Do you get chipped nails a lot, or notice that they’re not as healthy-looking you’d like?

Fret not.

Believe it or not, there are many ways to grow stronger, healthier nails. And they’re incredibly easy, you can even start doing them today!

Here are some tips and tricks to grow stronger, healthier nails.

Steer clear of acetone-based products.

If you’ve been using acetone to remove your nail polish, now is the time to swap it out to a non-chemical option. Acetone is a highly-concentrated and harsh solvent that makes your nails extra fragile. This chemical causes that dry look on your nails, with white, blotchy spots and splits to boot. The best option is to switch to acetone-free products that do the job… but sans the weaker nails.

Use nail strengtheners, especially those packed with keratin.

There may be several products out in the market. And if you need help with picking the best ones, why not start with those containing keratin? This protective protein makes up your hair and nails. Because of this, experts believe that keratin makes your nails stronger and flexible, allowing them to be less fragile and prone to chipping.

Go easy with the polish.

Having polish on for an extended period may not be doing your nails any good. If you’re one to head straight to the salon at the first sight of chipped polish, then time to give it a rest. Let your nails go bare once in a while. This way, you allow them to recover and breathe, which is essential in growing stronger, healthier. And when you decide to have your next manicure, veer away from gel polish, acrylic nail glue, and acetone soaks. These are all toxic for your nails and could make them brittle.

Keep your nails off the water.

If you often expose your nails to water, like when you wash the dishes or spend a lot of time in a swimming pool, you may also be exposed to weaker nails. Over-hydrating may not be best for your nails as it may cause your nails to become prone to peeling. To avoid this, wear rubber gloves or lessen the time you spend in showers or swimming pools.

But don’t forget to drink water.

Drinking ample amount of water has been known to bring a lot of health benefits. One is growing strong and healthy nails. Making hydration as a habit will help you retain moisture for your nails and keep them strong.

Take biotin supplements.

Biotin, a member of the vitamin B family, is a key nutrient for stronger nails. It may be found in sardines, cooked eggs, legumes, or from supplements. [1]

Various studies have found that biotin makes nail thicker, preventing it from splitting and breaking. A German study reported that this is indeed the case when 45 participants with severe nail problems experienced improvements (91 percent reported significant ones), all after taking 2.5 mg of biotin every day for months. [2]

That’s why NYU dermatologist Sumayah Jamal, MD recommends a daily biotin intake of 2.5 mg, which is the prescription strength, therapeutic level.

There isn’t really biotin deficiency nowadays, but trends like juicing can lead to this. Hence, experts recommend a daily biotin intake of 2000 to 3000 mcg (micrograms) in supplement form. The improvements may show up after 4 months of taking it every day for nails and 9 months for toenails.

If you want to know more about biotin, read this article: Want full, shiny, luscious hair? Here's what you need.

VALI Hair Strong contains not only biotin, but also keratin and other ingredients that can make not just your nails but also hair strong.

Have a regular nail care regimen.

Long nails may look all nice and pretty. But having long nails may likely cause breakage. The longer the nails are, the more prone they are to get caught on things and experience trauma. Shorter nails are less likely to chip, crack, break and split.

Don’t forget to apply cuticle oil every now and then. Look for one with almond oil, as nail experts suggest, to keep them flexible and less likely to chip and break. [3]

Know how to file properly. File in one direction and lift the file each time you do another stroke. And make sure that as you file, you do with care and gentleness.

This may sound surprising too, but removing your cuticle (which is a major part of manicure) may do more harm than good. There’s no reason to cut them; they serve to protect your nails and act as a barrier. And if removing them happens to be done incorrectly, it may lead to infection, white lines, ridges and other issues.

Maintain a healthy diet.

Sometimes, the state of your nails is also your body’s signal for any nutritional deficiencies. It may be telling you that you need more nutrients in your body. Foods rich in antioxidants like blueberries and green leafy vegetables provide iron needed for growing stronger, healthier nails. If you like a smoother nail around the vertical ridges, almonds are the way to go as they’re rich in magnesium, the nutrient that does this in particular. Nails are one of the best indicators for nutritional deficiencies so make sure you eat lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.

Sources

[1] https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-strengthen-nails#5

[2] https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/more-beautiful-nails-a-dozen-tips#4

[3] https://www.elle.com/uk/beauty/nails/a19686863/how-to-make-your-nails-grow-longer-stronger/