From nutrient deficiencies to gel manicure damage, brittle nails are more common than you might think. So we’re always trying to figure out how to strengthen nails that have become weak so that we don’t create further damage (and still be able to indulge in our favorite nail art).
The good news: healthy nails are attainable, even if you are a devout gel polish wearer. We talked to the expert manicurists at The Secret Lab and board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, Marisa Garshick, MD, about what causes weak nails and how to strengthen them. Read on to learn more.
Why do nails become weak and brittle?
Nutrition and diet impact almost every aspect of your well-being, including the health of your nails. I’ve recently noticed that whenever I remove semi-permanent polish like gel, my nails tend to bend very easily. Apparently, it’s also it’s no coincidence that I’ve discovered I have a vitamin B12 deficiency. “You have to assess what’s going on holistically,” The Secret Lab experts tell Vogue. “A lack of keratin, a main component of hair and nails, is a possible culprit. Iron deficiency can also cause brittleness as anemia slows growth and weakens them.” Getting regular manicures with electrical tools but without proper prep can likewise cause problems, as can certain soaps and detergents, spending a lot of time in air-conditioned or heated spaces, and–of course–biting your nails.
To help promote the production of keratin, The Secret Lab team recommends eating foods rich in beta-carotene, such as carrots, strawberries, tomatoes, pumpkins, and peppers. Eggs are also a good idea, as they contain biotin, which is essential for cell growth and keratin production. Make sure you’re getting enough vitamin C, too, which your body needs to make the collagen responsible for preventing hangnails from forming.
What’s the best way to strengthen weak and brittle nails?
All hope is not lost if your nails get weaker and more brittle. To prevent the dreaded broken nail, try the following things:
Moisturize Often
When trying to strengthen weak and brittle nails, it is important to maintain moisture, minimize trauma, and protect the nail from further damage. “Just like your skin, your nails need moisture,” says Dr. Garshick. “Apply a thick hand cream or cuticle oil daily to help nourish the nails.”
Protect Your Hands
We do so much with our hands that we often may not notice how much we are harming our nails. Dr. Garshick recommends looking for ways to protect our nails as much as possible, such as wearing gloves when washing dishes, cleaning, or gardening, to reduce exposure to water and harsh chemicals that can weaken our nail beds.
Limit Water Exposure
Speaking of water exposure, Dr. Garshick explains that excessive soaking and frequent hand washing can make our nails more prone to peeling and breakage. If you’re not going to use gloves, try to limit water exposure as much as you can.
Avoid Harsh Products
Known harsh ingredients, such as acetone, are super drying and cause damage to your nails. Opt for gentler removers whenever possible.
Look to Nail Strengtheners
Nail strengtheners contain ingredients like keratin and peptides, which Dr. Garshick says will help reinforce the nail plate and help get rid of any brittleness. A dermatologist may prescribe something like Genadur to help strengthen fragile nails, or you can look to topical nail strengtheners such as the Essie Hard-to-Resist Nail Strengthener Treatment.
Keep Nails Short
One of the best ways to keep nails strong is to trim them often and properly. Dr. Garshick says that short nails will help minimize any breakage.
Eat a Balanced Diet
As mentioned above, your diet is tied to your nail health as you need nutrients for them to grow strong. Dr. Garshick says you’ll want to make sure you’re getting enough protein, iron, and zinc for the best nail health.
Take a Break
Yes, we love our fun nail art. But the gel, acrylics, dips, and semi-permanent polish can cause a lot of damage if done too often. Dr. Garshick recommends taking a break and going polish-free for a bit to reset your nails. Apply cuticle oil and hand cream instead, she adds.
Be Gentle (And Stop Picking)
It’s a hard habit to break, but Dr. Garshick says to stop picking at your nails. Picking or peeling off polish or gel manicures can cause trauma to your nails and leave them weak and brittle. She also warns against filing your nails aggressively; so when in doubt, be as gentle as you can when dealing with your nails.
Try Nourishing Treatments
There are a bunch of nail treatments you can try to restore your nails. It’s worth considering a restorative manicure with nourishing ginseng and seaweed, for example, or looking for a good cuticle oil. “[It] helps with weak and brittle nails by hydrating and conditioning both the cuticle and the nail plate, preventing cracking and peeling,” says Dr. Garshick.
She says to look for ones that have jojoba oil, vitamin E, sweet almond oil, and avocado oil, as those are known to nourish and strengthen nails. Her favorites include the Essie On-A-Roll Apricot Cuticle Oil, which she says is easy and convenient for on-the-go, and the Olive & June Cuticle Serum, which is super hydrating thanks to the avocado and apricot oil.
Figure Out the Cause
But the best form of treatment may be finding the root cause of your weak and brittle nails. Dr. Garshick says it’s important to determine if there is an underlying cause or trigger that you can address so that you can figure out the best treatment. “In some cases, a fungal infection, psoriasis, eczema, or thyroid conditions can contribute to brittle nails,” she explains. “Treating the underlying condition is important.” Seeing a board-certified dermatologist is always a good idea, especially for this.
How long does it typically take for nails to get stronger?
Dr. Garshick says that if you’re consistent with nail treatments and keeping your hands moisturized, it will take two to three months for your nails to get stronger. “Since it takes the fingernails six to 12 months to grow out, it can take this period of time for nails to get back to normal,” she explains. You can turn to products where the strengthening benefits are more immediate (though she warns that those results may be temporary), but a well-regimented routine is your best bet for healthy nails. And if you have questions, concerns, or your nails are not getting better, she recommends seeing a dermatologist ASAP.
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