How To Strengthen Nails: Dermatologist-Approved Tips

Who doesn’t love beautiful hands and the freedom to style their nails however they like? The problem is, not everyone can achieve it—weak, rough nails are a common struggle. But don’t worry! We’ve got dermatologist-approved tips on how to strengthen your nails and keep your hands smooth and healthy.

What Do Unhealthy Nails Look Like?

Weak nails aren’t just a cosmetic concern; they can indicate underlying health issues. Look out for yellowing tips, redness, swelling, deep ridges, or surface cracks. In severe cases, there may even be bleeding beneath the nail. Paying attention to these signs can help you catch potential problems early.

8 Tips How To Strengthen Nails

Now, let’s go through what is the best way to strengthen weak fingernails with dermatologist-approved advice. If your nails are prone to breaking, peeling, or feeling brittle, these expert-backed tips will help restore their strength and resilience.

Keep Nails Hydrated

Brittle nails that break easily may be craving moisture. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and nourishing your nails with regular moisturising. Applying quality cuticle oil and nail cream can help lock in hydration and keep your nails strong and healthy.

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Avoid Harsh Chemicals

Everyday chemicals like dish soap, harsh detergents, and laundry soap don’t just weaken your nails—they can also irritate your skin. Ingredients like Triclosan, Phthalates, Ammonia, and Sulfuric Acid are particularly harsh, often causing brittle, peeling nails, damaged cuticles, and dryness with prolonged exposure.

To protect your nails, always wear gloves when washing dishes or handling harsh detergents. Opt for gentle, non-toxic soaps and keep your hands moisturised to prevent dryness and damage.

Maintain A Balanced Diet

A 2019 review highlights the role of key vitamins and minerals in nail health, particularly biotin (vitamin B7), which supports cell growth and helps strengthen brittle nails. 

While biotin-rich foods and supplements may improve nail strength, overall nail health depends on a variety of nutrients, including vitamins A, C, D, E, and B-complex, as well as minerals like zinc and calcium. A well-balanced diet rich in these nutrients can help maintain strong, healthy nails.

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Here are some nutrient-rich foods that support nail health:

• Biotin (B7): Eggs, almonds, sweet potatoes, spinach, sunflower seeds

• Iron: Red meat, spinach, lentils, quinoa, tofu

• Vitamin C: Oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, kiwi, broccoli

• Vitamin A: Carrots, sweet potatoes, kale, liver, mangoes

• Vitamin D: Salmon, fortified dairy, egg yolks, mushrooms

• Vitamin E: Almonds, sunflower seeds, avocados, spinach

• Zinc: Pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, cashews, beef

• Calcium: Dairy, leafy greens, sardines, almonds

Trim And File Properly

Keeping your nails well-maintained isn’t just about appearance—it’s essential for hygiene too. Overgrown nails can trap dirt and bacteria, so regular trimming and filing are key to keeping them clean and healthy. Use sharp, sanitized clippers to trim nails straight across, then smooth the edges with a fine-grit file to prevent snagging.

At The Nail Bar, we take nail care seriously. Our skilled technicians trim and shape nails with precision, following strict hygiene protocols. Whether you need a quick tidy-up or a BIAB treatment, we ensure your nails are cared for in a clean, welcoming space.

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Don’t Use Your Nails As A Tool

Reach for a paper clip instead of your nails when prying something open, and use your fingertips—not your nails to lift a soda can tab. Treating your nails like tools can lead to chips, cracks, and weakness.

Don’t Bite Or Pick Your Nails

Nail biting often starts in childhood or as a stress response, but its effects go beyond just ragged nails. It can lead to infections, inflamed cuticles, and even transfer bacteria to your mouth, increasing the risk of gum infections and sore throats.

If you're looking to kick the habit, here are some effective strategies:

• Keep Your Nails Trimmed & Filed: Short, smooth nails are less tempting to bite.

• Use A Bitter-Tasting Nail Polish: The unpleasant taste helps deter the habit.

• Identify & Manage Triggers: Stress and boredom often fuel nail-biting; find healthier ways to cope.

• Keep Your Hands Busy: Fidget toys, chewing gum, or a pen in hand can redirect nervous energy.

• Moisturise Your Cuticles: Hydrated skin is less likely to peel and tempt biting.

• Try Nail Enhancements: BIAB or acrylic nails act as a protective barrier.

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Try BIAB Or GelX For Stronger Nails

If your nails are prone to breaking or you struggle with nail biting, BIAB or GelX can offer the strength and protection you need. These enhancements form a lightweight yet durable layer over your natural nails, helping to prevent damage while encouraging healthier growth.

• Stronger Nails: Adds a protective barrier that’s thin, natural-looking, and bite-resistant.

• Less Breakage: Reinforces weak nails, reducing peeling and splitting.

• Healthier Growth: Shields your natural nails, allowing them to grow stronger over time.

At The Nail Bar, our BIAB treatments provide lasting strength with a flexible, lightweight feel. If you’re ready to give your nails the care they deserve, a professional enhancement could be just what you need!

Talk With Your Doctor

If you've been trying different remedies for weeks with no improvement, it's worth seeing a dermatologist or skincare professional. They’ll assess your nails, ask about your routine and health, and, if needed, prescribe a stronger treatment to help strengthen them.

How To Strengthen Nails Overnight

While nails can’t be drastically strengthened overnight, you can take steps to nourish and protect them while you sleep. Here’s how:

• Apply A Nourishing Cuticle Oil: Massage cuticle oil infused with vitamin E or jojoba oil into your nails and surrounding skin before bed to boost hydration and strengthen them.

• Use A Deep Conditioning Nail Treatment: Apply a keratin-based or biotin-rich nail strengthener to reinforce weak nails overnight.

• Wear Moisturising Gloves: Lock in hydration by wearing cotton gloves after applying a rich hand cream. This prevents moisture loss and helps repair brittle nails.

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What Vitamin Am I Lacking If My Nails Are Weak?

If your nails are weak, brittle, or prone to peeling, you may be lacking essential nutrients like biotin (Vitamin B7), iron, Vitamin C, zinc, or Vitamin D. These vitamins and minerals play a key role in strengthening nails, promoting growth, and preventing breakage. Ensuring a balanced diet rich in these nutrients can help improve overall nail health.

What Food Makes Your Nails Stronger?

As we mentioned earlier, certain nutrients are essential for strong, healthy nails. Foods rich in biotin, iron, Vitamin C, zinc, and Vitamin D can help improve nail strength and prevent brittleness. Including eggs, nuts, leafy greens, citrus fruits, and fatty fish in your diet can support healthier nail growth.

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Can Nail Polish Strengthen Nails?

Regular nail polish won’t strengthen your nails, but treatment formulas can help reinforce them. For long-lasting strength, BIAB (Builder in a Bottle) nails are a great choice—they create a flexible yet durable layer that protects and strengthens natural nails over time. A quality base coat also adds extra protection against breakage.

Conclusion

Learning how to strengthen nails takes time and consistency, but the right care can make a noticeable difference. By keeping your nails hydrated, protecting them from harsh chemicals, maintaining a nutrient-rich diet, and following good nail hygiene practices, you can improve their strength and overall health. Small changes in your routine can lead to long-term benefits—so start today and give your nails the care they deserve!