Strong, healthy nails feel smooth and look good. According to MotherNature.com, fingernails should be strong, but not necessarily too hard. Healthy fingernails should be able to withstand some bending, and should not peel, flake or break easily. The Mayo Clinic asserts that unless you are malnourished, adding certain foods to your diet will not strengthen nails. Good nail growth begins with proper nail care. Spend some time each week grooming your nails to keep them looking and feeling their best.
Step 1
Take a shower or briefly soak your nails, then trim them straight across. According to MotherNature.com, cutting nails when they are wet decreases the chance of breakage. Trimming straight across keeps the corners square, which increases overall strength.
Step 2
Apply a moisturizer to your hands and nails, recommends the Mayo Clinic. Repeat this step anytime your nails get wet, and smooth more lotion on them before you go to bed at night. A moisturized nail is a stronger nail.
Step 3
Apply a nail hardener as well as a coat of nail polish. These both improve the strength of nails, making it less likely that they will break. The Mayo Clinic suggests avoiding nail hardeners that contain formaldehyde or toluene sulfonamide, as these can cause irritation.
Step 4
File away any rough edges as soon as you notice them. According to MotherNature.com, taking care of small snags in the nail can help prevent breakage and further damage.
Step 5
Take a biotin supplement. The Mayo Clinic states that taking 2.5mg daily can improve the strength and thickness of your nails.
Tips and Warnings
- Use nail polish removers weekly at most, and avoid those that contain acetone, which is drying to nails. If your nails are especially weak or fragile, keep them short to avoid damage and to keep them looking their best.
- If you notice pitting, flaking, discoloration or pain in your fingernails, see a dermatologist. These can be symptoms of fungus or other health problems. Do not cut or push back your cuticles. The Mayo Clinic warns that this could cause infection.
Things You'll Need
- Nail clippers
- Moisturizer
- Emery board
- Nail hardener
- Nail polish
- Biotin supplements
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