Having strong and thick nails is not only aesthetically pleasing but also promotes overall nail health. While commercial nail strengtheners are available, in this article, I’ll show you how to make your nails stronger with home remedies and factors that affect nail strength.
Factors Affecting Nail Strength
- Diet and Nutrition
The food we eat plays a crucial role in maintaining the strength of our nails. A diet rich in essential nutrients like protein, biotin, zinc, and vitamins A and E can promote healthy nail growth. Conversely, a deficiency in these nutrients can lead to weak, brittle nails.
- ii. Environmental Factors
Our nails are exposed to various environmental factors daily, such as excessive moisture, dry air, and harsh chemicals. These factors can weaken the nails, causing them to become brittle or prone to breakage. Proactively protecting your nails from these external influences can help maintain their strength.
- iii. Nail Care Practices
How you care for your nails can significantly impact their strength. Excessive filing and buffing, using harsh nail polish removers, or using nails as tools can weaken and damage the nails over time.
Adopting healthy nail care practices, like using a gentle nail file, applying a nourishing cuticle oil, and avoiding excessive contact with water, can help maintain strong nails.
- iv. Underlying Health Issues
Certain health conditions, such as thyroid disorders, anemia, and fungal infections, can affect the strength of your nails. If you notice changes in your nail strength accompanied by other symptoms like discoloration or pain, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying health issues.
- v. Lifestyle Habits
Habits like biting or picking at nails, excessively washing hands, or wearing nail extensions can weaken the nails over time. Breaking these habits and adopting healthy alternatives, like nail-biting deterrents, gentle cleansers, or opting for non-damaging nail techniques, can contribute to stronger and healthier nails.
Identifying Common Nail Problems
Nail problems can be frustrating. From brittle nails to painful infections, these issues can hinder the beauty of our hands. Here are common nail problems.
a) Brittle nails
Brittle nails often split, crack, or break easily, making them more prone to damage. This problem can be caused by several factors, including frequent exposure to water and harsh chemicals, excessive use of nail polish remover, and a lack of moisture.
b) Discolored nails
When your nails start changing color, it can be concerning. Yellow or brown discoloration may indicate a fungal infection. Fungi thrive in warm and moist environments, making your nails susceptible to infection if they are constantly exposed to these conditions.
c) Ingrown nails
Ingrown nails occur when the edges of your nails grow into the surrounding skin, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes infection.
The main cause is improper nail trimming, where cutting the nails too short or rounding the edges triggers ingrowth. Wearing tight shoes, stubbing your toes, or having naturally curved nails can also contribute to this problem.
d) Nail pitting
Nail pitting can also be a result of certain infections, such as fungal or yeast infections, or conditions like alopecia areata and eczema.
There are plenty of effective home remedies that can naturally make your nails stronger. First, let’s talk about proper nail care routines and healthy lifestyle habits. They include the following:
- Cleanliness: Maintain proper hygiene and trim your nails regularly.
- Protect your nails: Wear gloves when you wash dishes or use cleaning chemicals to prevent weakening and damage.
- Moisturize your nails: Regularly apply moisturizing products to keep your nails hydrated.
- Be mindful of your diet. Ensure you consume a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein, which are vital for nail health.
So what are the natural remedies to strengthen weak nails?
How To Make Your Nails Stronger With Home Remedies
1. Olive oil therapy: Soak your nails daily in warm olive oil to nourish and strengthen them.
2. Lemon juice treatment: Soak your nails in fresh lemon juice to eliminate stains and strengthen them naturally.
2. Apple cider vinegar soak: A vinegar soak can help fight nail infections and promote nail strength.
4. Vitamin E oil application: Massaging your nails with vitamin E oil can improve the health and strength of your nails significantly.
5. Coconut oil massage: Gently massage your nails with warm coconut oil to enhance their strength and thickness.
6. Eggshell and Lemon: Nail Mask: Create a paste using crushed eggshells and lemon juice and apply it to your nails to promote strength and thickness.
DIY Nail Strengthening Treatments And Tips
I. Gelatin treatment: Mix unflavored gelatin with warm water and soak your nails in it twice a week to promote nail growth and strength.
II. Sea salt and coconut oil scrub: Create a scrub using sea salt and coconut oil to exfoliate your nails, providing a healthier environment for growth.
III. Garlic and lemon nail mask: Crush garlic cloves and mix with lemon juice, applying the mixture to your nails to strengthen them and prevent breakage.
IV. Tea tree oil for fungal infections: Tea tree oil possesses antifungal properties that can help treat nail infections, promoting healthier growth.
V. Nail buffing: Gently buffing your nails can stimulate blood flow, add shine, and strengthen the nail plates.
VI. Avoid nail-biting: Breaking the habit of nail-biting is essential for stronger and healthier nails.
VII. Limit excessive water exposure: Prolonged exposure to water can weaken nails, so try to limit contact and wear protective gloves when necessary.
VIII. Natural nail strengtheners: Utilize ingredients like almond oil, castor oil, shea butter, and essential oils as natural nail strengtheners.
IX. Avoid harsh chemicals. Minimize contact with acetone and other strong chemicals that can damage your nails.
Conclusion
It’s essential to invest time and effort into maintaining healthy nails. By following our clever and cost-effective home remedies, you can achieve the strong and thick nails you’ve always wished for.
A combination of proper nail care, natural remedies, and DIY treatments will not only make your nails stronger but also improve their overall health and appearance. Incorporate these tips into your routine, and you’ll be proudly flaunting beautiful and resilient nails in no time.
Disclaimer: These home remedies may not work for everyone. Consult a healthcare professional if you have any underlying conditions or concerns regarding your nail health.
