How to Strengthen Nails

Weak and brittle nails can be a sign of underlying health problems or it could be a result of a lack of proper nail care. Nutritional deficiency, as well as nail infections are some of the conditions that can take a toll on your finger and toenails. Like hair, the condition of the nails too reflect our health and overall well-being. However, many people can get weak and brittle nails with no underlying health problems. In such cases, factors like, overexposure to water, cleaning dishes everyday, as well as using the hands to wash clothes can be some of the possible causes of brittle fingernail.

Tips for Weak Nails Care

It is possible to strengthen brittle toenails and fingernails with proper nail care and by following a balanced diet. The nutrients that are considered to be very important for the health of the nails are, protein, biotin, calcium and sulfur. So, eating more protein, as well as sulfur and calcium rich foods can help you to grow healthy nails.

• Over exposure to water can dry out the nails and cause them to break easily. Activities like, cleaning dishes and clothes can also expose the nails to harsh chemicals, which can weaken them. So, you have to protect your fingernails from over exposure to water and chemicals by wearing gloves while doing such activities.
• Nail strengthener or hardener can also be employed for promoting the health of your finger and toenails. Ideally, nail strengthener is used once in a week. You can also use it as a base coat before applying nail polish.
• Avoid the habit of nail biting, and stop abusing your nails, i.e., using them for picking at things or peeling off stickers. All such activities weaken the nails and make them prone to easy breakage.
• Try to keep your nails trimmed at regular intervals. Keep them a bit short, but not too low on the sides. This can help to give them a neat look and prevent breakage.
• You can trim your nails after taking baths or showers, when they are softer and hence, can be trimmed easily. After trimming, shape the nails with an emery board, and use the fine side to file the nails.
• Moisturize nails, and petroleum jelly is one of the most effective products for doing so. It can be used several times a day to moisturize them and skin around it. You can also apply petroleum jelly on the nails and cover the hands with gloves before going to bed.
• Apply some olive oil on your nails with a brush, and keep it for about 15 to 20 minutes, after which apply a moisturizer to your hands and nails.
• A mixture of honey and lemon juice is also good for brittle nails treatment. Just use this mixture to massage your nails in order to strengthen them.
• Avoid the frequent use of nail polish remover. Whenever you use nail polish remover, use a product that does not contain acetone. A remover with moisturizer added to it can help to strengthen the nails.
• For painting your nails, use a product that does not contain formaldehyde, as formaldehyde can weaken your nails and make them prone to breakage. Similarly, products with chemicals like, toluene and sulfonamide should also be avoided.

If the condition of your nails does not improve even after following a healthy diet and proper nail care regimen, then you can consider visiting a dermatologist. A visit to a dermatologist is more important if you observe yellowing or thickening of the nails, or suspect nail infection or nail fungus and other types of nail disorders.