How to strengthen nails and keep them healthy

You may have your skincare routine down, your haircare regime on point, but how about those nails? They need some love too you know! Not quite sure how to do that? We’re here to help: read our 15 top tips on how to strengthen nails and keep them healthy.

1. Keep ‘em clean and soft

It might be quite obvious but keeping your hands and the skin around your nails clean is key to good nail health. As well as being dirt-free, it’s also important to get rid of all old nail varnish remnants, preferably using an acetone-free nail varnish remover. Once you're all clean, make sure to use moisturiser to keep your hands and skin around your nails nice and soft.

2. Gently does it

They’re delicate little things your nails, so go easy on the scrubbing and don’t go jamming metal tools under the nail. This could make your nail plate separate from your skin – gross!

3. Get those clippers out

Just like with your hair, keeping your nails nice and trimmed will help them stay strong and healthy. Aim for a trim every 2 weeks or so.

4. Health over length

We get it, long nails are gorgeous, but in order for your nails to grow strong and long, you may need to start out a little smaller. If you’ve suffered with breakages / weak nails in the past, we recommend that you keep your nails shorter until they get strong enough to grow longer.

5. Keep a nail file close

Don’t let a little snag or chip turn into a nail disaster, keep a trusty nail file at hand to buff them away before they cause any real damage. Remember to replace them every 3 months or so if you file your nails regularly.

6. Leave those cuticles alone

It can be easy to think of cuticles as an annoying bit of skin hanging around to make our nails look weird, but they're much more important than that. Nail cuticles are there to protect your nails, so try not to cut them back or remove them. Read more about what nails are and why we have them here.

7. Don’t skip the base coat

A good base coat protects your nails from being stained by nail polish and improves the finish of said nail polish once you apply it – result!

8. Be picky about your products

When it comes to our bodies, natural products are always better. Try to avoid nail varnishes full chemicals as they can damage your nails. Check out our nourishing nail varnish collection here at H&B for some inspiration.

9. Limit your acrylic and gel treatments

That set of falsies or gel nails, however pretty, has the power to do damage to your nails in the long-term if you keep going back for more. By all means have them as a treat every once in a while, but make sure you give your real nails a nice break before going back to the salon.

10. Give those nails a break

As well as giving your nails time off from acrylic and gel nails, you should also give them a rest from products in general on a regular basis. Going from polish to polish without a break can dry out your nails and weaken them over time. Give the natural look a chance – you might come to like it!

11. How to strengthen nails with a supplement

Your nails need certain nutrients to make sure they stay strong and healthy – hello B vitamins! If you’re concerned about not getting what you need through your diet, browse our hair, skin and nail supplements.

12. Get your gloves on

When you’re washing up, cleaning or gardening, it’s important that you protect your hand and fingernails from all those chemicals and hot water. Get yourself a good pair of rubber gloves – your nails will thank you for it.

13. Protein is key

Your nails are mostly made up of a protein called keratin, the same as your hair and skin. So getting enough protein through your diet is important for your nails as well as your muscles! We hope this has helped you get clued up on how to strengthen your nails and keep them healthy! However, If you do feel there may be an underlying medical condition affecting your nail health, please consult your GP. Last updated: 29 April 2020