Regular trips to the salon can ward off dry brittle nails (or at least cover them up), but they can also be costly. You can grow long healthy nails by eating a balanced diet and practicing simple, at-home nail care.
Diet
Vitamins A, B12 and C, along with protein, calcium and zinc are essential to maintaining healthy nails. A lack of vitamin A--found in carrots and other orange vegetables--can result in dry, brittle nails. Meanwhile, a deficiency in protein or vitamin C causes nails to split. Finally, a lack of vitamin B12 can cause dry, sensitive nails. According to the Mayo Clinic, rich sources of vitamin B12 include liver, salmon, shellfish and dairy products.
Supplements
Many supplement manufacturers boast that their products will provide long, healthy nails. However most of these claims have not been clinically proven. However, MSM, a supplement that contains sulfur, shows promising results. According to a study conducted by Ronald M Lawrence, MD, PhD., MSM supplements improved nail length and nail thickness in 50 percent of the participants compared to 10 percent for nail length and zero percent for nail thickness in the control group. As with all supplements, consult a health care provider before taking anything new.
Considerations
A current trend in the beauty industry is infusing products with vitamins and minerals. While this might be beneficial, there's no concrete proof that this works. Until further research is conducted, the best way to achieve healthy nails is by eating a balanced diet consisting of the aforementioned vitamins and minerals.
Misconceptions
Pricey manicures can result in flawless nails, but they are not the only option. There are several at-home methods that work just as well. According to Discovery Health, you should always wear sunscreen on your hands to protect against sun damage, which harms the nails. It's also important to regularly moisturize, especially around the cuticles to prevent dryness and cracking. Finally, sterilize any utensils you use for at-home manicures to avoid the risk of a bacterial infection.
In terms of nail polish, if you don't like to wear color on your nails, you can still benefit from applying a clear base coat. If nothing else, a base coat protects against chipping. For people who like color, a base coat also protects against nail staining and helps your manicure last longer. Nail polish remover can cause dryness, so use it sparingly.
Warning
Not only will practicing good at-home nail care provide better looking nails, it can also alert you to potential health problems. According to Indobase, white lines under the nails may indicate a protein deficiency, while a zinc deficiency causes white dots to appear under the nails. If you see either of these, contact a health care provider to discuss possible dietary changes.
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