The Ultimate Guide on How to Strengthen Nails
Nails play a vital role in our physical appearance, serving both practical and aesthetic purposes. Strong nails not only look good but can also help us do things like open cans, button our shirts, and scratch an itch. However, like any other part of our body, nails can also face problems, such as splitting, peeling, or breaking.
In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to strengthen your nails. From incorporating a balanced diet to avoiding nail-biting, we will cover all the essential tips and tricks that you need to know.
Incorporate a Balanced Diet
A balanced diet is crucial for maintaining overall health, including that of your nails. Nutrients such as protein, biotin, and iron promote nail strength and growth.
Protein: Nails are made up of keratin, a tough and fibrous protein. Hence, incorporating protein in your diet helps in building strong nails. Foods such as eggs, chicken, fish, and legumes are all rich sources of protein.
Biotin: Biotin is a B-complex vitamin that’s essential for healthy nail growth. It nourishes the nails, thereby preventing them from becoming brittle or weak. Foods like almonds, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, and spinach are all great sources of biotin.
Iron: Iron deficiency can cause nail thinning, ridges, and even anemia. Hence, it is essential to include iron-rich foods such as red meat, spinach, and lentils in your diet.
Keep Nails Dry
Water can cause nails to become weak and brittle. Hence, it’s important to avoid prolonged exposure to water.
Tips for avoiding prolonged exposure to water:
- Wear gloves while washing dishes or cleaning.
- Use a moisturizing soap that doesn’t dry out your nails.
- Avoid swimming in chlorinated water often.
You can also wear a pair of swimmers to protect your nails while swimming.
Apply a Nail Hardener
Nail hardeners are products that contain ingredients that strengthen nails. They work by filling in the layers of the nail, thereby creating a protective barrier.
Benefits of using nail hardeners:
- They help prevent nail breakage and splitting.
- They help promote nail growth.
- They protect against damage caused by harsh chemicals and detergents.
When applying nail hardeners, it’s important to follow the directions carefully. Overuse can cause brittleness, which defeats the purpose of using them in the first place.
Avoid Nail Biting
Nail biting is a common habit that can have serious consequences for nail health. Constant biting can cause damage to the nail bed and cuticle, making your nails more prone to infections.
Tips for quitting the habit:
- Keep your nails trimmed short so that there’s nothing to bite.
- Use a bitter-tasting nail polish to discourage nail-biting.
- Get a manicure regularly to keep your nails looking good.
Instead of biting your nails, try finding alternative stress-relieving activities such as fidget toys or stress balls.
Moisturize Nails Frequently
Just like the skin, nails also need hydration to stay healthy. Dry nails are more prone to breakage and splitting.
Types of moisturizers and oils that are beneficial for nails:
- Coconut oil.
- Olive oil.
- Jojoba oil.
- She Butter.
- Petroleum jelly.
Apply moisturizers and oils to your nails every day for maximum effectiveness.
Limit the Use of Nail Polish Remover
Nail polish remover, especially those that contain acetone, can be harsh on nails. Overuse can cause the nails to become brittle and dry.
Suggestions for minimizing its use:
- Switch to acetone-free nail polish removers.
- Use a buffer to remove nail polish instead of using a remover.
- Give your nails a break from nail polish for a few days every once in a while.
You can also try removing the nail polish by soaking your nails in warm, soapy water for a few minutes before gently peeling it off.
Don’t Skip Base Coat and Topcoat
Using a base coat before applying nail polish helps protect your nails from staining while also providing a smooth surface for the polish to adhere to. A topcoat, on the other hand, provides an added layer of protection from chips and adds shine.
Tips for proper application:
- Apply in thin layers to avoid bubbles.
- Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next one.
- Use a quick-dry topcoat to speed up the process.
Using a base coat and topcoat regularly can help strengthen nails by preventing breakage and chipping.
Conclusion
By following these simple tips, you can have strong, healthy nails that look and feel great. From incorporating a balanced diet to keeping your nails moisturized and avoiding harsh chemicals, there are plenty of ways to promote nail strength.
Your nails are a reflection of your overall health. Taking care of them doesn’t just make them look pretty; it also contributes to your overall well-being.