How to Make Brittle Nails Grow Stronger and Faster

Nail care is an important part of keeping healthy.

Finger- and toenails are an integral part of the human body. The color, shape, and texture of your nails are all indications of your nail health. Healthy nails develop smoothly, with a uniform color and consistency, without ridges, grooves or any discoloration. For some, growing healthy nails can come as a challenge. The rate at which both finger- and toenails grow can vary widely. To keep your nails looking their best, follow some simple steps to help them stay healthy and grow faster.

Things You'll Need

• Hand moisturizing cream

Instructions

1. 

   Thick and greasy moisturizers can provide your nails with much need hydration.

   Moisturize your nails daily. Much like other parts of the human body, your nails need hydration. Dermatologist Dr. Audrey Kunin notes that nail dehydration can lead to cracking, peeling and brittle texture. Dr. Kunin recommends moisturizing your nails with a thick and greasy hand moisturizing cream. Apply a small dab of cream to clean, dry hands and gently massage the moisturizer into each nail.

2. Take supplemental vitamins. If your nails are brittle and weak, supplemental vitamins, such as biotin -- a water-soluble B-complex vitamin -- can help strengthen and increase the thickness of your nails.

3. Seek high temperature environments. Nail growth varies by each individual person, and is affected by a wide variety of factors, such as hormones, age, gender, and even temperature. Nails grow faster during the summer with faster growth rates than in winter months.

4. Apply nail polish. A thin coat of nail polish can help prevent your nails from dehydrating. But make sure you remove and reapply the polish once a week.

5. 

   An emery board is designed to file, and smooth your nails.

   Keep your nails in shape. Many nail disorders are often the result of poor nail care. To help prevent these disorders, trim and file your nails regularly with sharp manicure scissors or clippers and a fine textured nail file. Likewise, keeping your nails clean and dry will help to prevent bacteria from collecting in your nail beds.

Tips & Warnings

• Talk to your doctor if you notice any abnormalities in the appearance of your nails.

References

• MayoClinic; How to Keep Your Fingernails Strong and Healthy; November 2009
• Good Housekeeping; Want Strong, Healthy Nails?; Michele Bender; August 2005
• American Academy of Dermatology: Nail Fungus and Nail Health

Resources

• U.S. National Library of Medicine: Nail Abnormalities