Nails can get weak or damaged for lots of reasons – from wearing acrylics to not getting enough of certain nutrients in your diet.
The good news is that a few changes in your everyday habits can help your fingernails and toenails get stronger, so you can enjoy that gorgeous manicure you’ve been dreaming of (and healthier nails in general).
In this post, I’m sharing the ways I like to rejuvenate weak or damaged nails. If your nails are more on the dry, brittle side, you might also like my post on how to make brittle nails stronger.
1. Eat a Balanced Diet
A balanced diet gives your body the nutrients it needs for healthy nails.
Your nails can sometimes even hint at a vitamin deficiency or other health issues.
Nails love omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, vitamin C, protein, iron, magnesium, and other vitamins and minerals.
Nails are made of keratin, which is a protein, so protein-rich foods like eggs, fish, poultry, lean meat and beans can help keep them strong.
Eggs also provide biotin, a B vitamin that’s often linked to healthy nails.
Whole grains are great too, because they’re rich in magnesium – and less than 60% of people get the recommended amount.
You can also find magnesium in almonds, other nuts, and leafy green vegetables.
2. Consider a Supplement
Supplements can help fill in the gaps when your diet doesn’t cover everything.
Your nails can give you a little hint, too – changes like splitting, ridges or discoloration are sometimes linked to nutrient deficiencies, but they can have plenty of other causes as well.
That’s why I wouldn’t guess. If you suspect you’re missing something, talk to your doctor – a simple blood test can show what your body actually needs.
Biotin is the go-to nail supplement for many people, but more isn’t always better, so ask your doctor what makes sense for you.
Good nutrition supports your skin and hair too, and plays a part in everything from weight loss to sleep.
3. Use Cuticle Cream and Oil
Fun nail designs make it really hard to give your nails a break, but they need some time without polish now and then.
Those retro swirls from the ‘70s are trendy again, I know – but constant polishing (and removing) can weaken your nails.
Try giving them a week off and use cuticle oil and cream to help them recover.
Cuticle cream helps lock in moisture and makes damaged nails look and feel better.
Cuticle oil softens and hydrates your cuticles and the skin around your nails. I like to put on hand cream first and then massage a drop of cuticle oil into each nail – that way the oil sits right where it’s needed.
Some cuticle creams contain vitamin E, which nourishes and hydrates your cuticles and the skin around your nails.
Gently massaging it in helps it absorb – and it’s the little step I never skip when my nails start peeling in winter.
4. Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is good for you in so many ways, and your nails are part of that, too.
So keep a water bottle nearby and sip throughout the day – it supports your overall health, nails included.
But drinking water is only half the story: dry, peeling nails also need moisture from the outside.
You can use lotion, cuticle conditioner, and cuticle cream.
I try to moisturize my hands with lotion or hand cream every time I wash them – it makes a real difference.
5. Protect Your Nails
Creams, a good diet and healthy habits all help your nails recover.
But harsh chemicals in cleaning products can slow that progress down.
Long soaks in water are also tough on weak nails – they absorb water, swell, and then dry out again, which leaves them more fragile.
Keep your nails clean and dry to prevent bacteria from growing underneath.
A nail hardener can add a protective layer and help strengthen weak nails – just give your nails breaks from it, too.
Wear gloves while washing dishes or cleaning the bathroom to keep your hands out of water and away from harsh products.
And please don’t use your nails as tools to open soda cans – use your fingertips (or a spoon!), not your fingernails.
6. Stop Biting Your Nails
Biting your nails leaves the edges torn and uneven, which makes them weaker and more likely to split.
It can also hurt the skin around them and slow regrowth.
If you’ve been biting your nails for years, it might feel like an impossible habit to break. I catch myself biting mine too, especially when I’m feeling anxious.
If you think biting might be behind your damaged nails, try a few new ideas.
Bitter nail polish tastes awful, so it helps you notice and stop before you even realize what you’re doing.
A simple regular manicure can help, too – just stick with regular polish and skip the gels and acrylics while your nails recover.
Pretty nails and a fresh style can be the extra motivation you need to catch yourself before you bite.
It may also help to journal about what’s going on when you start biting, so you can spot your triggers.
Once you know them, it’s easier to keep your hands busy with something else so your nails can grow stronger.
Strengthening Your Nails
Rejuvenating weak and damaged nails is easier than it seems – it mostly takes a little patience and consistency.
Moisturizing products like lotions, creams and oils, a balanced diet, and gentle everyday habits all add up. For more everyday ideas, see my post on how to take care of your nails.
And if your nails change suddenly, look discolored, or don’t improve, it’s worth checking in with your doctor or a dermatologist.
I hope these tips help you get back on track and rock the season’s most gorgeous manicures and pedicures.
