Many men and women are plagued with weak, brittle nails. There are products available that you can apply to your nails to help strengthen them. These work well, but there is more to it that just using a topical solution. You must maintain the health of your hands and your body as well. Try these tips to make your weak and splitting nails stronger.
Related: Tips and Tricks to Make Your Manicure and Pedicure Last
Use Even Strokes When Filing
Many people use the wrong approach when filing their nails. Sawing back and forth actually causes damage to the nail structure. It is best to use an outside in approach. This means that you’ll start at one side and use one simple stroke toward the middle of the nail. It is also better to file from the underside of the nail rather than the top, using the same motion.
Avoid Chemical Exposure
Exposure to cleaning products and soaps can weaken your nails. This leads to splitting and easily breakable nails. Wear gloves whenever you plan to use chemical based products. You should also wear gloves when working outdoors or whenever your hands are used for heavy work purposes too.
Improve your Diet
Your diet has a lot to do with the health of your nails. If your diet consists of fatty foods, fried foods and a considerable amount of processed/pre-packaged foods, that is part of the problem. These foods are not providing your body with proper nutrition. Eat a healthy, natural and balanced diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals. Shop the outside of the store, rather than in the aisles.
Related: The Pros and Cons of Gel Nail Polish
These factors play a big role in the overall health of your nails. It is ideal to start with making dietary changes first as correcting the body from the inside out is the best approach. Also use cuticle oil treatments and hand moisturizers. These practices will help improve the condition of your nails and you’ll experience less cracking and splitting as a result.
I have a very brittle nail since I am undergoing radition theraphy. That’s why I opt not to use any nail polish anymore. Thanks to you post I learned a lot about taking care of my nails and what not to use. Kudos!
No matter what I have done, my nails will not grow on their own. I ended up getting acrylics and now my nails are perfect 😉
I can imagine that avoiding chemicals would help a lot. Thankfully, I have good strong nails so I haven’t ever had to worry – just gel manicures for me!
Thanks for the tips. Sometimes my nails can be strong and then the next thing I know they are weak and breaking.
I like the tip about filing. I have brittle nails, so I will use that tip. I am always trying to get my nails stronger!
I used to have weak, brittle nails and tried many products to help strengthen them. I also think that your diet plays an important role in your hair and nails.
For me, it’s all about food intake. I have to watch my diet for a healthier nails!
These are great to know. My nails chip when I grow them long.
I wish I would have come across this post some years ago when I made the transition to wearing my natural nails. Without the gel nails my real nails were weak and it took me about six months to build up the strength in them again.
I’m all for stronger nails. Mine split every so often too, and recently I had one bend back!