How To Strengthen Nails Home Remedies
Having healthy, shining and well-shaped of your nails enhances the beauty of your hands and feet. All most everybody is struggling with different treatments and practices that can make his or her nails strong, long and healthy.There are various potential natural cures that are not only inexpensive but also has the potential of showing positive results. Why should you spend more on products that may came with some side effects when you can achieve your dream of having strong nails by using the following home remedies:
- Mixture of lemon juice and olive oil
Lemon juice and olive oil are widely used as beauty ingredients in treating various skin conditions. This two ingredients also has the ability to strengthen your nails. When applied on the nails, the olive oil penetrates into the cuticle to strengthen the nail.On the other hand, lemon repairs the peeling nails as well as removing the yellow and other stains that are caused by infections or nail polish. To use this remedy, you simply mix 6 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 table of lemon juice to make enough solution for both finger nails and toenails.Using a microwave, heat the mixture to become slightly warm. Soak your nails in the mixture for at least 20 minutes daily. Leave it on the nails for an overnight before rinsing or washing it away in the morning.
- Coconut oil
- Apple cider vinegar
- Tea tree oil
- Sea salt
- Egg yolk and milk
- Vitamin E oil
- Green tea
Easy Ways To Strengthen Your Nails
In this article:
Strong, healthy nails not only can make your hands look good but also can indicate good health and prevent discomfort. They are characterized by a smooth texture and uniform color, devoid of any pits and discoloration.
However, dryness, dullness, pits, dents, vertical ridges, discoloration, and weakness in the nails are common problems. Unhealthy nails break easily and it is difficult to grow them. Neglected nails also may turn yellow due to vitamin deficiencies or fungal infections.
Poor nail strength is often a result of aging, as with time, the production of keratin slows down. Since keratin is a major protein in nails , a lack of it can make your nails weak, dry, and dull.
Weak nails may also result from medical conditions such as psoriasis, hypothyroidism, osteoporosis, and Raynauds syndrome. In addition, nail care is often overlooked, which, when combined with constant exposure to extreme weather, chemicals, and excessive hand washing, can increase the problem of weak nails.
Consider Having Your Thyroid Levels Checked
Abnormalities in thyroid hormone can cause many physical symptoms, including brittle nails. Changes can be seen in both hyper- and hypothyroid, but 90% of people with low thyroid have thin, brittle nails . So if you have this problem and other symptoms, particularly if the nail changes are new, it would be a good idea to check with your doctor.
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Natural Ways To Strengthen Your Nails
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Ever wonder why you bother putting on polish since your nails will break or peel within a day anyway? Yep, me too. There are lots of treatments and tonics you can use to deal withdamaged nails, but here are 14 natural ways to make your nails stronger and less prone to annoying splitting, breaking, and peeling:
Castor Oil And Vitamin E
Not surprisingly, the ever-popular castor oil is one of the most recommended natural products for protecting and hydrating your nails.
It has fatty acids and high-quality proteins, which help to strengthen weak nails, especially the cellular structure. As a result, castor oil helps prevent breakage and growth problems.
In this case, we suggest increasing the power of its properties by mixing it with vitamin E, an antioxidant ingredient that slows damage caused by chemicals and toxins.
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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.
Other Veggies Including Sweet Potatoes Carrots Tomatoes And Bell Peppers
If you like a little more color on your plate, worry not there are tons of veggies that give equally strong staying power to nails without being totally boring.
Tomatoes and bell peppers are chock full of Vitamin C, which is great for collagen levels, and sweet potatoes and carrots are high in Vitamin A, which provides necessary antioxidants to keep nails protected and strong.
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Protect Your Nails From Chemical And Uv Exposure
In case you didn’t know: Your nails can experience sun damage, too, turning them yellow, brittle, or dimpled. To protect your tips, experts recommend a UV filter polish that’s able to absorb the rays .
On the chemical front, it’s important to be mindful of any harsh ingredients seeping into your nails. You might have swapped your acetone polish remover, sure, but think about other ways your nails are exposed to chemicals on the daily. For example, if you have traditional dish soap in your kitchen, perhaps wear gloves while cleaning to avoid drying out the nails. “It might be a small step, but over time you’ll notice the difference in your health and the appearance of your nails,” says Lin.
Foods To Strengthen Your Nails
To get great-looking nails, you just need to eat right! The way the nails look can be improved simply by eating certain nutrient-rich foods. In fact, nails are often used as an indicator of the overall health by the doctors. Since the body first sends nutrients to the vital organs, the nails are mostly the last to get the good stuff. This implies that if a person is malnourished, it will show up on their fingertips or rather nails.
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Ways To Naturally Strengthen Your Fingernails
Nobody likes a broken fingernail, and strengthening your nails can help them become naturally more resistant to breakage. Today we share eight tips for stronger nails.
Use cuticle oil
Cuticle oil helps soften cuticles, but it also helps strengthen nails. Hemp oil contains both magnesium and vitamin E, making it a great base for DIY cuticle oils. Combine one tablespoon of hemp oil, jojoba oil, and apricot kernel oil with a quarter teaspoon of vitamin E oil and massage a few drops into your nails and cuticles.
File correctly
Choosing a nail file with a higher grit number that doesnt feel too coarse is better for nail health. Also, be sure to file in one direction only. Start at the side and use long, smooth strokes towards the center of your nail, rather than going back and forth. Repeat in the opposite direction on the other side of your nail.
Keep your nails short
Longer nails are more prone to breakage, so keeping them short can help protect them while you work on strengthening them.
Use non-toxic polish
Nail polish can add a little flair and fun to your nails, but long-term use of polish can weaken nails. Take breaks between manicures and opt for non-toxic polish with more natural ingredients.
Avoid acetone
Acetone is a common ingredient in nail polish remover, but it dehydrates your nails. Look for acetone-free remover and apply cuticle oil after use.
Consume biotin
Consume collagen
Stay hydrated
Wear gloves
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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Keep Them On The Shorter Side
If youre having trouble with weak nails, consider cutting down the length while you build up their strength, suggests Dr. Solomon. Shorter nails are less prone to breaking because there are fewer exposed edges to tear, and less surface area where water and chemicals can be absorbed. Once trimmed, prevent snags by gently rounding the edges with a nail file.
Scientists Have Not Studied Gelatin For Nails Recently:
A. The best study we could find on gelatin was published many decades ago in the AMA Archives of Dermatology . The researchers reported that,
Forty-three of fifty patients with brittle nails who ingested gelatin daily for three months showed improvement in their nail structure.
There had been a few studies published between 1950 and 1957, and a few studies were published after it, until the early 1970s. After that time, doctors appear to have decided that it was not worth studying. Thats why your own personal study is helpful while it may not work for everyone else, you have discovered how to strengthen your nails.
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Spinach: Go Green For Strong Nails
Like all other dark green veggies, spinach also contains vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin E, folate and iron. These nutrients in the spinach are responsible for improving nail growth and strength. Not only does eating spinach improve the nail health, but has a positive impact on the overall health too.
Take A Biotin Supplement
Biotin is one of the B vitamins. Because its water-soluble, it isnt stored by the body, so you have to ensure that you consume it daily.
Biotin can help strengthen hair and nails and also helps the bodys nervous system to function properly. It can be found in foods like sardines, cooked eggs, and legumes, or you can take a B vitamin or supplement.
Check with your healthcare provider before taking a biotin supplement to ensure that its safe for you.
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Iodine To Strengthen Nails:
Iodine has a warming effect that strengthens the nails. It allows for the enhancement of micro circulation in the fingertips.
How to Use:
- Use a cotton swab soaked in iodine to remove the nail polish.
- It is not necessary to wash off anything.
- At night, the iodine is totally absorbed by the nails.
- Use this every time you remove your nail polish.
Note: Excessive use of iodine can cause yellowing of the nails.
All the mentioned recipes in this article promise a chemical-free method of protecting and strengthening your nails at home. This is one of the most important factors to look at while protecting nails from damage.
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Factors That Affect Nail Growth
The growth of your nails can be influenced by several factors:
- Compulsive nail biting not only chips away the nail plate but may also introduce various bacterial infections that can spread to the underlying nail bed. This habit impedes nail growth and damages the skin in the area.
- Wearing fake nails or nail extensions that are improperly fitted or applied or using contaminated tools and adhesives can damage or infect the nail bed. Plus, extensive use of these artificial enhancements can reduce blood flow to the nails, making them brittle and dull over time and hindering their growth.
- Fungal nail infections are major causes of impeded nail growth. They are quite common among all age groups and usually make your nails thick, stained, and prone to breakage or cracking.
- Using substandard nail products can deteriorate nail health. Low-quality nail paints tend to dry out quickly and damage the nail plate.
- Hormones can affect nail development in healthy people. During pregnancy and just before menstruation, womens nails grow at a quicker pace. During lactation, women may experience slower nail growth.
- Not applying a base coat before the nail paint can cause chemicals in the nail paint formulation to seep through the nail plate into the nail bed, damaging both structures.
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Green Tea For Strengthening Nails:
The antioxidants properties of green tea help strengthen nails naturally.
Youll need:
Preparation time: 5 to 10 minutes.
How to do:
- Prepare a green tea and allow it to cool
- Pour a cup of green tea in a bowl and soak your nails in it
- Soak your nails for about 10 to 15 minutes
Repetitions: Do this green teak 2 to 3 times a week.
When To Consult Your Physician
If you see any discoloration of nail or nail bed you must see your primary care physician. Most discolorations are caused by fungal infection. Any soft tissue swelling or growth pushing nail or any skin cancerous changes around nail should be evaluated by your physician. Loose nail or blood under nail indicates traumatic separation of nail from its attachment with soft nail bed. In that case you must see primary care physician or dermatologist.
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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.
How To Use Essential Oils To Strengthen Nails
Using these oils properly for nail care is key to enjoying the right results. First, you must use high quality essential oils. Secondly, you must use a carrier oil to dilute essential oil before application. The best carrier oils include jojoba, almond, avocado, grapeseed, evening primrose among many others. One part essential oil should be diluted with two parts carrier oil. You can also choose to use essential oil blends to make your nail serum even more powerful.
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Olive Oil For Strengthening Nails:
Olive oil best remedy for strengthening nails. When you apply on your nails it will helps to moisturize the nails and soften nails and cuticles.
Youll need:
Preparation time: 3 minutes.
How to do:
- Take little bit of warm olive oil and apply it on your nails
- Leave it for about 10 to 15 minutes
- Finally wash off with water
Repetitions: Repeat this process 2 to 3 times a day.
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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Sea Salt For Strong Nails:
Sea salt fortifies and promotes the growth of the nail plate in addition, it has anti fungal action, so the frequent use of salt baths is effective in avoiding any infections on the nails.
Youll need:
- 1 tbsp of freshly squeezed lemon juice
Preparation time: 5 minutes.
How to do:
- Pour all the above mentioned ingredients in a heatproof bowl add some water to it and mix well
- Heat this mixture using a pan, once the mixture warm remove and let it cool down at room temperature
- Clean your hands and fingers properly, soak your nails for 5 to 10 minutes
Repetitions: Do this remedy once a week.
Choosing Nail Shellac Instead Of Nail Polish
Got brittle nails? Consider shellac instead of traditional nail polish, Draelos says.Nail shellac is not a polish and uses the same type of material that is used in dental sealants. It can last up to six weeks, “doesnt chip, smudge, and you cant scrape it off with a key, she says. Nail shellac can be pigmented with colors of the rainbow, and glitter and foil confetti can also be added. It helps prevent brittle nails by reinforcing the nail and improves hydration to the nail.
For these reasons, shellac is quickly replacing polish in professional nail salons. It is applied in three coats, and in between each coat, you must place your nails under a ultraviolet light dryer. This UV light may pose some risks to the eye, so wearing protective glasses may benefit manicure junkies, Draelos says.
Continued
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