10 Tips to Strengthen Your Nails Like A Stone

Every woman wants long, healthy, strong and thick natural nails. But sometimes, it just doesn’t happen. We expose our nails to a lot of things during our everyday life activities, such as dishes, typing, scratching and whatnot. Because of that, they are prone to damage. But, with proper care and some time investment, you can make them go from miniature to glamorous long diva-looking nails. So, how can you strengthen the nails? Let’s dive deep.

 

How To Strengthen Nails?

As you probably know by now, nails are made out of keratin, a protein that’s found in the skin and hair. You probably take proper care of your hair with loads of shampoos and conditioners? And your skin is always silky smooth because of the creams and lotions you apply? Yeah, we thought so. You should treat your nails exactly the same, and here is a list of things that you’ll be needing:

• Nail trimmer
• File
• Moisturizer
• Gloves
• Argan oil
• Water
• Acetone free remover
• Nail hardener
• Nail polish
• Vitamins

 

#1: Clipping

You should only clip your hangnails if they were caused by improper nail cutting. After your nail rips away, the skin and nail bed can be left damaged, and you are quite prone to infections like that. Use nail clippers to gently clip off your hangnails, and don’t ever chew them off! If you do that, you are transferring bacteria from your mouth directly into your wound, and that’s a big no-no. So, make sure you clip your nail the right way to make sure strengthened nails.

Related: Difference Between Nail Hardener and Nail Strengthener

 

#2: File Away

You need to hold the file properly in order to achieve better and healthier results, that is, you should always file flat against the edge of the nail. After you’ve filed off your desired amount, take the emery board and file at a 45-degree angle away from the nail. Like this, you will smooth the edge of your nails to prevent snagging. The best file you can go for is the fine grit nail file since it is well known for making minimal damage to your nails, and gives out amazing strengthening results.

Causes of Nail Fungus You Must Be Aware Of

 

#3: Buffing

With buffing, you can even out the ridged fingernails. But be careful. Many women don’t know that the ridges are a healthy part of the finger. The thickest parts on your nails are actually the healthiest. So, when you buff off your nails, the strongest part of your nails is being buffed down. Rather try handling the ridges with an expensive nail polish top coat. A top-coat that is made for the ridging will fill in the dips on your nails. This will make your nails super smooth without causing any damage to your fingers or nails.

 

#4: Cuticles

You shouldn’t be removing them by yourself, for starters. Cuticles are a big protector of the nail bed in case you didn’t know. Unless you’re a professional, you shouldn’t be trying to cut your cuticles on your own. Easily, you can cause trauma and damage to your fingers. If they are really bothering you, try moisturizing them instead of clipping them off. Soften them with a serum or any hand cream to provide happier and healthier nail growth.

 

#5: Soak Nails

You can make a nail soak out of any oils to pamper yourself a little and to also give your nails a healthy cocktail. You can use argan oil, coconut, or olive oil mixed with tea tree or vitamin E oil. This type of soaking makes your nails very moist, so they will get a dose of healthiness in a minute, which is a step closer to strengthening them. However, you shouldn’t soak your nails in water, because water can soften the nails to that point where they will easily peel off and bend.

How to Stop Nail Biting Habit?

#6: Drink Water

But on the other hand, you should drink plenty of water! Hydration is a key element for a youthful look, healthy skin and nail growth and strength. When you drink loads of water, you will feel better about yourself, healthier, and let’s not forget that you will look better. A balanced diet that includes plenty of protein will also strengthen your nails.

 

#7: No No

 

You should never use your nails as tools! When your nails grow, the weakest part of them is the tip. If you cause stress to it, it will pull the rest of the nail up and away from the finger. To avoid that damaging process, you shouldn’t dig a lot with your nails, chop things, open cans, scrap the things off of the table and etc. Pretty much no harsh and thorough nail movements.

 

#8: Use Anti-Bacterial Soaps Instead of Alcoholic

Almost every hand sanitizer is alcohol based. And alcohol is very drying to the skin and also your nails. It will dehydrate your hands and leave your nails quite brittle and breakable. To avoid that, you should use an antibacterial soap and dry your hands right away (that is if you must use a sanitizer.) Also, wear gloves as often as you can, because if you are constantly cleaning or doing the dishes you are exposed to a lot of heavy chemicals, which are also drying out your skin and nails, leaving them no choice for strengthening.

Tips: How to Get Healthy Nails

#9: Use Acetone Free Remover

Acetone based nail polish makes the nails weak in time. You should use an acetone free remover that you can find at almost any drugstore. Besides this tip, you should also keep your nails on the shorter side. If they are just consistent in not growing, you could shorten them and let them be like that for a while. Shorter nails are harder to break because there is less exposed material to the surface and the environment. Just make sure to file down your nails in one direction since filing them back and forth might make your nails peel easily.

 

#10: Eat Healthy Food

Add healthy and diverse supplements to your lifestyle. Besides the faster and stronger nails, they are good overall for your health. In particular, biotin can be taken to help strengthen brittle nails. You could also invest in a high-quality supplement for hair, skin, and nails. These supplements are usually filled with vitamins: A, C, D, E, as well as many B vitamins, and folic acid, zinc, iron, calcium, and biotin. If you take them in a right amount and on a regular basis, supplements can have positive effects. Your nails will grow stronger, and you might also see an improvement in the quality of your skin and hair.

How to Shape Nails The Right Way?

With these simple yet effective tips, your nails will get stronger in no time. If you are feeling just some of these options give them a go, you don’t have to try out every single one of them. Try out a few and watch out for the instant results!