How to Get Strong Nails

Last Updated: September 28, 2022 References Approved

Weak fingernails can lead to splits, ragged edges, or painful hangnails. Despite many popular and dubious beauty tips, there are really only a few solutions that work. For most people on a healthy diet, daily moisturizing and a switch to gentle nail care routines are the only changes worth considering.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Strengthening Nails

1
Moisturize the cuticles with oil. According to board-certified dermatologist Mohiba Tareen, "Your nails need to be moisturized regularly, just like your hands, feet, and the rest of your body. Every time you moisturize your hands, moisturize your cuticles. That way, your new nail growth will always be nourished, so they should grow in stronger." To reduce splitting and breaking, rub a moisturizing cream or olive oil into the cuticles daily. Petroleum jelly or a thick, greasy hand lotion that seals in moisture should do the trick as well.^{[1]
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2
Consider biotin supplements. Biotin may not have much of an effect unless you have severely brittle nails, but it may be worth a try. A daily dose of 30 mcg is enough to avoid deficiency.^{[2]
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Research source} In fact, board-certified dermatologist Mohiba Tareen actually advises "against taking high doses of biotin, since it can interfere with certain medical tests." Although some studies support the use of biotin for strengthening the nails, more research needs to be done to determine whether it is safe and effective.^{[3]
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- You can also increase your biotin intake naturally by consuming more eggs, almonds, sweet potatoes, and other dietary sources of this B vitamin.
- Talk to a doctor first before you start taking any new supplements or make any major dietary changes.^{[4]
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3
File carefully. Shape nails with a fine-grit file (at least 180 grit), avoiding metal files and rough emery boards. File in one direction only, never back and forth. Smoothing away nicks and rough edges can help prevent breakage, but stick to this careful approach.^{[5]
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Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
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- Make sure your nails are completely dry before filing. Always wait to file for at least 10 minutes after showering or doing the dishes.
- Try shaping long nails to an oval, rather than a point or square, to reduce pressure.
- Never file down the sides of nails, as it can lead to infection and seriously weaken your nails.
4
Eat a healthy diet. Many beauty websites and magazines tout specific foods or supplements. There is little to no evidence that most of these work. In general, a balanced diet with plenty of vitamins and minerals from food should be enough to avoid nail problems. Some people may benefit from calcium, iron, zinc, or vitamin B supplements, but only if their diet is low in these substances.^{[6]
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Research source} Board-certified dermatologist Mohiba Tareen also suggests "eating plenty of protein to support your nail health, since nails are made of a protein called keratin."
- Don't believe myths about gelatin or garlic strengthening nails. These have no noticeable effect when eaten or used to soak the nails.^{[7]
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  Trustworthy Source
  American Academy of Dermatology
  Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
  Go to source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Preventing Damage

1
Use your own manicure tools only. Anything that touches your nails should be used on your nails only. Sharing files, brushes, and other tools can spread infection, leading to puffy red cuticles and weak nails.^{[8]
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- Even a professional nail salon may not clean its instruments properly. Bring your own tools or make sure the salon staff sterilizes their instruments.
2
Leave your cuticles alone. The cuticles at the base of your nails protect against fungi and bacteria. Cutting them can lead to an infection that permanently damages the nail bed.^{[9]
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- Fake fingernails that extend over the cuticles also cause harm. Use fake nail tips instead.
3
Avoid nail hardeners. These products make untested claims and are rarely worth the risks. Even if they succeed in hardening your nails, the end result may be brittle and easily broken.^{[10]
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4
Switch nail polish brands. Some nail polishes, especially ones that contain formaldehyde, make the nail brittle and dry.^{[11]
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Trustworthy Source
US Food and Drug Administration
U.S. government agency responsible for promoting public health
Go to source} Try switching to a different brand for a few weeks and see what happens. Avoid quick-drying formulas, as these can further dry out your nails.
- Some dermatologists recommend leaving nail polish on for no longer than five days.
5
Take care when removing polish. Never chip or peel off the polish. Always soak it with a nail polish remover until you can easily scrub it away. These polish removers do dry out your nail, so moisturize afterward with nail cream, thick hand cream, petroleum jelly, or olive oil.
- Unless you are removing acrylic nails, look for a non-acetone formula of nail polish remover.
6
Minimize wear and tear. Manual labor, housework frequent hand washing, and exposure to cleaning chemicals can all tear your nails. Wear gloves during these activities when possible.^{[12]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
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- If nail stress is unavoidable, possibly due to work-required hand washing, or playing classical guitar, you may need to moisturize several times daily.
- Type with the pads of your fingers, not your nails.
7
Go without polish 1-2 times a month to let your nails breathe. Board-certified dermatologist Mohiba Tareen agrees that "the chronic chemical exposure of nail polish and nail polish remover dries out your nails over time." She also advises "minimizing gel and acrylic polishes overall. Instead, alternate between a regular nail polish and a gel-type polish, which has more chemicals." When you do wear polish, always use a protective base coat and apply your polish in thin layers.

Expert Q&A
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Question

What should I eat for strong nails?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Protein and B vitamins are essential, as are meals that combine starch and protein, like rice and beans. Greens like spinach are also essential for healthy nails.
Question

How do you strengthen your nails?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Eating a protein-rich diet and drinking plenty of water are essential. You can also try taking a biotin supplement. Nail care also matters a lot. Be gentle with your cuticles and make sure you are filing correctly, not sawing at the edges. You may also want to massage your nail area with cuticle oil which will help fortify them and keep them flexible, which reduces breakage.
Question

How can I make my nails stronger and longer?

Mohiba Tareen, MD
FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
Mohiba Tareen is a board certified Dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. While a dermatology resident at Columbia University in New York City, she won the Conrad Stritzler award of the New York Dermatologic Society and was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Tareen then completed a procedural fellowship which focused on dermatologic surgery, laser, and cosmetic dermatology.

Mohiba Tareen, MD

FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist

Expert Answer

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Moisturize your nails and cuticles frequently, and avoid cutting or pushing back your cuticles. Take a break from polish, too, which can dry out your nails.

Warnings

Biting your nails leaves ragged tears. Check out this article for advice on breaking the habit.

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Rarely, weak nails are a sign of an underlying disease.^{[14]
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Research source} Talk to a doctor if none of this advice works for you.

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