Weak fingernails are those nails with defect or imperfections. In U.S. around 20% of its population has these weak and brittle nails. The main causes of these imperfections are environmental factors, improper diet, and medical conditions. To name a few of these diseases are psoriasis, Raynaud’s disease and disease of the lungs. All of these can cause weak and brittle nails. Anyway here are some tips on how to fix weak nails and you may need the following: Biotin supplements, clear nail polish, and nail strengthening oil or cream.
Tip # 1: Take biotin supplements.
Lack of biotin will cause weak nails so you must take biotin supplement every day. You can also eat foods that are rich in biotin like carrots, lettuce, cucumbers, cauliflower, cabbage, onions and almonds.
Tip # 2: Proper diet.
Have adequate diet that can help prevent weak nails. The nails like the hair are made up of protein keratin. Therefore, you must eat foods that contain protein, vitamin and calcium. This will increase the shine on your nail surface, and make the nails strong. Calcium also makes the nail strong so you should also include high calcium in your diet.
Tip # 3: Massage your nails.
Massage your nails and cuticles at least 2-3 times in a week. You can use a strengthening oil or cream that contains protein. Doing this occasionally stimulates blood circulation in the nail area and enhances nail growth as well. You can remove excess oil from the nail and cuticle using a damp towel or a piece of cotton. You can also dip your nails in olive oil for 10-15 minutes two times a week. This is a good home remedy to avoid broken or chipped nails.
Tip # 4: Apply clear nail polish.
To strengthen your nails, apply a clear nail polish which is designed to prevent nail cracking, splitting and chipping. In removing nail polish, whether the colored or clear one, use a polish remover that is acetone–free. Acetone dries out nails which make them prone to brittleness.
Tip # 5: Clip hangnails.
Clipping hangnails will also prevent brittle nails. Try to avoid biting or picking at nails because these cause tears, breaks and hinders nail growth.
Tip # 6: Protect your hands.
Wear rubber gloves when doing household chores like gardening, washing the dishes and clothes, cleaning especially when dealing with harsh chemicals. Chemicals can dry out nails causing them to break and more brittle and they are also harmful to cuticles.
Tip # 7: Take necessary precautions.
Always trim weak nails short and file them to prevent breaks. Do not grow them long so that they will be easy to manage. Cut them in round shape so as to avoid chipping. Biotin supplements are not recommended for pregnant women. Drink enough water to keep your nails hydrated thus save your nails from being dry. See your doctor if you have brittle nails because of medical concern.
These are seven tips you need to consider to fix weak nails. Remember all the necessary precautions.
