Use Nail Hardeners Sparingly
“The take-home message here is that a lot of them do more damage than good,” says Stern. She reminds us that these products are not studied clinically, so most claims are not backed up by science. Unless nails are exceptionally weak and fragile, she says, most people don’t benefit from a nail hardener.
Healthy nails are flexible nails, she says, so to keep yours from breaking, avoid anything that makes them more brittle.
A Dozen Tips For More Beautiful Nails
Long, strong, healthy nails are possible — if you don’t fall prey to myths and old wives tales! Three experts tell you what you need to know.
Like a great new haircut or a terrific skin care regimen, healthy, well-manicured nails are an integral part of a neat, pulled-together appearance – one that can work as an asset in both the social and the business world.
Unfortunately, experts say both men and women fall prey to myths and old wives’ tales about how to care for nails. Another pitfall: many of us rely on the guidance of salons, some of which may not be doling out the best advice — or treatments.
To help set the record straight — and get you on the road to beautiful nails — three top dermatologists offer these 12 tips for achieving healthy, well groomed, elegant nails.
What If My Nails Get Worse
The last thing anyone wants is for their already damaged nails to take a turn for the worst. So, taking the time to select the best nail strengthener for your individual needs is key. If your nails are severely damaged, using a nail hardener with formaldehyde is something you should be wary of as it may cause a burning sensation to ensue. However, this is extremely rare.
Chances are, most nail products will cause discomfort when applied onto cracked or infected fingernails. For this reason, its important to improve the health of your nails via a natural nail hydrator like before applying a nail hardener.
To be safe, apply the product of your choice to a small portion of your nail and allow it to dry before tackling the rest. Should you experience discomfort at any point, or should your nails get worse over time, contact your dermatologist.
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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.
What To Consider When Shopping For A Nail Strengthener
With so many nail strengtheners on the market, it can be hard to find one that caters to your individual needs but it doesnt have to be! Weve gone ahead and selected some truly amazing products so you can focus on healing your nails without breaking the bank.
Before we reveal our picks, lets find out about the different types of nail strengtheners, how they work and whether or not you can benefit from using one.
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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.
Unflavored Gelatin To Strengthen Your Nails:
Q. I had weak fingernails that split easily for years. Then I started taking one package of Knox plain gelatin daily. I usually mix it into my oatmeal.
When I faithfully ingest an envelope of gelatin daily, I have extremely strong nails that never chip. If I stop, my nails begin to split again.
Within two or three weeks of resuming the gelatin, my nails are once again almost indestructible. This remedy also works for my husband.
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The Best Nail Growth Treatments And Strengtheners
The world might be starting to reopen, but our nails on the other hand, are still in hibernation mode. To get them nail-art-ready, invest in a nail treatment that’s designed to promote growth and strengthen, so you’re ready for your full diary of social obligations.
We tested some of the best available, to see which ones really deliver results. Below are the ones we rate.
How we test
We asked over 1,000 women to trial over 42 brands of nail growth treatments and strengtheners for a one-month period the products ranged from oils to polishes to creams.
For nail growth products, testers assessed whether they prevented breakages and peeling, if they helped with growth, and if nails were left looking healthier and stronger.
For strengthening treatments, testers noted whether the products helped with any flakiness, as well as if they had an impact on smoothness and strength.
Both types of product were also judged on how easy they were to apply, their drying time and how often they needed to reapply.
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.
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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.’
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.
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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.
What Causes Nails To Become Weak
Just like with our skin and hair, nails can become brittle and dry when we dont drink enough water, so make sure to get your two litres a day.
Ripping off gel nails or getting acrylics without a break in between appointments will also weaken them. Make sure you get them removed professionally, or give them the proper DIY removal treatment.
Wearing rubber gloves when handling detergents and bleach is also a must, as overexposure to these chemicals can make nails soft, resulting in them splitting or breaking.
Noticed it takes your nails forever to grow? You could be lacking in vitamin C. Make sure your diet includes food that is a good source of vitamin C, including peppers and broccoli. Taking a supplement may also help improve the quality of your nails, as well as your skin and hair.
However, all these methods do require a bit of patience. A strengthening product, on the other hand, can make a huge difference to the appearance of your nails in weeks.
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Why Are My Nails Soft And Bendy
Soft or weak
Soft nails might be caused by overexposure to moisture or chemicals think detergent, cleaning fluids, nail treatments, and nail polish remover. The fix: Avoid having chemicals around your nails. Weak nails are most likely associated with a deficiency in B vitamins, calcium, iron, or fatty acids.
When To See A Doctor
Nail health generally can be improved with proper, constant care, but always consult a doctor if the problem persists as it may signify an underlying condition.
Consider consulting your doctor if you notice the following symptoms in your nails:
- Discoloration
- Dark streak under the nail
- Pink and white gradation of nails
- Yellowing
- Detachment from the surrounding skin
- Pain
- Pus
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Nailberry Little Treasure Cuticle Oil: 17 Nailberry
Powered by concentrated sweet almond oil, renowned for its ability to protect nails and cuticles from peeling, dryness and cracking, plus vitamins A, E, B1, B2 and B6 to hydrate nails, this dropper style bottle is easy to use and delivers an uplifting zesty citrus scent. Its also vegan, cruelty-free and gluten-free.
Let Your Nails Breathe
Just like its a good idea to take a break from coloring your hair or wearing makeup, giving your nails a breather frompolish can keep them from turning your nails yellow and help them regain their strength. You can still have pretty nails with a no polish manicure!
Brittleness is seen in people who wear nail polish for months, especially when they apply it over the previous coat, and this can also cause white or yellowish patches . Nails replace themselves after 69 months , so the longer you can go without polish, the better.
This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Gina Jansheski, a licensed, board-certified physician who has been practicing for more than 20 years. Learn more about Hello Glows medical reviewers here. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
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How Do Essential Oils Strengthen Your Nails
Nails are prone to daily abuse which results in a weak nail structure. If you have brittle nails that are not vibrant, you can benefit from essential oil application. Keep in mind that frequent nail treatments, poor care practices and weather conditions can all cause weak nails. So, how do essential oils work to strengthen your nails? The following insight sheds more light.
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
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Hydration Will Strengthen Your Nails
Now that the gel-dip-acrylic is off, the key is to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. “Prolonged use of gel manis and acrylics dehydrates your nails, making them dry, brittle, and fragile,” says manicurist Jin Soon Choi, founder of JINSoon nail polish and salons.
A cuticle oil is your BFF for imparting deep hydration. Focus on slathering it not only on the nail itself, but also massaging it well into the cuticle the cuticle is where new, healthy nail growth will start so it’s important to nourish and hydrate this area, says Choi.
One best-seller to try: CND Solar Oil Nail and Cuticle Conditioner. Holford also likes using straight up jojoba oil, which can strengthen nail beds and boost healthy nail growth. She recommends applying it three times per day for five days for the best results.
Layers Of Keratin Cells
Your nail consists of somewhere around 50 layers of dead, densely jam-packed, flattened keratin cells, that are enlarged approximately four hundred times in the image directly below. Toenails have about 100 layers.
Keratin is extremely important to the natural nails flexibility.
In the microscopic photo below, you can see how the nail cells link together in a random overlapping way.
Notice all the tiny holes in each cell as well as the gaps around each cell?
This is important to help you understand how easily our nails dry out and become brittle.
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How To Strengthen Your Nails
Bringing your nails back to their full, fortified potential is as simple as finding the right topical products. “If you’re not wearing polish, I’d be sure to use an oil or something like that to keep your nails moisturized,” Fleury Rose, a New York City-based nail artist, previously told Well+Good. “Massaging a cuticle oil directly onto your nails can make them look glowy and healthy.” Dr. Nazarian recommends looking for formulas with nourishing oils and proteins, such as mastic oil, sunflower oil, and vitamin E, and Apfel Glass is a fan of using pure coconut oil which aids in moisturization and prevents brittleness. Another great ingredient option? Nylon, tiny particles of which are blended into nail treatments to provide a sort of shield from the environment, making your nails thicker and less prone to cracks and breakage.
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How To Strengthen Dog Nails
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Dogs use their nails for everything.
- They scratch with them.
- They dig with them.
- Their nails help them hold their favorite bone as they chew on it.
- In fact, a dogs nails are more like fingers than they are our fingernails. Because of that, their nails get put through the ringer. And because of THAT, we need to do everything we can to keep those nails strong.
So lets take a look at how to do that.
Struggling with Your Dogs Health? Get Weekly Health Tips. YES PLEASE.
1. Visit Your Vet First
If your dogs nails are fine, and you just want to be sure they stay that way, visit your vet for advice.
If your dog has brittle nails that crack easily, visit your vet for advice.
That is key, and I cannot overstate it enough. You should always visit your vet first. Your vet can guide you through the process of diagnosing brittle nails and what to do about them and also through supplementation to ensure that your dogs nails stay healthy and strong.
Vet bills can be expensive! Why dont you consider a pet insurance!
Here are some pet insurance companies we recommend
Fish oil is a bit of miracle in both humans and dogs.
The omega fatty acids in fish oil not only make the skin, hair, and heart healthier, they also promote stronger nails.
3. Biotin
Biotin supplementation can help to correct brittle nail issues and also to keep healthy nails strong.
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