I learned most of these lessons just by watching my sister, who works as a nail technician.
If you’re ready to stop buying into marketing gimmicks and take care of your nails the right way, read on. There are tons of options when it comes to taking better care of your nails.
I watched my sister work on hundreds of clients over the years. Some would come in with nails you could bounce pennies off of. Others would struggle with brittle nails that peeled, split, bent, and snapped no matter what products they used. What I learned from my sister is that taking care of your nails is mostly about daily habits. (The rest of this post is her sharing her secrets with me.)
Like always, I did plenty of additional research on how to take better care of your nails. What experts say is helpful, but it can be overwhelming to apply to real life. The crazy part is that most people undermine their nail health daily without even realizing it. The good news is that if you chip, peel, split your nails constantly, or your nails just won’t grow long, these tips are for you! You’ll learn how to build strong nails that won’t break.
10 Things to Make Your Nails Stronger Naturally
1. Use Cuticle Oil Daily
My sister always tells people that dry nails equal weak nails. While many use cuticle oil to make nails shine, it is intended to hydrate the nails. Our nails are made up of layers of keratin. When cuticle oil is applied once or twice daily, it prevents those keratin layers from drying out and separating. Separate layers = peeling, splitting, breaking nails.
You do not need any fancy brand. Simple oils like jojoba oil work too. Get into the habit of keeping a small bottle by your bed or desk and use it every day. Brand doesn’t matter. What matters is that you do it consistently. Most people who try this notice results in just a few weeks.
Read also: 15 Nail Care Routine at Home Tips for Strong and Healthy Nails
2. Stop Picking Things Up with Your Nails
I know, I know. This should be obvious. But it’s one of the number one reasons people have brittle nails.
Think about how many times you use your nails to open soda cans, scratch tickets, pop open bags, peel stickers, and more. Picking up things with your nails actually weakens your nails. Every time you do this, you are putting pressure on your nail bed. Trust me, those small splits you get will turn into big breaks.
Make a conscious effort to use tools. Grab a coin, key, spoon, or actual bottle opener. It feels silly at first, but your nails will thank you when they stop breaking every other day.
Read also: 10 Simple Things to Help You Stop Biting Your Nails Starting Today
3. Wear Gloves When Cleaning
Believe it or not, household cleaners are bad for your nails.
Most cleaning products are very acidic and strip your nails of their natural oils. Couple that with being exposed to water frequently (which dehydrates the nails!) and you’ve got a recipe for disaster. Every time you wash your hands, your nails swell up with moisture. When they dry, they contract to their original size. Over time, this expansion and contraction weakens your nails.
Anytime you wash dishes, clean your bathroom or kitchen, mop floors, or use any stronger cleaning products, wear gloves. Your nail beds will feel less stressed, and you’ll protect them from harsh chemicals.
Read also: 7 Things Your Nails Say About You and Your Health
4. File Your Nails the Right Way
Many people inadvertently tear and damage their nails while trying to keep them clean.
Back and forth sawing on your nails creates tiny tears in the edge of your nail. While you may not see it at first, these tears tend to grow larger with time. Eventually, you’ll start to notice your nails splitting or breaking at the tips. The type of nail file you use matters too. Choose a finer grit nail file. Coarse ones can be too rough on your nails.
File your nails in one direction instead of a back and forth motion. Take your time trimming your nails, and you’ll thank yourself down the road. Proper nail maintenance can show results in as little as a couple of months.
5. Eat More Protein
Keratin is a type of protein that makes up your nails.
If you’re not getting enough protein in your diet, your nails will suffer. While protein won’t magically fix your nails, it will help them grow stronger and healthier. A lot of people focus on the wrong things when trying to fix their nail problems. Sure, hand cream and outside moisturizing are good, but if you aren’t feeding your body the nutrients it needs to grow, you’re wasting your time.
Eat eggs, fish, chicken, beans, Greek yogurt, nuts, and lean meats. Pretty much any protein rich food will help over time. Building strong nails starts in the kitchen.
6. Take Breaks From Gel & Acrylics
Gel manicures and acrylics are fine every once in a while.
The problem is when people don’t give their nails breaks in between applications. The process of removing gel polish is what weakens nails. If your nails are peeling or pulling off with the gel when you have it removed, that’s a sign you’re damaging your nails. Removing gel polish picks away at the natural nail, making it thinner and weaker each time.
If your nails feel like they never have time to breathe, take a break. Try going natural for a few weeks and build your nails back up with hydration and proper nail care. My sister likes to tell her customers that you can’t build a beautiful manicure on weak nails. Give your nails a break once in a while so they can recover.
7. Keep Your Nails Short
Trust me, I love long nails as much as the next girl. But if your nails keep breaking, you may want to consider keeping them shorter.
Long nails catch on things easier, which increases the chances of them breaking. The longer your nails, the harder they are to maintain. If you catch your nails on something enough, you can tear them down to the nail bed. Take a hint from nature and keep them at a manageable length until they strengthen.
8. Don’t Abuse Hand Sanitizer & Acetone
Hand sanitizer and nail polish remover are not the devil, but you can abuse them.
Using hand sanitizer is one of the easiest ways to dry out your skin and nails. Sanitizer contains alcohol, which is drying by nature. Acetone is amazing at removing polish, but it dries out your nails something fierce. If you use nail polish remover without rehydrating immediately after, you’ll damage your nails over time.
Don’t swear off these products completely. Using hand sanitizer is a necessity, and sometimes you need a quick nail polish fix. After using hand sanitizer or nail polish remover, make sure to rub some hand cream and cuticle oil into your nails.
9. Don’t Soak Your Nails in Water
You’d be surprised at how many people tell me this tip helps them.
Our nails can absorb water! Just like skin, when they absorb water, they swell up. When they dry, they return to their original size. What happens when you constantly force your nails to expand and contract? Your nail layers will start to separate and peel.
If you frequently do things that keep your hands submerged in water for long periods of time, you may want to use gloves. Washing dishes, long baths, swimming, etc. can all damage your nails if you’re not careful. Don’t soak your nails! If you do, wear gloves and always moisturize afterward.
10. Be Patient & Consistent
Alright, you guys. This is crucial.
I cannot stress this enough. How many times have you bought a product and expected results within a week? When it comes to nails, it doesn’t work that way. It takes weeks for your nails to grow. Building strong nails doesn’t happen overnight. Simple things like using cuticle oil every day, eating properly, filing your nails correctly, wearing gloves while cleaning, and reducing trauma to your nails take time to work.
Start doing one or two of these tips every day and stick with it for at least a few months. You won’t see results instantly, but you will notice a huge difference a few months down the road. Trust me.
Conclusion
Want strong nails? Stop searching for miracle creams and start focusing on your daily habits.
There you have it. The biggest tips I learned from my sister’s 15+ years of experience as a professional nail technician. Nail care is simple. Keep them moisturized. Protect them from harsh chemicals. Don’t pick at your nails. Wear gloves when cleaning. Eat nutritious foods. Avoid damaging your nails with acetone or gel applications too frequently. Be patient with your nail growth.
If you want your nails to stop breaking, it starts with changing your habits. Heck, you don’t even have to spend that much money. Purchase a bottle of cuticle oil or jojoba oil today and use it daily. Keep your nails trimmed and clean them properly. Your nails will grow stronger with time if you’re consistent.
Remember, taking care of your nails doesn’t have to be difficult. Implementing a few simple habits into your daily routine can mean the difference between weak nails and strong nails.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take before my weak nails become strong?
A lot of people notice improvements after a few weeks, but for nails to fully grow out, it can take months. You have to be patient with nail growth.
Will drinking more water help make my nails stronger?
Drinking more water will help your overall health, but it will not specifically make your nails stronger. Nutrition, moisturizing, and protecting your nails will help.
What causes weak nails?
Certain vitamin deficiencies can cause weak nails. Biotin, iron, zinc, and B vitamins are common deficiencies that can cause brittle nails.
Should I see a doctor if my nails are weak?
If you think you have a vitamin deficiency, please consult your doctor before taking any supplements.
Are nail strengtheners worth it?
Nail strengtheners can help give weak or peeling nails some extra support. Use them in addition to taking care of your nails on your own.
What vitamin should I take for weak nails?
Research suggests that biotin helps improve nail strength.
Will typing hurt my nails?
Typing shouldn’t hurt your nails. If you have trouble with your nails clicking on your keyboard, try using a protective tape on the tips of your fingers.
Why do my nails keep peeling at the tip?
Peeling usually is a result of dryness, whether that be from water, harsh chemicals, not moisturizing, or improper filing. Another common cause of peeling is removing nail polish frequently.
Can wearing gel polish hurt my natural nails?
As long as you’re taking proper precautions when removing your gel polish, it won’t hurt your nails. Don’t pick or peel your polish off!
Is coconut oil good for nails?
Coconut oil can help keep nails moisturized. While there’s no real research that it’ll make your nails stronger, keeping them hydrated will prevent splitting.
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