Beautiful and healthy nails are a dream for many. The appearance of our nails often directly reflects our health, lifestyle, and the regular care we give to our nail plate. Here are some effective methods to strengthen your nails and make them grow beautifully and unbreakable.
Mechanical Methods for Strengthening Nails - How to Make the Nail Plate Thicker
The condition of our nails is influenced by various treatments we subject them to, but sometimes they are naturally thin or become brittle and breakable due to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Nails can be damaged from improper removal of UV gel polish, excessive rubbing with acetone, or contact with chemicals, but not only that. If you naturally have thin and soft nails, consider mechanically strengthening the plate. While taking supplements can help strengthen brittle nails, you cannot naturally thicken a thin and soft plate, as nail thickness is directly related to the length of the matrix. The matrix is where new nail cells are produced. A long matrix results in thicker and harder nails, while a short matrix results in thin and soft nails. This is genetically determined and cannot be changed. However, you can strengthen your nails externally.
How to Strengthen Thin and Weak Nails?
Choose the right product for styling. A UV gel manicure with the appropriate strengthening base can slightly harden the plate, but with very thin nails, UV gel polish may not be enough. It’s worth considering strengthening the plate with UV hard gel or acrygel. Remember, after applying UV hard gel or acrygel to the nail, you should file the natural free edge from underneath. The best tool for this task is a carbide bit. If you don't do this, the thin free edge will peel away from the UV hard gel. An alternative to using a drill is to extend the nails from scratch, also with UV hard gel or acrygel.
How to Regenerate Nails with Proper Care
The better you care for your nails, the better they will look. You can't change certain genetic factors, but you can strengthen and care for your nails and the skin around them in various ways.
Start with a good hand cream. A good hand cream not only moisturizes the skin but also strengthens the nails. Look for products containing vitamin E, aloe vera, glycerine, olive oil, or avocado oil.
Avoid direct contact of hands with chemicals like cleaning agents. Prolonged exposure to these substances can damage nails, so wear protective gloves during household chores.
Choose the right manicure tools. The file should be of high quality, made of material that won’t damage the nail structure. Opt for paper or wooden files with the appropriate grit – for the natural nail plate, a file with a grit of 180 or 240 is safe. Lower, more robust grits can cause the nail plate to split. Avoid using a cuticle pusher – this tool can damage the nail matrix and should be banned. Instead, push the cuticles back with a stick and then gently cut them with clippers.
Nail Strengthening Oils and Conditioners
Regular use of nail or cuticle oil and conditioners helps nourish and regenerate weak nails. The Semilac Protect & Care nail conditioner is excellent for damaged, brittle nails. Its strengthening formula makes the plate harder and more resistant to breakage.
Splitting nails can be addressed with the Vitamin+ 10in1 conditioner. Apply a layer of the product to your nails and enjoy a smooth, stronger, healthier-looking plate!
Remember, a moisturized nail won’t tend to crumble or split, so even if you wear UV gel polish, moisturize and nourish the plate from underneath. If you’re wondering how to strengthen nails, regularly using oil or conditioner is a great solution.
Take Care of Your Nails from the Inside – Diet and Supplements for Nail Regeneration
A healthy diet is the foundation of healthy nails. Protein is the main building block of nails, so ensure you have an adequate amount in your diet. Additionally, vitamins A, E, and B-group vitamins, especially biotin, are crucial for nail health, as well as minerals like iron, zinc, and calcium.
Remember, an excess of vitamins and minerals can be as harmful as their deficiency. If you’re struggling with weak, brittle nails that constantly split, get tested to see what you’re really lacking. Also, note that thyroid insufficiency, hormonal imbalances, or nail fungus can also affect the nail plate’s condition. For recurring problems, consult a doctor to diagnose any underlying causes of poor nail health and propose appropriate treatment.
Remember, nail health is not just a matter of aesthetics but a sign of overall health. Regular care, a healthy diet, and protection from harmful external factors are key to beautiful nails. If your nails are naturally thin and brittle, using the right products can certainly help!
