Great Nail Health = Stronger Nails: Your Guide to Strengthening Nails at Home

As we always say, a great mani starts with great prep, and that includes nail health. Healthier nails = stronger nails that won’t snap and break at the touch of… well, anything. But keeping your nails strong isn't just important for boosting the life of your gels.

Healthy natural nails are less likely to peel or break, which can increase the chances of nicked skin, infections, and soreness. They'll also grow much quicker than if you're not taking proper care of them.

If you're in search of how to strengthen and lengthen your nails at home, we've got some sound advice that actually works.

Not only do healthy nails look more put-together, but they're there to do a job, acting as a barrier to protect your hands as you work with them each day.

Cuticles, for instance, are there to keep out environmental pollutants, and without looking after this skin, we leave our nails open to bacteria and dirt. But, with regular nail care, we can nourish our cuticles and nails, providing them with the strength to do their job properly.

We think healthy nails make you feel more confident, too. We certainly feel much better when we’ve taken the time to give them some TLC, and there's nothing worse than having nails that are dry or unkempt. 

It also shows you have good personal hygiene, which is always a bonus.

Figuring out the reason why your nails are damaged can be helpful in knowing how to battle it, some of the most common causes being:
 

• Nail biting

• Picking at your nails or the skin around your nails

• Not following a balanced diet

• Not removing your gel polish properly

• Not applying your gel polish properly

• Constantly exposed to chemicals or water

• Not getting the right vitamins & nutrients needed for healthy hair & nail growth

There is a long list of reasons why your nails might be weak and damaged, but Dr Sara Norris (a naturopathic doctor based in LA) says:

It's not a be-all and end-all situation if your nails are weak or damaged. You can 'reverse' the damage that's been done to them with a bit of effort and consistency.

Essentially, the key to making your nails strong again is to do the opposite of what you have been doing. If you're a habit nail-biter, try to stop biting your nails. If you're not applying or removing your gel polish correctly, make sure you're following the proper steps to do so.

But as well as making changes to your habits and behaviours, you can use nail products and treatments to help restore and protect your nails.

While many blog posts or social media posts out there might claim this will strengthen your nails overnight or that will make your nails twice as long in a few days, the truth is that strengthening your nails will take some time, especially if they're very weak. 

You'll need to create a bit of a nail care routine and make sure you're consistent with it.

We've rounded up our top tips for strengthening (and lengthening) your nails at home using our tried and tested nail care products.

Using cuticle oil will keep your cuticles and the nail matrix where the nail forms nourished, meaning that, as they grow out, they'll be healthier. 

Also, by caring for your cuticles, you're greatly reducing the chances of getting an infection due to exposed or torn skin.

You should apply cuticle oil daily and after every mani or pedi to restore hydration that's lost during the process.

Our Sweet Almond Nail & Cuticle Oil is a richly moisturising and delicately scented oil that's specially formulated to soften and nourish. It soaks in quickly without leaving a greasy residue, whilst essential oils and botanical extracts soften the skin and add shine to nails.

Our 5-in-1 Builder Gel is for much more than just creating nail extensions – it's also a brilliant nail strengthener and protector. The thick gel creates an overlay on your natural nails, shielding them from everyday bumps and allowing them to grow strong and healthy underneath.

Just as with all our other gel polishes, our Builder Gel lasts up to 3 weeks, after which you can infill or remove and reapply. Make sure you follow our recommended application (and removal) steps carefully for the best results.

Contrary to popular belief, wearing gel polish is a great way to help strengthen your nails. It's a little similar to wearing Builder Gel in the sense that the gel polish acts as a barrier between your natural nails and the environment. 

Underneath the gel polish, your nails are free to grow strong and healthy.

If you're constantly doing chores around the house or your job requires you to work with chemicals and water on the regular, wearing gloves is the best way to protect your nails. 

Constantly exposing your nails and fingers to water or harsh chemicals will cause your nails to weaken, leading to peeling, cracking, and breaking. 

Throw on a pair of marigolds or other protective gloves to limit contact with any damaging elements.

It's not just about what you're using to protect your nails, but what you're putting into your body is important, too.

Eating a balanced diet and drinking plenty of water will help promote nail growth and health. Vitamin B, iron, calcium, and fatty acids are all crucial for strong, healthy nails.

Nail health is more important than you might at first think. It can be a great indicator of your general health, and it may also flag a need for lifestyle changes. But it also helps your gel mani last a whole lot longer if you're working with stronger nails.

Follow our nail tips above, and you'll be well on your way to healthier nails. 

Shop our nail care essentials abov, or head over to our full collection to discover even more.