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Dealing with thin, weak, and brittle nails can be quite frustrating. You may face concerns about tearing, splitting, or staining while attempting to maintain them. To fortify and thicken your brittle or weak nails, it's crucial to take proactive steps to protect them from harm. Avoid harsh filing or prolonged exposure to water. Once you've ensured your nails are safeguarded, focus on improving your nutrition and consider incorporating nail supplements into your routine. With consistent effort, you can expect to see thicker, stronger nails that are less prone to cracking or bending within a few months.
Essential Actions
Preserving Your Nail Health
Opt for a delicate nail file for shaping purposes. Run your fingers along both sides of the nail file, opting for the smoother, gentler side during use. Using the coarser side on delicate nails can lead to tearing or peeling.
- Avoid filing nails when they're damp to prevent damage.
Pro Tip: To make your nail file gentler, rub the rough side against another nail file a few times. This smooths it out, reducing its roughness on your nails.
Avoid filing away the natural ridges on your nails. Your nail comprises multiple layers, and excessive filing can remove a significant portion of it. Preserve the integrity of your nails by leaving the ridges intact.
- Filing down the nail plate weakens it, leading to peeling and damage.
Protect your nails from prolonged water exposure by wearing gloves.
Extended soaking can cause nails to split or crack, especially if they are already thin. Wear gloves while doing dishes and limit water exposure.
- Opt for quick showers instead of baths to minimize water exposure.
- Use gloves when gardening or handling cleaning agents.
Opt for non-acetone nail polish remover. Choose a non-acetone formula to remove nail polish. Unlike acetone removers, non-acetone options are gentler and often contain moisturizing ingredients like glycerin or panthenol, which prevent drying and peeling.
- Avoid picking off nail polish, as it can thin your nails and take a long time to grow back.
Nourish your nails with oil to shield them from moisture damage. Apply cuticle or nail oil to moisturize your nails, creating a protective barrier against water. Massage the oil into your nails to ensure absorption.
- Wipe off excess oil before applying nail polish or other nail products.
Building Nail Strength
Use nail polish for a quick fix. Apply 2 or 3 coats of nail polish to add temporary thickness and strength to weak nails. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next one. Nail polish creates an extra protective layer on top of your nails.
- Remove nail polish after a week or two to prevent drying out your nails.
Apply a daily clear nail strengthening treatment. Although it takes time, these products gradually thicken your nails. Look for formulations containing keratin, vitamins, and moisturizers, which nourish your nails.
- Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer, usually involving daily application for a specific duration.
Consider taking nail supplements rich in vitamins and biotin. Supplements containing biotin, vitamins A, D, E, and iron can enhance nail strength and thickness. If obtaining these nutrients from food is challenging, supplements offer a convenient alternative.
- Results may take several weeks or months to become noticeable.
- Collagen supplements may also benefit nail strength.
Boost nail health with a balanced diet. Consume adequate amounts of healthy fats, protein, and calcium daily to strengthen your nails. Protein-rich foods like poultry, seafood, and nuts, along with sources of healthy fats and calcium, support the growth of strong, thick nails.
- Include a variety of protein sources in your diet, such as nuts, soy, and lean meats.
Be patient. Nails typically require around 6 months to fully grow out, so it will take some time before you observe any thickening. Stay committed to the changes you're implementing, such as nail protection, supplementation, and a balanced diet. Eventually, you'll notice improvements in the health and strength of your nails.
Recommendations
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If you suspect that your nails are thin due to a fungal infection or underlying medical condition, consult your doctor for guidance.
