Going Short Can Strengthen Nails
“Whether you realize it or not, when you have long nails you’re constantly hitting them on your keyboard, the door, you name it. People underestimate how much of an impact this has,” says Tuttle.
Keep your nails short and give them a chance to grow out stronger and healthier than before. The other upshot: Nails that aren’t in great shape look healthier when they’re shorter, adds Holford.
Bannon adds that giving yourself a mini “manicure” even if it’s just as simple as filing your nails every two to four days can prevent breakage and snags. If your nails are really in need of some T.L.C., repeat these manis for two to four weeks to see results and stronger nails.
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Remove Gel Polish And Acrylics Correctly
Okay, so technically this isn’t a repair tip, but do this first and it can save you from having to deal with a lot of potential problems. First and foremost, repeat after us: I will not pick off a gel manicure.
“Picking off gel is probably the worst thing you can do to your nails,” says celebrity manicurist;Geraldine Holford. “The immediate effects are harming the nail plate because you’re removing the top layers of the actual nail along with your polish,” she explains.
“The long-term effects are thinning of the nails, harm to the nail bed, and irregularities on the nail plate and in growth patterns.” No thank you.
ORLY’s Senior Product Testing Manager, Kelly Bannon agrees, adding that even if you soak your nails to remove the polish, you can still damage your nails if not soaked long enough or if the topcoat barrier is not broken, prohibiting the remove to reach all the gel layers. She strongly recommends having your gels removed by a professional top prevent any damage.
Pro;tip: Whether you’re having gel or dip removed, ask your tech to cover your hands in hot towels while your nails are wrapped up in the acetone-soaked cotton pads; the heat will help speed up the process, explains Sarah Gibson Tuttle, founder and CEO of;Olive & June.
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Check In With Your Doctor
“Vitamins and minerals are super critical to developing healthy nails,” says Dr. Kim. “In this busy world, it can be challenging to eat the right combination of foods each day. Thus, I highly recommend finding the right oral supplements to ensure that you are getting all the nutrients you need each day.” Your doctor can help you pinpoint if you have any deficiencies by discussing your diet and running blood tests.
While not every health expert sees eye to eye on the potential of collagen supplements for nail growth, Dr. Kim sees promise. Her reasoning: “To have healthy nails, you need to ensure that you have the building blocks necessary to develop healthy nails,” she says. “Numerous scientific studies recommend oral ingestion of bioactive collagen peptides.” Here’s an example of one small study where oral collagen peptide supplements such as the ones below seemed to affect nail growth rate and brittleness.
A doctor can also help rule out other potential issues that can cause brittle nails such as a thyroid issue, says Dr. Kim. Depending on your situation, they might suggest trying an Rx treatment. “There are several prescription interventions that have scientific studies demonstrating efficacy for nails such as topical application of Tazorac or Genadur,” says Dr. Kim.
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Invest In A ‘soft’ Nail File
You might have heard that glass nail files are better for filing with, but while they’re pretty, longer-wearing and easy to clean, it pays to invest in a ‘soft’ file, according to Session Manicurist, Ami Streets.
‘To get the best finish from your filing, always opt for a soft file to prevent tearing or splitting your nails,’ she says. Her top picks? ‘Orly’s nail file is probably one of best I’ve used because of the durability and the way it gives the smoothest finish really fast.’
‘Pro products are always best and usually more hard wearing. I really like the Natural Nail Company because you can choose a file depending on whether your nails are soft or hard, and there are even options for acrylics.’
What’s more, you really need to nail your filing technique. Back and forth see-saw motions will only cause the nail to splinter, so always file in one direction, using long, swift but gentle strokes.
Pro Tip: ‘Start from the outside edge and move into the centre,’ advises Streets. ‘This technique will give you a smooth finish and more control over the shape you’re trying to achieve.’
What Can You Do To Make Nails Stronger
It has been said that soaking your fingernails in apple cider vinegar can make them stronger. This is probably true because this vinegar contains acetic acid, which helps the nails become stronger. Apple cider vinegar also contains malic acid, which helps with constipation, and a whole host of other things.
There is no documented proof that soaking your nails in water or other solution will make them grow any stronger, and it is not shown that they are healthier for long-term use. What can you soak your nails in to make them stronger though? Here are some homemade remedies that people have found to be helpful.
One of the most popular homemade remedies that people suggest when they want to make nails stronger is nail polish. If you soak your nails in a solution that includes one part apple cider vinegar to three parts warm water and then apply the solution to your nails, you can strengthen them somewhat.
It seems to work better if you leave the solution on your nails overnight, rather than just applying it to your nails.
Applying it directly to your nails might irritate them, so you may want to dilute the solution first. You can soak your nails in the solution overnight as well, and if it starts to look a little messy, you can clean it off with a little liquid fabric softener.
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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
How To Make Your Nails Stronger Naturally At Home
If you nails are not strong and healthy, do not worry, you are not the only person getting this problem. You can see discoloration, spots, and uniform in consistency and color. Unhealthy nails do not grow strongly and they break easier than usual. Weak nails also have discoloration and they look yellowish. Inappropriate care or negligence can cause unhealthy nails and they become brittle and dry out. Sun expose, chemicals, and nail polish are also the reasons that cause weak nails. In this article, VKool.com will show you top 20 best ways on how to make your nails stronger naturally and fast at home. This writing is for informational purpose only so you should ask the doctor before applying those remedies.
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Don’t Cut Or Manipulate Cuticles
Whether you have your nails professionally groomed or do them yourself, the No. 1 recommendation is leave your cuticles alone, says Dana Stern, MD, a dermatologist at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City.
“The cuticle is the natural barrier to fungus and bacteria — and once you breach that, protection is lost,” she says. This will not only make cuticles look worse — red, swollen, and ragged — but may also land you a nasty infection that harms the nail bed and leads to permanent nail damage. And while cutting cuticles holds the most potential for harm, pushing them back can cause problems as well.
Avoid Biting Your Nails
People often bite their nails out of boredom, nervousness, and various other reasons. While they may not realize the consequences of nail-biting immediately, years of this habit can damage the nails severely.
Repetitive nail-biting over a long period can shorten the nails, destroy the cuticles, and even damage the nail bed. In addition, it increases the chances of developing a bacterial or fungal infection.
Therefore, quit this habit at the earliest to preserve the health of your nails. Applying a bitter-tasting polish on your nails may help control the habit. Also, try to determine the physical or mental triggers that initiate this habit and work to improve the condition.
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Tips For Longer Healthier Nails
If youve ever tried growing longer, stronger nails, then you know its no easy task. On average, fingernails take up to one month just to grow approximately two to three millimeters. If your nails are damaged or brittle from years of press-ons, biting, or improper care, the process could take even longer. Daily wear and tear can also lead to snags, breakage, and painful hangnails that further weaken your tips over time. So how do you grow thicker, longer, healthier nails?;
While theres no quick-fix or magic serum, there are a few simple, effective ways to promote growth and resiliency. Here are some of the best ways to boost your nail care routine and grow out your nails.
Use Cuticle Serums For Moisturization
Healthy cuticles are the key to healthy, strong nails. However, it is quite common to damage your cuticles or push them too far, often increasing the risk of infection in the nail bed. Your cuticles may also get damaged due to medical conditions that lower blood circulation to the extremities, such as diabetes.
To help strengthen your nail cuticles and boost blood flow to them, it is suggested to perform a quick massage. You can use coconut oil, olive oil, flaxseed oil, almond oil, double-duty ointments, hand creams, and skin protectants to massage your cuticles.
Invest in a cuticle oil that not only moisturizes the cuticles but also nourishes and repairs them, all of which contribute to improved cuticle health. You can purchase cuticle oils with a high content of shea oil.
Simply gently massage your nails with the product for 510 minutes. Wear cotton gloves once the product is absorbed and leave it on overnight. Wash your nails in the morning using warm water. Eczema-friendly creams are also available for people with eczema.
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How To Grow Long Strong Nails
This article was co-authored by Lindsay Yoshitomi. Lindsay Yoshitomi is the nail artist behind the blog, Lacquered Lawyer. She was featured as one of Nail It! magazines Bloggers You Should Know, and has been on the cover of Nail Art Gallery Magazine. She has been practicing nail art for over 15 years.wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article has 101 testimonials from our readers, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 2,258,100 times.
Growing long and strong nails is a multi-step process. As long as you take good care of your nails, you can grow them to the length you desire. You need to start by making sure you stop bad nail habits. After that, taking appropriate vitamins and manicuring properly will help you grow long, strong nails.
Does Apple Cider Vinegar Make Nails Stronger
Does apple cider vinegar make nails stronger? According to All Womenstalk, it does. This product has been used for hundreds of years as a treatment for all sorts of ailments and conditions.
Not only does it make nails stronger, it also keeps them healthier. Not only does it help you have healthy nails, it helps you avoid the spread of nail fungus and other diseases.
As a bath additive, the vinegar works as a natural moisturizer. While many women use it to strengthen nails, it is also effective at healing existing ones. To do this, you mix one part of pure apple cider vinegar with one part of coconut oil. Apply it to your nails and then soak for about 15 minutes a day.
While there are many home remedies that claim to make your nails grow quicker, none of them work nearly as well as pure apple cider vinegar.
The next time you need a quick and simple way to make your nails grow faster, consider trying this treatment. Although it cant work on every condition, it is a safe and effective option. Youll be happy to know that your nails will stay healthier and stronger too.
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Home Remedy Nr 1 Coconut Oil & Honey
Warm three teaspoons of coconut oil andone teaspoon of honey in the microwave for about 20 seconds. Soak your nails inthe mixture for about 10 minutes. Do this every day for about a month to seethe full result. You can also wear cotton gloves and let the mixture soakovernight and have natural overnight nails treatment.
Do You Excessively Use Gel And Acrylics On Your Nails
Gel and acrylic nail paints are all heart, we agree! But excessive use of anything that is ladled with chemicals – gel nail paints and acrylic nail paints, in this case – is not good for long land healthy lives of your nails. Gel and acrylic nail paints affect the natural growth of your nails. You should try them but not regularly and excessively.
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Moisturize The Nail Bed And The Cuticle
While there is little in the way of medical data showing that moisturizing the nail bed will help nails grow, it can make cuticles look better and help protect nails from breaking due to a lack of moisture. “If your nails are prone to breakage, it could mean they need moisture — and putting oil around the cuticle helps moisturize the entire nail, which will reduce the incidence of chipping, cracking, and splitting,” says Margaret Ravits, MD, a dermatologist at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey.
Continued
Myths About Nail Growth
Nail tissue is already dead by the time it is long enough to paint, so painting will not affect growth.
It is also a myth that applying vitamins directly to the nails can help them grow. These remedies are unlikely to help. At best, they strengthen the nail and prevent it from breaking.
No specific nail polish, such as a gel or powder, can improve nail health. In fact, some products, particularly those that require harsh methods for removal, may have adverse effects on nail health. The acetone that people use to remove gel nails can weaken nails despite the gel polish making them appear strong and healthy.
Understanding how nails grow can support lifestyle changes that promote nail health.
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Nourish Your Nail Beds
If a bumpy, ridged nail bed is completely ruining your mani, you might need to increase your vitamin B9 intake.
Otherwise known as folic acid, this vitamin repairs and multiplies the cells that make up nails, which speeds up growth and promotes overall nail health. It has also been shown to boost strength and prevent peeling.
‘Folic acid is responsible for healthy cell growth in skin tissue as well as hair and nails,’ explains Griggs. ‘A true deficiency in folic acid may cause discolouration and contribute to brittle and weak nails.’If you think you’re lacking, foods like beans and whole grains are rich in folic acid but you can buy folic acid supplements over the counter, too.
Cut Back On Gel And Acrylic Manicures
They may be touted as an easy alternative for people who have trouble growing their nails, but frequent gel or acrylic manicures can cause your nails to peel, weakening them in the process. These manicures also expose your digits to excessive amounts of acetone in the soak required to remove them, which is very drying to the nail, says Dr. Klein. If you prefer to keep these types of manicures on rotation, make sure to either give your nails time to breathe between applications or save them for special occasions.
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Observe The Rule Of Five With Your Nail Polish
Dont worry, were not going to suggest you give up nail polish altogether. But with great color power comes great responsibility. Do yourself and your nails a favor and stick to the Rule of Five with all your nail polish applications. Thats five days on, five days off. Dont let nail polish overstay its welcome.
That goes double for toenails! Dr. Stern said that most people tend to leave nail polish on their toes far longer than they do on their fingers. That can lead to keratin granulations, which are those uneven, rough-textured white patches that occur when some of your nail cells get removed along with your nail polish after its been on too long.
Eventually, those spots will grow out, but wouldnt you rather avoid them altogether?
Be Cautious About Manicures
Some nail salons can contribute to nail infections. Aggressive manicure techniques, such as cutting the cuticles very short, may allow bacteria to enter the nail bed and weaken the nails.
Take personal tools to the nail salon or make sure the salon uses properly sanitized equipment to minimize the risk of infection. It is also best to check a salonâs reputation by reading reviews before booking an appointment. If a manicure starts to hurt, ask the technician to stop, as manicures should not be painful.
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