Become A Nail Filing Master
Go with a soft nail file to keep the edges of your nails smooth, says Dr. Klein. With rougher grains, you run the risk of making tears in the nail, which can lead to peeling and hangnails.
File your nails in one direction, using long and swift strokes. Back and forth see-saw motions will cause the nail to splinter, says Dr. Solomon, who recommends using the Deborah Lippmann Smooth Operator 4-Way Nail Buffer.
The micro-fiber material its made from is very gentle on the nails, but still manages to achieve a clean shape, she says.
How To Make Your Nails Grow Longer And Stronger
Buh-bye, brittle nails.
Maybe its been the lockdown boredom , but it seems so many of us are attempting to grow our nails longer and stronger right now.
If youve ditched the acrylics and taken a much-needed break from the gels, yet your nails are still brittle and flaky, we feel your pain.
On a mission to achieve the long, resilient talons of our dreams, weve tried out all the hacks and enlisted some of the best experts to reveal exactly how to make our nails grow longer, stronger and healthier for good. Stay with us for everything you need to know..
How To Grow Longer And Stronger Nails
Improve Your Diet To Boost Nail Health
Eating healthy food, or consuming a well-balanced diet in general, is an essential part of maintaining overall good health, including the strength of your nails.
It is also good to know that certain food groups can boost nail health and prevent them from becoming weak and brittle. Modify your diet to include these healthy foods to help overcome and prevent the problem of weak nails.
Some nutrients essential to nail health are:
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Try The Following Home Remedies
Various home remedies have been shown anecdotally to improve the health of nails. However, when trying these remedies, keep in mind that they are not backed by scientific evidence.
Since the remedies are generally safe, you can use them as an adjunct to other self-care measures and see if they work for you.
The following home remedies may aid in strengthening your nails:
- Mix one egg yolk with 2 tbsp of milk or cream, and apply the mixture to your nails. Wash it off after 1015 minutes. This remedy can help nourish your nails and make them stronger.
- To 1 tbsp of warm olive oil, add 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar and 1 tbsp of beer and mix well. Soak your nails in this mixture for about 15 minutes.
- Dilute apple cider vinegar with equal amounts of water, and soak your nails in the solution for up to 10 minutes.
- Mix green tea, a few drops of wheat germ oil, and a pinch of salt. Soak your nails in the mixture for 5 minutes, and wipe them with a dry cloth.
- Add 1 tsp of lemon juice to 3 tsp of warm olive oil. Dab this solution on your nails using a cotton swab. Once the mixture is dry, cover your hands with soft, cotton gloves, preferably overnight.
What Do Blue Nails Mean On A Girl
Essentially it means youre in a relationship. According to Urban Dictionary girls use it to indicate theyre no longer available. They say: When a girl gets blue nails it typically means she has a significant other or/ aka, a boyfriend. Females use this colour to let other people know she is no longer available.
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Maintaining Healthy Grooming Habits
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.’
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Improperly Removing Nail Polish
There’s a reason why your nails sometimes look like crap when you peel off a gel mani or pick at your acrylics. “The way our nail polish is removed, either being peeled off or dipped in polish remover, can strip our nails of the natural hydrators that keep them healthy and strong,” says Dr. Nazarian. According to Sarah Gibson Tuttle, Founder and CEO of Olive & June, picking your polish can lift your nail plate, which leads to damage and peelingtwo things that aren’t only uncomfortable, but can also prevent future gels and polish from sticking properly to your nail.
How To Use Biotin To Strengthen Nails
Weak, thin and brittle nails are believed to be caused by dehydration and dryness of the protein keratin with is found in the nails. Biotin is proved to be effective on how to strengthen nails as well as for skin care and hair growth.Biotin is found in the natural foot that we take and can also be found in supplements that contains high levels. The following steps will guide you on the use of biotin to strengthen nails:
- Step 1. Include foods that are rich in biotin in your daily diet. Such food includes: liver, egg yolk, yeast, whole grains and cereals, milk, fish, peanut butter, lentils, bananas, cauliflower, mushrooms and soybeans.
- Step 2. Take biotin supplements if your nails fails to show improvements for 2 weeks after incorporating biotin rich food in your diet. The supplements are available different doses of 10, 50, 100, and even 1000mcg. Consult your doctor for correct biotin dosage.
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Are Fake Nails Clean
Acrylic nails look beautiful, but dirt, food, and bacteria can hide beneath the nail. Cleaning underneath your acrylic nails requires a gentle touch so that the acrylic nail doesnt separate from the natural nail. Be aware, however, that most discoloration on acrylic nails is caused by fungus, not dirt.
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Home Remedy Nr 8 Diet For Nail Growth
A lack of nutrients is the most common reason for slow nail growth. Vitamin deficiencies make nails dull and brittle. A diet rich in vitamins, iron, zinc, calcium, and protein is highly beneficial for healthy nails. Therefore, having a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and nuts, but also protein-rich foods like eggs, almonds, yogurt, cheese, and buttermilk would be beneficial for making your nails stronger. Having jellies or other foods containing gelatin is also considered as a good natural cure for growing your nails faster.
You can always support your body with an extra portion of vitamins and minerals, as for example with our Zinc Capsules or our ZMA Capsules.
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How To Strengthen Nails After Acrylics And Shellac
A change in career or lifestyle may prompt you to go back to your natural nails from acrylics and shellac. Having a healthy nails after acrylics may be a challenge unless you give them the required treatment and care. The artificial nails may give you a pretty look but they have negative effects on the nail bed.You may end up having weak, brittle, thin and splitting nails after wearing artificial acrylic nails for long. The various chemicals used in acrylic nail application that may damage the underlying nail. They can even cause fingernail and toenail falling off. The following steps will help to strengthen your nails back:
The first action to take is to remove the acrylic or the shellac. This procedure can be done while at home with the help of pure acetone or professionally. You may opt for professional removal of the artificial nails to minimize the chances of damaging your natural nail.
Although weekly manicure may be expensive but you just have to spend in order to restore the health of your nails. After removing the acrylic your nails usually appears stunted. It requires regular stimulations to promote circulation of blood, oxygen and for growth.You may also opt for at-home remedy. This is simply done by soaking the affected nails in warm water for 15 minutes. When done apply moisturizer on the nail and areas around and massage gently and thoroughly. Repeat the procedure daily until your nails recovers.
Tips On How To Strengthen Your Nails Easily
Maybe your nails are weak, thin, and dented after years of relentless acrylic nail application. Maybe you were just born with thin nails that break off easily. Whatever the reason, many people are constantly frustrated with the weakness of their nails, especially if you like to keep your nails at a longer length. Fortunately, there are many easy ways to help develop stronger nails that can grow longer without breaking and look better and smoother without polish. Keep reading to learn how to strengthen your nails quickly and easily to end your weak nail-breaking challenges.
Every time you paint your nails, use a base coat first without fail. Nail polish includes harsh chemicals that can wear down your nail beds and weaken your nails after prolonged, regular use.
In order to prevent your nail polish from eating into your nails and weakening them, apply a generous base coat to your bare nails every time you polish them. If you visit a nail salon to get a professional manicure, request that they use a base coat before they apply any polish to your nails if they dont do so already.
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Use Gloves Whenever Needed
Excessive hand washing can be damaging to your nails as constant exposure to soapy or hot water can soften your nails, making them brittle and weak. In addition, constant contact with water can cause nail splitting, which may lead to a condition known as onychoschizia.
Similarly, nails exposed to the dry winter weather often become brittle. This happens especially when temperature fluctuations occur while moving indoors to outdoors or vice versa. Your nails expand and contract periodically according to the temperature they are in. These repetitive changes can weaken the cells, making the nails prone to breakage.
Therefore, wear gloves to protect your nails from water- or weather-caused damage. Use cotton-lined rubber gloves while working with water, such as during gardening, doing the dishes, or housecleaning. Wearing gloves also prevents dirt from getting into your nails, preventing infections.
Additionally, make sure to wipe your nails dry after swimming or showering to keep them dry and prevent bacterial growth.
Ten Over Ten Celery Oil
Celery juice is trending as an overall health booster, and this capitalizes on some of the same benefits…for your nails. Celery seed extract improves thickness and minimizes the look of ridges, but this strengthening treatment also touts a long list of other beneficial ingredients, such as vitamin B3 and zinc to help harden nails and antioxidant-rich meadowfoam seed oil to protect them from environmental damage.
To buy: $26 tenoverten.com
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Consume Protein To Strengthen Your Fingernails Naturally
According to the United States National Library of Medicine, fingernails are composed mainly of a fibrous protein known as keratin. Therefore, in order to keep your fingernails strong and healthy, you need to be sure to include enough protein in your diet. That way, youll be sure to increase your bodys keratin production.
Some foods that contain keratin are the following:
- Pork and beef
- Cashman, M. W., & Sloan, S. B. . Nutrition and nail disease. Clinics in Dermatology.
- Lipner, S. R., & Scher, R. K. . Biotin for the treatment of nail disease: what is the evidence? Journal of Dermatological Treatment.
- Baran, R., & Andre, J. . Side effects of nail cosmetics. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.
- Dingwall, L. . Personal Hygiene Care. In Personal Hygiene Care.
- Scher, R. K., & Daniel, C. R. . Nails. In Nails.
- Basch C, Yarborough C, Trusty S, Basch C. Use of Protective Gloves in Nail Salons in Manhattan, New York City. J Prev Med Public Health. 2016 49:249251. doi:10.3961/jpmph.16.017
- Baran, R., & Schoon, D. . Nail fragility syndrome and its treatment. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology.
- Biblioteca Nacional de Medicina de Estados Unidos.
14 August, 2020
Consider The Use Of Supplements
If weak nails are caused by an underlying nutrient deficiency, such as an iron deficiency, you can consult your doctor on the use of supplements.
The following supplements are often suggested to improve nail health and can be taken upon consultation with a doctor:
- Vitamin B9. Also known as folic acid, vitamin B9 can be found in legumes and whole grains and is essential for cell repair and therefore in restoring nail health. Consumption of vitamin B9 supplements can help strengthen your nails and lower the chances of peeling or breakage.
- Keratin. As discussed above, keratin is a protein needed for nail strength. Therefore, the use of keratin supplements and even keratin oil can boost your nail health.
- Biotin. This water-soluble vitamin has been shown to boost nail strength. It is suggested to consume about 30 µg of biotin every day, and the requirement can be met with the help of supplements. Biotin supplements can improve nail health in 49 months of use.
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Use Hand Lotion Or Oil On Your Nails
Moisturizing your nails and cuticles with a good-quality hand cream can help improve their strength over time. Make sure to massage the lotion into and around your nails as you apply it to your hands.
Avoid commercial hand creams that can contain synthetic thickening agents and polyethylene glycol which may not help your nails. Instead, a more natural alternative is to choose a DIY body oil or a luscious homemade lotion with all-natural ingredients.
Mayo Clinic Q And A: Self
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: My fingernails are thin, and they tear and split easily. Is there anything I can do to make them stronger?
ANSWER: Weak fingernails often can be strengthened with some basic self-care steps. If you try those techniques and you dont see any improvement after about a month, though, consider talking to your doctor or seeing a dermatologist.
Your nails are part of your skin. They are made up of layers of the protein keratin and grow from the area at the base of the nail under your cuticle. As new cells grow, older cells become hard and compacted, and eventually are pushed out toward your fingertips. Healthy nails are smooth, without ridges, grooves, spots or discoloration.
Fingernails may become weak or brittle due to harsh conditions. For example, regular use of nail polish remover that contains acetone can wear nails down over time. Repeated exposure to very hot or very cold temperatures also can be hard on your nails. Frequent contact with chemicals, such as those in many cleaning products, may weaken nails. If your nails are immersed in water for long periods of time, that can make them more prone to splitting.
If your efforts to strengthen your fingernails dont help, or if nail problems seem to be associated with other symptoms, see your doctor or a dermatologist. He or she may recommend the nutritional supplement biotin. Some research suggests it might help strengthen weak or brittle fingernails.
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Stick To A Natural Nail
Gels, dips, and acrylics may offer a candy-shell lacquer you adore, but they can actually be quite harsh on your nail plate. “Not only are acrylic and dip powder nails full of potentially nail-harming ingredients, but the process and wear can be very damaging to your nailbeds, and if done improperly can even lead to infection,” organic manicurist Eunice Montes-Hamaguchi has told us. To keep your tips healthy and strong, you might want to forgo the faux nails and stick to a bare-nailed look or coat of clean polish.
And if you do have gels, dips, or acrylics, don’t peel or pick them off, as this can only harm your nails moreyou can actually rip off pieces of the nail plate along with the polish. The thought alone makes my fingertips ache. Instead, use this step-by-step guide to remove your faux nails.
