How to Strengthen Fragile Nails

Help strengthen your fragile nails with proper care.

Nails begin to tear and weaken as you age. Vertical ridges begin to form on top of your nails and you increasingly loose moisture, which can cause unruly cuticles. Regular maintenance of your nails can help improve the appearance of your nails and help make them stronger and healthier.

Things You'll Need

• Glass file
• Buffer block
• Non-acetone nail polish remover
• Non-toxic nail polish
• Olive or jojoba oil
• Lemon juice
• Hand moisturizer
• Cotton gloves

Instructions

1. Soak your cuticles in a warm bowl of olive oil with a tablespoon of lemon juice. This will help soften your cuticles so you can gently push them back. Jojoba oil works great as well. Try to do this once a week.

2. File your nails the right way. Don't file your them in a back and forth direction or you could cause a split in the nail. Instead, file in one direction. Your goal is to create a square shape with rounded edges. This will keep the nail from catching or tearing. Glass files are great alternatives to emery boards because they shape and smooth nails better and last longer.

3. Buff your nails for shine and growth. Use a buffer block or buffing file to smooth the tops of your nails. Buffing your nails stimulates circulation to encourage growth. Buffing also helps to smooth out nail ridges but be careful not to buff too much as it can weaken your nail.

4. Vertical nail ridges begin to form on nails as you age and are fairly common. Buffing and disguising nail ridges with nail polish can minimize the appearance of the lines. To increase the health of your nails and possibly slow down the appearance of the nail ridges, make sure you are getting enough vitamins and minerals through your diet. Drink plenty of water and keep your nails moisturized.

5. Apply safer nail polish. Avoid nail polish with ingredients that contain toluene, sulfonamide and formaldehyde. These ingredients are carcinogens that are toxic for your health. If you are a nail biter, ingesting nail polish with these ingredients is toxic for your health.

6. Use non-acetone nail polish remover because acetone nail polish remover can dry out your nails.

Tips & Warnings

• Moisturize nails and cuticles, and cover with cotton gloves before bed.

• Never cut your cuticles because it can cause infection to your nail.

• See your doctor if you notice horizontal nail ridges because it could indicate an underlining illness.

• If you are pregnant, stay away from nail polish with harmful carcinogens such as dibutyl phthalate, which can be toxic for your baby. Safer nail polishes that don't contain this ingredient are OPI and Orly.

References

• Martha Stewart: DIY Manicure and Pedicure Tips