How to Strengthen Nails

Addicted to acrylics? Suffer from brittle nail syndrome? Whatever the reason behind your paper-thin nails, there’s a way you can toughen up your talons without having to head to the manicurist. Follow our top tips on how to strengthen nails, and get your claws buffed to perfection in the comfort of your own home.

Keep Nails Short

This tip is what we like to call a ‘quick win’ because it’s a small change that can have a big impact on the overall aesthetic of your nails. Keeping nails short minimises the surface area where water and chemicals can be absorbed, which are common causes of brittle nails. Long nails are also more prone to tearing, splitting and catching on things.

Filing nails until they’re ‘short and sweet’ will help keep them in a better condition, until you have confidence that they won’t bend or break if they are kept longer.

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Kiss Kiss Professional Manicure Kit Rkm01 £0.50

Studio London Studio London Mini Nail Files £1.00 Buy 1 get 2nd 1/2 price on selected beauty accessories

Wear Gloves When Washing Up

Soft brittle nails can be caused by over moisturisation, so constant exposure to water can leave them in the worst state. Where you can, keep hands and nails covered up. Gloves are a must when doing the washing up (or you can use this as an excuse to get out of chores!). And try to keep your hands out of the bathtub, rather than letting hands go all wrinkly in the water.

Supplement your Diet

A well-balanced diet is the secret to radiant skin, shiny hair and nails. And while you may be getting your 5-a-day and hitting the recommended water intake, you could also benefit by taking vitamin supplements to complement your regime. From calcium tablets to hard-working vitamins, it’s time to stock up!