Having brittle and thin nails can be frustrating and can affect the overall appearance of your hands. Weak nails are prone to breaking, peeling, and splitting, making it difficult to maintain long and healthy nails.
However, with proper care and a few lifestyle changes, you can strengthen your nails and restore their health. In this article, we will discuss various tips and remedies to fix brittle and thin nails.
1. Avoid Harsh Chemicals
One of the main causes of brittle and thin nails is the excessive use of harsh chemicals, such as nail polish removers and cleaning agents. These chemicals can strip the natural oils from your nails, leading to dryness and brittleness.
Avoid using nail polish removers that contain acetone, as it is known to further weaken the nails. Look for acetone-free nail polish removers and use them sparingly.
2. Keep Your Nails Short
If your nails are brittle and thin, it’s best to keep them short until they regain strength. Long nails are more prone to breaking and tearing, whereas shorter nails are less likely to catch on objects and get damaged.
Regularly trim your nails, filing them in one direction to prevent further damage.
3. Moisturize Your Nails and Cuticles
Moisturizing your nails and cuticles is crucial to preventing brittleness and thinness. Use a cuticle oil or a moisturizing cream to keep your nails and cuticles hydrated.
Massage the oil or cream into the nails and cuticles every day, especially before going to bed.
4. Protect Your Nails
Protecting your nails from excessive moisture and chemicals is essential in fixing brittle and thin nails. Wear gloves while doing household chores, such as washing dishes or cleaning with harsh chemicals.
Moisture and chemicals can weaken the nails, making them more susceptible to breakage.
5. Maintain a Balanced Diet
Your diet plays a crucial role in the health of your nails. Ensure you are eating a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Include foods like eggs, lean meats, fish, nuts, seeds, and leafy greens in your meals.
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Additionally, consider taking a biotin supplement, as it is known to promote nail strength and growth.
6. Use Nail Hardening Products
There are many over-the-counter nail hardeners available that can help improve the strength and thickness of your nails. Look for products that contain ingredients like keratin, calcium, and vitamin E.
Follow the instructions on the packaging and regularly apply the nail hardener to see improvements over time.
7. Be Gentle with Your Nails
To fix brittle and thin nails, it is essential to handle them gently. Avoid using your nails as tools to open packages or scratch surfaces. Opt for a nail file or a proper tool instead.
Additionally, avoid excessive buffing and using harsh nail filing techniques, as they can further weaken the nails.
8. Keep Your Hands Hydrated
Aside from moisturizing your nails and cuticles, it is important to keep your hands hydrated overall. Dry skin can affect the health of your nails. Apply a hand cream or lotion regularly to maintain healthy and hydrated skin.
Avoid using heavily scented or alcohol-based products, as they can cause further dryness.
9. Limit Exposure to Water
Excessive exposure to water, particularly hot water, can weaken the nails.
It is important to limit your nail’s contact with water and always wear gloves while washing dishes or doing activities that involve soaking your hands in water for long periods. Dry your hands and nails thoroughly after washing them.
10. Protect Your Nails During Manicures
If you enjoy getting manicures, it is crucial to ensure your nail technician is gentle and uses non-damaging techniques. Nail extensions, acrylics, and gel manicures can further weaken already brittle nails.
Opt for regular polish and ask the technician to minimize filing and buffing to reduce any potential damage.
