.

Limit water exposure.

Wear gloves when you wash dishes, and dont soak nails in the bath or pool for too long. Keep your nails outside the water for most of your soak.

But drink lots of water.

Hydration is key for beautiful skin, hair, and nails. Drink lots of water throughout the day, and youll feel and look betterall the way down to your hydrated cuticles and nails. A balanced diet that includes plenty of protein will also help improve nail health.

Keep your nails on the shorter side.
Make cuticle oil or crème a part of your routine.
Try a DIY olive oil nail soak.
Avoid alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Interesting Facts About Your Nails

How to harden your fingernails.
  • Nails are made of layers of a protein called keratinthe same substance your body uses to produce hair and the top layer of your skin.
  • Fingernails grow slowly at an average of 3.5 millimetres per month. And it will take about four to six months to regrow your nails completely.
  • Your dominant hands fingernails grow faster.
  • The fingernails of men grow faster than womens nails. However, womens hormones during pregnancy affect this growth.
  • Fingernails do not sweat.
  • Your nails need blood to survive. This is the reason why it can fall off after an injury as the lack of oxygen and other nutrients weakens the nail.
  • Nails give clues of your internal health and wellbeing. Healthy fingernails are characterized by a uniform shape, a smooth surface without pits or grooves, a perfectly even and spot-free appearance.

Unfortunately, not all nail conditions are normal. Here are the telltale signs that you have unhealthy nails.

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Increase Your Wait Time Between Coats

Olive & June

“Waiting five to 10 minutes in between coats makes a world of difference,” says Gibson Tuttle. “It will decrease the chance of bubbles and it dries faster, I swear!” Of course, in the long run, that can take more time to actually finish painting. But you tell us: Are a few extra minutes between coats worth avoiding twice that time to fix smudges? We think so.

Say Goodbye To Dry Peeling And Flaky Nails With The Best Nail Strengtheners

If you suffer from weak and brittle nails that are constantly chipping, breaking or flaking, a nail strengthener can really help with strength and condition. Many things can cause weak nails: repeated exposure to water, vitamin deficiency, or damage caused by gels, false nails or acrylic nail polish. Thankfully, the solution really is as simple as a once or twice-weekly treatment with a restorative and nourishing nail strengthener.

To get your nails looking their best for the summer, read on for our guide to finding the best nail strengthener, whatever your nail panic and, after that, find our pick of the best on the market right now.

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Drink Plenty Of Water

Being hydrated has a direct effect on the health of a persons nails.

When a person is not getting enough fluid, their nails can become brittle. When a persons nails are fragile, they break or peel more easily.

The state that most people can get enough fluids to remain hydrated by drinking water when thirsty and when eating a meal. However, if a person feels they are not getting enough fluid, they can increase their daily intake by:

  • carrying a reusable water bottle
  • choosing water over sugary drinks
  • drinking water at meals instead of other beverages

Constantly using gels or acrylic nail polish can damage a persons nails, causing them to peel.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation , the UV light that people use to dry the polish also carries a potential risk. This is because UV light has links to both skin cancer and premature aging. The Foundation recommend applying sunscreen to the hands 20 minutes before a nail salon appointment as a preventive measure.

To help keep the nails strong and healthy, a person should take a break from gels and acrylic polishes or avoid using them altogether.

Place Importance On Nail Health Over Length

How to harden your fingernails.

Even though long, painted nails are absolutely stunning, you should place importance first and foremost on the health of your nails. Its recommended to keep them short and focus on strengthening them instead. For an added benefit, shorter nails are easier to manage and look professional and neat overall.

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Maintaining Healthy Grooming Habits

  • 1Use an emery board to buff your nails in a consistent direction. Hold the file along the flat portion of your nail to make the edge as smooth as possible. Move it in short, horizontal motions, making sure that you always guide it in the same direction. Avoid moving it back and forth, or else you could make your nails weaker.XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Academy of DermatologyProfessional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologistsGo to source
  • Try to use a new emery board, as this will be more effective than an older one.XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Academy of DermatologyProfessional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologistsGo to source
  • You can also use a glass nail file, which is easy on your nails.XResearch source
  • 2Clip your hangnails so you wont damage your skin or nail bed. When you rip or tear at your hangnails, you create an open wound, which increases your risk of infection. Instead, use nail clippers to clip along the base of the hangnail.XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world’s leading hospitalsGo to source
  • Dont chew off hangnails. Along with the ripping of your nail or skin, chewing them off transfers bacteria from your mouth directly into the wound.
  • Your nails will be a lot cleaner and stronger when theyre maintained properly.
  • You can also use cuticle oil as a regular moisturizer. You can find it at most beauty stores.
  • Leave Your Cuticles Alone

    Do not remove or cut your cuticles as they are important in keeping your nails away from harmful bacteria and possible infections. You are also minimising the risk of having those unwanted hangnails by leaving your cuticles alone. Its also best not to tear the former as you might rip live tissue along with it.

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    Nail Care: Dos And Donts When Painting Your Own Nails

    • Dont Shake Your Nail Polish Do Roll It When Mixing Have a nail polish that sat for far too long on your vanity? You might be tempted to shake it in order to fix the separated formula. However, avoid doing so because it can show up as tiny bubbles on your nails when you paint them. Instead, roll the nail polish bottle between your hands to properly mix the formula.
    • Dont Apply Polish to Wet or Oily Nails, Do Keep Your Hand Dry Before Applying Polish Now that you know how essential hydration is to have healthy nails, you might think that applying polish over wet and oily nail beds is perfectly fine. In fact, the opposite is actually true. You should keep your hand dry as much as possible for a long-lasting manicure.
    • Dont Paint Your Nails With Thick Coats of Polish, Do Apply Thin Layers for a Smooth Finish Coating on thick layers of polish results in an uneven and bubbly finished look. In addition, youll be wasting a lot of your time by waiting for the polish to dry and fully harden. As such, you should stick to two coats maximum for a smooth, professional and long-lasting manicured nails.
    • Dont Use Cotton Balls, Do Remove Nail Paint with a Fuzz-Free Paper Towel Cotton balls are probably your go-to material for removing the paint on your nails. However, this material eaves fuzz which can stick to your nail s and ruin it. Use a paper towel instead because they dont leave behind fuzz.

    Alyaka

    Choose A File With A High Grit Number

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    Did you know every nail file has an accompanying grit number? It’s typically a tiny number stamped either on the packaging or on the file itself, and it conveys how coarse the board will be against your nails. The higher the grit number, the softer the file.

    In terms of maintaining strong nails, you’ll want to go with a file that has a higher grit number . “You want something that’s just a little bit more coarse than a regular buffer,” says Lim. No need to go scratching up the nail plate, here. If you can’t find a specific grit number on your file, Lim says you can just take your finger and run it across the board: “You shouldn’t feel much friction.”

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    Avoid Harsh Nail Polish

    Couldnt resist getting a mani-pedi every once in a while? Fret not as you can still indulge in such.

    Just make sure to avoid nail polishes with toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, and toluene, as they can make your nails brittle and split. Read the labels carefully before purchasing one.

    Tip: Water-based polishes, while not that long-lasting compared to other polishes, are the safest option for your delicate nails.

    Essie Treat Love & Colour: Best Nail Strengthener With Colour

    Price: £8 |

    Perk up lacklustre nails with US manicure brand Essies Treat, Love & Colour nail strengtheners. The nourishing one-step care and colour product is available in semi-sheer shades, like peachy Tinted Love, pretty-in-pink Sheers To You, and chic Laven-dearly. It gives a healthy glow to your nails, and your digits will feel as good as they look thanks to a detoxing formula that promises to repair, hydrate and strengthen. If youre looking for a pretty polish with added nail-care benefits, the Essie Treat, Love & Colour collection will be just the job.

    Key specs – Pack size: 5ml

    Price: £13 |

    Your morning smoothie benefits from a dose of kale, and so will your nails. The Nails Inc Nailkale Superfood nail strengthener is all you need for healthier-looking nails that dont break or chip. Thanks to its potent blend of kale extract and Nails Incs patented Regenerating Complex, vitamins A, C and K immediately increase the keratin production in your nails for ultimate hydration and nourishment. Dont be alarmed by the sheer pale-green colour of the bottle: Nailkale dries to a clear and glossy finish. Apply a base coat of Nailkale Superfood on bare nails and then top it up every couple of days for stronger and smoother nails in a couple of weeks.

    Key specs – Pack size: 14ml

    Price: £11 | Buy now from Typology

    Key specs – Pack size: 15ml

    Price: £4 |

    Key specs – Pack size: 13.3ml

    Price: £9 |

    Key specs – pack size: 15ml

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    Avoid The Use Of False Nails And Enamels

    The constant use of false nails and toxic enamels can greatly affect the weakening of the superficial layers of the nails. Because of this, in order to harden the nails, It is best to avoid these elements as much as possible. In the case of glazes, it will be necessary to check that they are free of substances how:

    • Tolueno
    • Formaldehyde
    • Dibutyl phthalate

    The best formulas for nail paints are those that They are made with water and natural ingredients. In pharmacies and cosmetic stores are already being distributed many brands that are based on soft components for the nails.

    Finish With A Spritz Of Hairspray

    â?¤ Grow Your Nails Super Long & Strong â?¤

    Just like hairspray holds intricate hairstyles in place, it can also help dry nail polish faster. Of course, it’s important to remember that while a quick spritz will harden the top layer of polish, it doesn’t work to dry the base layers below, so you still don’t want to aggressively bump your nails for at least 30 minutes. However, going about your day as normal is totally doable.

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    Always Apply Base And Top Coats

    Base and top coats are especially helpful when your nails are on the weaker side because they provide your nails with an additional protective barrier from things like dehydration and breakage, says Dr. Evans. Essies Grow Stronger Base Coat leaves nails nourished and protected, for example, while the brands Good to Go Top Coat protects your mani from chipping and peeling.

    Upgrade Your Nail Polish Remover

    When your manicure shows signs of chipping, it’s all too easy to pick up any old bottle of nail polish remover. But those containing high concentrations of acetone is extremely harsh on fragile nails and can dry them out almost instantly cue peeling, flaking and splitting.

    Your best bet? Go acetone-free. These formulas might be gentler, but don’t underestimate their ability to leave your nails perfectly clean even after a jet-black mani. There are heaps of gentle yet effective formulas out there with the muscle to whip off remnants of polish in moments.

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    Benefits Of Nail Strengthener

    There are so many ways that nails can become damaged. Kalnina says, “the list is endless.” Correa points out that silk wraps, acrylics, and gel nail polish may look fabulous, but end up wreaking havoc on your nails. “Also if you work with your hands a lot like washing dishes or heavy lifting,” you’re more prone to nail damage. She adds that you can damage toenails from physical trauma, doing exercises such as running, hockey, and tennis, or wearing shoes that are too tight.

    Nail strengtheners can restore nails to optimal health while “replenishing lost nutrients and restoring the keratin needed to keep your nails growing and healthy,” says Correa.

    “With a small amount of care, you can keep your nails strong and healthy very easily,” says Kalnina. Results are pretty immediate, too. She says you can start seeing stronger nails “within just two weeks of application, usually much earlier.”

    Push Your Cuticles Back

    Best Nail Hardener that Really Works

    As mentioned, cuticle care is crucial. But beyond oil, Lim mentions regularly pushing your cuticles back can keep them from overgrowing. “When becomes thick and overgrows onto the nail, it’s tough to push back. You don’t want to ever get to that point,” she says. “When that happens, your cuticles are prone to cracking and infection.” Ouch.

    You don’t have to get too meticulous about it a great tip is to gently push them back every couple of days after stepping out of the shower, as the nails will be softened from the spray. Not to mention, pushing your cuticles back helps your polish last longerjust in case you’ve decided to go for an at-home mani.

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