Applying a nail hardener might help strengthen nails. Ask your doctor about biotin. Some research suggests that the nutritional supplement biotin might help strengthen weak or brittle fingernails.
This helps them know the best practices with the products they are using. As you can tell by now, it's not possible to create naturally thicker nails. The good news is that polish can add temporary thickness and strength.
Stay hydrated
Hydration is a must to ensure good health for your skin, hair, and nails. Make sure to drink enough water as per your age and body weight to see your nails grow stronger and thicker.
Weak nails might also be associated with a deficiency in B vitamins, calcium, iron, or fatty acids. The fix: Avoid having chemicals around your nails. Go natural to give your nails a chance to recover. Norris advises against iron supplements unless you know you're deficient.
Supplement makers commonly market biotin, a B vitamin, for nail health, based on two small studies published in the 1990s that found that most patients had stronger, thicker nails within several months of beginning a biotin supplement.
"It helps your cuticles, keeps your hands and nails hydrated, and works better than callus removal if you put it on your feet and wear socks overnight," says Nguyen. "The best part is that it's affordable and probably already in your medicine cabinet!" she adds.
Spoon nails (koilonychia) are soft nails that look scooped out. The depression usually is large enough to hold a drop of liquid. Often, spoon nails are a sign of iron deficiency anemia or a liver condition known as hemochromatosis, in which your body absorbs too much iron from the food you eat.
Everything from aging to poor nutrition can make your nails dry, thin, and easy to break. There are also some treatments and medical conditions that can make them brittle. But you don't have to put up with the problem. The right care can make all the difference in keeping your nails healthy and strong.
It's yet to be proven without a doubt, but biotin (also known as vitamin b7) several vitamins are said to improve hair and nail growth, specifically biotin (also known as vitamin b7). “Because it's water-soluble, it isn't stored by the body, so you have to ensure that you consume it daily,” says Dr. Solomon.
Several things can cause very thickened nails. They can be caused by injuries or pressure from shoes. Fungal infections are a common cause. Diabetes, psoriasis, or vascular disease are other possible causes.
Biotin. Biotin is a B-complex vitamin, also known as vitamin B7, coenzyme R and vitamin H. It promotes healthy cell growth and aids in the metabolism of protein-building amino acids that are essential for nail growth. Biotin-rich foods and supplements may help strengthen your brittle fingernails.
Ingredients to look for
Cuticle oils are made of so many nourishing ingredients and have loads of benefits to help strengthen nails. Boyce says to look for ones with plant oils like jojoba oil, coconut oil, and argan oil, as those contain a lot of antioxidants and fatty acids that protect and nourish dry skin.
Olive oil applied daily can have the same results as several over-the-counter therapies to strengthen and moisturize nails. Olive oil helps repair damage, softening the nails and cuticles, which contributes to nail strength.
Gibson, M.D. Vertical nail ridges are fairly common and nothing to worry about. Vertical nail ridges extend from the cuticle to the tip of the nail. With age, vertical nail ridges may become more numerous or prominent because of changes in cell turnover within the nail.
White nails can be the result of anemia and pink or red nails may suggest malnutrition with several nutrient and vitamin deficiencies. Additionally, biotin deficiency can increase the risk of fungal nail infections and subsequent nail plate discoloration.
Onychorrhexis causes ridges and splitting in your nails. Your nails may have several splits that cause triangle tears on the edges. Onychorrhexis involves the nail matrix, which is responsible for making your nail grow.
Moisturizing the nails at least once a day helps combat brittleness. Vaseline works, and so does any cream that that seals in moisture like Eucerin or Aquaphor, dermatologists say. Some manicurists recommend Trind Nail Balsam, which contains biotin, a B-complex vitamin.
"Coconut oil is great for treating brittle and cracked nails as well as damaged cuticles because of its moisturizing properties," says Markowitz. "It's an ideal skin barrier that contains multiple fatty acids, which act as transepidermal water loss barriers."
Sources of Biotin
Foods that contain the most biotin include organ meats, eggs, fish, meat, seeds, nuts, and certain vegetables (such as sweet potatoes) [2,12].
Dark, Leafy Greens: The calcium, iron and antioxidants in dark, leafy greens, like spinach, broccoli, kale and collard greens, can boost nail health.
- A diet lacking in calcium contributes to dry, brittle nails. - A lack of folic acid and vitamin C can lead to hangnails. - Insufficient dietary essential oils, like omega-3, cause cracking.
Thin, brittle, splitting nails are among the consequences of getting older. Dermatologists said there are things you can do to make things better.