How to Strengthen Nails: The Ultimate Guide

Nails that feel a bit thin or break easily can be frustrating to deal with, but it's usually due to health and environmental factors. If you're sick of spending time and money on manicures and nail polish only to find that your nails break soon after, we're here to help.

Discover some top tips that will strengthen your nails and keep them looking amazing. Let's get straight to it.

What causes weak and brittle nails?

There are multiple possible causes of brittle nails, with the most common including:

• Health Conditions
• Nutritional Gaps
• Vitamin Deficiencies
• Ageing
• Lifestyle
• Factors Environmental Factors

We'll explore how to deal with each in more detail next, but the important thing to remember here is that you can take steps to enhance nail health.

Focus on your health and wellbeing to strengthen your nails

Our bodies tell us a lot about our overall health, and brittle nails often indicate nutritional deficiencies. If you don't get your recommended daily intake of nutrients, it will have an impact on your nails, hair and skin.

Here's how to focus on your health and wellbeing:

Drink plenty of water

Water is one of the most beneficial substances for your body - and it's free. Sure, you can load up on detox teas and healthy juices, but water maintains hydration and helps your nails retain moisture.

The amount of water you should drink depends on your age, location and energy expenditure. If you're unsure of how much you need, the NHS has a hydration guide.

Consume a healthy diet

A healthy and balanced diet is key to overall health and wellbeing. It's easy to grab that ready meal or order a takeaway, but foods that are low in nutrients and high in processed ingredients can impact your nails, skin, and hair.

It's not about completely cutting certain foods out but consuming them in moderation. Make sure your diet consists of:

Fruits and vegetables (especially leafy greens)

• Good fats
• Protein
• Fibre
• Whole grains
• Fatty acids
• Eggs

Use a specialist supplement

Supplements fill nutritional gaps and ensure your body gets the nutrients it needs. You can find specialist supplements formulated for specific health and beauty goals, including Hair, Skin and Nails Gummies from Sealions.

Each raspberry-flavoured gummy is packed with beneficial ingredients that promote healthier nails, including:

• Vitamin A: Retains moisture and prevents the nails from breaking.
• B Vitamins: Certain B vitamins - especially biotin (B7), are vital for maintaining healthy hair and nails. Biotin helps form a protein called keratin, which is proven to support nail strength and health (NCBI). Vitamin B6 supports the body's utilisation of amino acids.
• Vitamin D: Calcium is essential for strong nails, and Vitamin D enhances calcium absorption. Vitamin D deficiencies can cause soft nails that break easily.
• Vitamin E: As a powerful antioxidant, Vitamin E injects nutrients into your bloodstream and prevents damage from free radicals.
• Zinc: If you notice lines appearing across your nails, it could be a sign of zinc deficiency. Increasing your intake of trace minerals prevents brittle and flaking nails.
• Iodine: While iodine doesn't promote nail growth or strengthen them, it can prevent fungal infections of the nail bed and cuticles

If you don't want to take multiple tablets daily, the Hair, Skin, and Nails Gummies are a convenient way to help your nails.

Treat medical conditions

Certain medical conditions can lead to weak and brittle nails, including anaemia, skin conditions and thyroid disorders. For example, people with both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are more likely to experience brittle nails, but medication can help.

If you suffer from anaemia, your nails can take on a spoon-like shape, but iron supplements can reduce your symptoms.

Lifestyle and environmental changes you can make for strong nails

If there's nothing wrong with your health and you get plenty of nutrients from your diet, it's time to look at environmental and lifestyle factors. Everything from not wearing protective gloves to using the wrong products can impact your nails, but there are things you can do to keep them healthy.

Reduce water exposure

Never getting your hands wet isn't practical - and it definitely isn't hygienic, but you can limit exposure when possible. For example, wearing gloves when you wash the dishes and keeping your hands dry while taking a bath are effective ways to maintain nail strength.

Don't use acrylic or gel nails

Many people use false nails because they're easy to paint and come in a range of shapes. While there's nothing wrong with using acrylic or gel nails once in a while, applying them frequently can weaken your natural nails over time and cause them to peel.

We recommend using gels and acrylics for special occasions to promote growth and strength, which should keep your nails healthy.

Rethink your products

The products you use can also weaken your nails, depriving them of vital nutrients and minerals. For example, alcohol-based hand sanitisers, nail polish removers that contain acetone, cleaning products, and shampoos for oily hair can dry out the nails.

If you need to use these products, it's best to protect your nails by wearing gloves. Less harsh alternatives, like acetone-free nail polish remover, are also available.

Take care of your nails

Instead of letting your nails grow long, it's best to keep them trimmed and short. Long nails are more prone to breakage, but getting regular manicures will prevent breakages. Hand lotions are ideal for adding moisture to the nails, but make sure you choose a gentle formula.

If you use a saw-like motion when filing your nails, switch to filing them in a direction instead to prevent them from weakening.

Nails aren't tools

Nails might be convenient for opening that can, but using them as tools is a quick way to cause lasting damage. Using your finger pads will protect the nails and prevent breakages.

Final thoughts

By following the tips in this post, you can revitalise your nails and ensure they retain strength. Whether you need to make some lifestyle changes or increase your nutrient intake, understanding why your nails are brittle is the first step in boosting their health.

If you're looking for high-quality supplements, Sealions is your go-to resource. We offer a variety of vitamins and minerals that will keep your nails looking great. Shop today, or please feel free to get in touch if you need advice.