• Nutrition
• Vitamins and Supplements
• Nail Health

9 Tips for Strengthening Your Nails

Dealing with weak and brittle nails can be frustrating, especially if you feel like you’ve tried every remedy on the market without any success.

While many products promise quick and lasting results, it may take some time to find the strengthening methods that work best for you.

In this article, we’ll look at how to strengthen nails for long-term results and the practices you need to include in your nail care routine to support your overall hand health. 

What Do Strong Nails Look Like?

Strong nails are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they can also be a good indicator of your overall health. If you have strong nails, they might have the following characteristics:

• Smooth, unblemished surface without significant texture irregularities, like ridges, dents, or grooves 

• Consistent, pale pink color with a uniform transparency at the tip

• Consistent nail thickness that doesn’t become thinner over time 

• Somewhat flexible and can bend slightly under pressure without snapping 

• A healthy sheen that gives the nails a natural glow 

• Growing at a steady rate of about one to three millimeters per month

If your nails don’t have these characteristics, they may be brittle and more prone to damage. 

Weaker nails typically require strengthening methods to avoid issues like breakage, splitting, or other uncomfortable conditions.

How Can You Strengthen Your Nails?

Take a biotin supplement

Biotin — also known as vitamins H and B7 — is a water-soluble compound that can help strengthen hair and nails. 

It does this by stimulating the body to produce protein-building amino acids essential for nail growth. 

Studies show that consistently taking a biotin supplement for six months can improve the strength and thickness of weak or brittle nails by up to 25%.

If you don’t want to use a supplement, you can get your biotin from food sources like sardines, cooked eggs, and legumes. 

Avoid acrylic nails 

Having acrylic nails done frequently can cause your natural nails to weaken and peel.

The chemicals involved in applying acrylic nails can also cause nails to become thinner, increasing the likelihood of them splitting and breaking.

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light used to cure the gel nail polish may also be a risk factor for cancer, although more research is needed.

Trim your nails regularly

Regularly trimming your nails helps prevent snags and breaks that cause larger splits, cracks, or tears.

Keeping your nails short also reduces the risk of fungal infections, as dirt and bacteria can accumulate beneath longer nails. 

Minimize water exposure 

Exposing your nails to water too regularly can cause them to become dry, which can result in weak and brittle spots. 

Prolonged exposure to water can also soften your nails, which makes them more likely to split and tear.

To avoid this, wear gloves when doing activities like washing dishes, and be sure to thoroughly dry your hands if they’ve been wet.

Use a glass nail file

One of the simplest ways to strengthen your nails is to switch from traditional emery boards to glass ones.

Emery boards can be rough on the nails, often causing tiny tears that result in uneven nail edges. This makes nails more likely to snag and break. 

Glass files create a much smoother edge, which can help you avoid unnecessary damage. 

These files are also a great option for people who have weak nails that are prone to peeling and splitting at the tips. 

Give your nails a break

Durable manicures — such as gels or dips — may make your nails feel stronger, but this is often a superficial or temporary effect.

The consistent pressure of the thick polish can hinder healthy nail growth, leading to thinner and weaker nails. 

When these manicures are removed from the nails, the process can also be harsh and dehydrating. 

This doesn’t mean that you have to avoid manicures forever, but it might be worth taking a break when you can. 

Allowing a week or two of rest every one to three months can provide a beneficial break and may help strengthen your natural nails over time. 

Moisturize your cuticles 

If your cuticles aren’t healthy, it’s more likely that your nails will be weak and brittle.

The skin of the cuticle protects the nail as it grows, so if that area is dry or damaged, harmful external factors can penetrate it more easily.

This can cause further damage to the cuticle and nail. However, you can avoid this by applying a cuticle cream or oil at least once or twice a day. 

Look for products that contain hydrating ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid to lock moisture into the hands and ensure healthy cuticles. 

Make dietary changes 

A diet lacking essential nutrients and variation can cause deficiencies that may contribute to weak nails. 

That’s why it’s important to ensure that your diet is packed with nutrients — especially those that promote healthier nails, such as:

• Protein

• Omega-3 fatty acids 

• Iron 

• Calcium 

• Vitamins C, D, and E

These nutrients are found in foods like fish, nuts, lean meats, and whole grains. 

It’s also recommended to consume foods that may contribute to weak and brittle nails in moderation. These may include:

• Sugary foods and drinks 

• High-sodium foods 

• Fried and highly processed snacks 

• Alcohol 

• Caffeinated beverages

• Citrus fruits and vinegar

Rule out underlying issues

Weak and brittle nails may also indicate bigger health conditions, such as thyroid disease, anemia, or psoriasis. 

If you notice significant changes in your nail health that occur alongside other symptoms — such as hair loss or thinning, skin issues, and bleeding cuticles — you could have an underlying issue. 

Consult your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms for a professional diagnosis. They can also help you rule out any potential causes of weak nails. 

Nail Care Routine Tips

Your nail care routine is important for keeping your nails strong and healthy. Here are some tips and strategies you can implement to take proper care of your nails:

• Keep your nails clean and dry: To prevent bacterial and fungal infections from developing under your nails, ensure that you keep them clean and dry. After washing your hands, dry them thoroughly — including on the nail beds and in between the fingers. 

• Use gentle products: Avoid nail polish removers containing harsh chemicals — such as toluene, formaldehyde, and dibutyl phthalate — which can weaken nails. Opt for an acetone-free polish remover to avoid drying out your nails and cuticles.

• Moisturize regularly: Use a nourishing cuticle oil or cream to moisturize the nail bed and cuticles. Regular use of hand lotion can also keep the nails and surrounding skin supple and healthy.

• File your nails correctly: File gently and in one direction to avoid causing splits. Don’t use a sawing or back-and-forth motion, which can weaken the tips of your nails and cause them to break.

When Should You See a Doctor About Brittle Nails?

Brittle nails can be a common issue, often caused by external factors like stress or overexposure to water and harsh chemicals.

However, there are times when brittle nails can signal underlying health problems that require medical attention.

If you experience any of the following alongside brittle nails, speak to your doctor:

• Persistent issues with weak, brittle, splitting nails, despite making dietary and lifestyle changes

• Sudden changes in your nail strength

• Associated symptoms, such as hair loss or skin changes

• Signs of an infection 

• Nail discoloration or deformities

Your doctor can perform a medical evaluation to help identify any underlying issues that may be of concern.

Where Can You Learn More About Taking Care of Your Nails?

While it’s generally recommended to consult your nail technician about any nail concerns, LifeMD can help if you are worried about potential underlying health issues.

Make an appointment with LifeMD today to learn more about taking care of your overall health — all from the comfort of your home. 

LifeMD makes it easy to stay on top of your health because talking to a doctor, filling your prescriptions, getting your labs done—and more—are all easy and cost-effective. Come discover a healthcare solution built around you and your life.

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