How to Repair Damaged Nails: Tips for Stronger, Healthier Nails

Today I’d like to discuss one of the most crucial issues ever – our nails!

If someone is like me, they are sure to have gone through some bad moments when their nails just felt bad – weak, brittle or simply damaged.

It could be as a result of constant application of nail polish, nail biting or simply neglecting the nail care.

But worry not!

Welcome to my blog where I will explain to you step by step how you can fix your nails and bring them back to life looking healthy and gorgeous.

Looking for inspiration to pamper your nails?

Let’s dive right in!

Understanding Nail Damage

Here it is worthy to shed light on the causes of the harm in the first place before moving on to the remedies.

Damage, as you know can come in a number of ways, nicking, splitting, peeling, or simply frailty of the nails.

But what’s the root of these problems?

Common Causes of Nail Damage

Excessive Use of Nail Products: So, if you like those gel manicures or acrylic nails you definitely know how they are damaging your nails. It is important to note that these chemicals removing process used in these treatments leaves your nails dehydrated and with no natural oils.
Frequent Nail Biting: Well, that is a bad habit which is really hard to let go! However, apart from making the nails look unpleasant, nail biting can cause certain infections that will in turn cause further harm to the nail bed.
Harsh Chemicals: House cleaning chemicals or even regular soaps tend to make the nails and cuticles become extremely brittle resulting in cases of breakage.
Nutritional Deficiencies: It is hard to believe but fact remains that what you eat (or rather don’t eat) has a lot to do with your nails. When these nutrients such as biotin, iron or zinc are not taken in sufficient quantities, then this results in your nail health.
Environmental Factors: Cold weather, dry air, and even the sun can impact the health of your nails. Just like our skin, our nails need protection from the elements!

Nail Care Basics: The Foundation for Healthy Nails

Okay, now that we understand what may lead to nail damage, let’s discover ways of nurturing our nails.

These are basic routines that you should follow in your day to day activities for your nails’ improved health.

Keep Your Nails Clean and Dry

A very important thing to do is to ensure you wash out your hands and nails and then dry them properly so that no bacteria or fungus can’t form.

And while we’re at it, be gentle while cleaning your nails.

Also don’t use harsh and drying soaps, go for a mild moisturizing hand wash or a soap made from natural oils.

Trim and File Regularly

Trimming and filing your nails on a frequent basis will go a long way in reducing chances of getting a break or split.

But at the same time, let me recall that it is all about technique!

It is recommended that you should use a fine-grit file, and file only in one direction only so that additional harm is not done.

Also make sure that you cut your nails at the correct length to prevent them from over growing again.

So, you may even prefer to grow your nails a little shorter since they are easier to manage especially when they have been damaged.

Moisturizing is a Must!

Like any part of our body, the nails require some level of hydration for it to be healthy.

Moisturize the skin daily especially on the nail area and the cuticle.

You can simply use a hand cream or even cuticle oil.

It nourishes and cures your nails and also greatly reduces incidences of nail breakage in the future.

I seriously cannot stress enough how much your nails will appreciate this!!

Strengthening Damaged Nails: Step-by-Step Tips

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of strengthening and repairing those damaged nails. Here are some tried-and-true methods that I swear by:

Give Your Nails a Break

If your nails are damaged, the main and the best thing that you have to do is to stop using polish, gels and acrylics.

I know it is difficult—I also like manicures as well.

Sometimes, we just have to make proper choices of the cosmetic services that we need and go for it or look for additional ways to solve these problems.

But cutting our nails and letting them grow on its own, even if just for a few weeks, could actually make a lot of difference.

It is like a little holiday for the nails if you will.

Invest in a Quality Nail Hardener

Nail hardeners are a good temporary fix for people with weak or brittle nails

Search for formulas that do not contain chemicals such as formaldehyde used in some types of products as they have proven to be damaging in the long run.

Apply nail hardener according to the manufacturer’s instructions, which is usually once or twice a week, and you will see the changes – your nails will become stronger.

Massage Your Cuticles

It’s all about the cuticles.

From having healthy cuticles, comes healthy nails!

Oiling of the cuticles has to be done frequently so that blood circulation is enhanced to the area of the nail matrix which in turn will lead to the production of healthy nails.

Plus, it can be helpful as an activity in avoiding stress and it’s also the best way to give yourself a mini hand massage which we all find enjoyable.

Stay Hydrated

You may be surprised, but nails also need to be moisturized to be as healthy as your skin and hair.

It’s very important to drink a lot of water during the day in order to ensure that the nails are well nourished.

And speaking about it, it is also crucial to mention that adding foods containing omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, walnuts, etc, will also be beneficial for nails.

Protect Your Nails

This is more especially when doing dishes or cleaning.

Always wear gloves to protect your nails from harsh chemicals.

This may sound like a no-brainer or something trivial, but it can go a long way in minimizing additional harm to your nails and in preserving your nails.

Foods for Nail Health

I have always agreed with the statement that beauty comes from inside out and this is true for nails as well.

Consuming foods rich in vitamins and minerals is important when it comes to taking care of our nails so that they become healthy.

Nutrients to Focus On

Biotin: Vitamin B7 is well known as hair and nails vitamin. Biotin rich foods include eggs, nuts and seeds among others.
Iron: Lack of iron has some negative effects on the human body including causing brittle nails that easily crack. The intake of foods that are rich in iron such spinach, red meat or lentils should be consumed.
Zinc: The metal is important in the formation of strong and healthy nails. Some of the foods that contain zinc include oysters, beef, pumpkins seeds among others.
Vitamin E: It is the most powerful antioxidant that will help you protect your nails. Vitamin E is found in almonds, sunflower seed, and avocado.

Healthy Nail Snacks

Looking for a tasty quick snack that’s also good for your nails?

There is always a way of dealing with the situation.

You can try taking some almonds or pumpkin seeds to snack on!

These nutrient-packed snacks are not only delicious but also great for boosting your nail health.

Lifestyle Changes for Stronger Nails

Sometimes, fixing broken nails is not just a matter of how they are treated, but also on what is done to the entire lifestyle.

Below are some changes that you can make to ensure that you have strong and healthy nails.

Manage Stress

Yes, you read it right people, stress can make our nails weak.

This is because when you are stressed you are likely to develop other habits like nail-biting or picking that adds to the problem.

It’s time to include some stress management methods into your schedule, for instance, practicing yoga, meditation or just deep breathing.

As if your nails, and your mind, couldn’t be any happier!

Get Regular Manicures

Manicures are not only used to beautify your nails but it also helps in taking care of your nails.

It can also act as a way to neat and tidy your nails, provide you with moisture to your cuticles and even do wonders for your nails, especially a good massage.

Just make sure you’re going to select a correct saloon which can use high quality and toxicity free products.