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At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- Mayo Clinic: Nails: How to Keep Your Fingernails Healthy and Strong - Part 1
- Mayo Clinic: Nails: How to Keep Your Fingernails Healthy and Strong - Part 2
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
How to Make My Nails Grow Faster & Stronger
If you've always envied women with long, natural fingernails, make your fantasy of having beautiful nails a reality. Your nails may break after they reach a certain length because they lack moisture or are too weak to grow any longer. If your nails are opaque in color, pitted or curl at the ends, consult a doctor-- your symptoms may be the sign of a vitamin deficiency or illness. Otherwise, you can strengthen your nails at home if your doctor approves. Toss those acrylic fingernails and grow your own strong and healthy nails 12.
Soak the fingernails in a bowl of cool water for five minutes, then apply alpha-hydroxy lotion if your nails are dry and brittle, recommends the American Academy of Dermatology website in the article "Brittle Splitting Nails." This process will help hydrate the nails and make them less susceptible to breakage.
How to Repair Nail Beds
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Keep all rough edges and snags on your nails filed or trimmed, says MayoClinic.com. Nails with snags are more likely to catch on objects during the day, which can cause nail breakage.
Wear cotton gloves when doing the dishes. Washing the dishes in harsh detergent may weaken the nails and make them brittle. If you frequently work with chemicals, like ammonia or bleach, wear cotton gloves during use.
How to Protect Nails From Chlorinated Pool Water
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Paint your nails 12. Adding an extra layer of nail polish onto your nail will help strengthen your nails and help them remain strong as they grow. If you don't want to wear color on your nails, use clear nail polish.
Apply nail polish remover sparingly, particularly if it contains acetone. Acetone is a harsh chemical that removes nail polish quickly, but also dries out the nails. At the most, use nail polish remover once a week.
Tips
You can purchase alpha-hydroxy lotion at the drugstore or beauty supply store.
Warnings
Keep nail polish and nail polish remover out of the reach of children.
Related Articles
References
- Mayo Clinic: Nails: How to Keep Your Fingernails Healthy and Strong - Part 1
- Mayo Clinic: Nails: How to Keep Your Fingernails Healthy and Strong - Part 2
- Singal A, Arora R. Nail as a window of systemic diseases. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2015;6(2):67-74. doi:10.4103/2229-5178.153002
- Yaemsiri S, Hou N, Slining MM, He K. Growth rate of human fingernails and toenails in healthy American young adults. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2010;24(4):420-3. doi:10.1111/j.1468-3083.2009.03426.x
- Schons KR, Knob CF, Murussi N, Beber AA, Neumaier W, Monticielo OA. Nail psoriasis: a review of the literature. An Bras Dermatol. 2014;89(2):312-7. doi:10.1590/abd1806-4841.20142633
- Abdullah L, Abbas O. Common nail changes and disorders in older people: Diagnosis and management. Can Fam Physician. 2011;57(2):173-81.
- Sarkar M, Mahesh DM, Madabhavi I. Digital clubbing. Lung India. 2012;29(4):354-62. doi:10.4103/0970-2113.102824
- Haneke E. Controversies in the treatment of ingrown nails. Dermatol Res Pract. 2012;2012:783924. doi:10.1155/2012/783924
- Jefferson J, Rich P. Melanonychia. Dermatol Res Pract. 2012;2012:952186. doi:10.1155/2012/952186
- Aging Changes in Hair and Nails. Medline. National Institutes of Health Public Information Sheet.
- Nails and Nail Problems. American Academy of Dermatology Public Information Sheet.
Writer Bio
Megan Smith has been a freelance writer and editor since 2006. She writes about health, fitness, travel, beauty and grooming topics for various print and Internet publications. Smith earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in writing from New York University.