Regular manicures, exposure to household chemicals, and vitamin deficiencies often cause nails to become brittle, dull, and prone to splitting. But restoring their healthy appearance is entirely possible, even at home. The key is a bit of patience and a consistent care routine. In this article, we share 8 proven methods to help your nails become strong and shiny again.
1. File your nails correctly
When filing your nails, choose soft nail files — they are gentler on the nail plate. It’s also important to follow the correct technique: never file nails with a back-and-forth motion, as this damages their structure and makes them brittle.
The proper method is to file in one direction, moving the file from the outer edge toward the center with soft, smooth, and long strokes.
The proper method is to file in one direction, moving the file from the outer edge toward the center with soft, smooth, and long strokes.
2. Moisturize your nails and cuticles
One of the main secrets to healthy nails is proper nourishment and hydration. Moisturized nails become more elastic, denser, and less prone to splitting. Cuticle oil works double duty: it not only softens the cuticles but also nourishes the nail bed. As a result, nails grow straighter, stronger, and are less likely to get damaged during a manicure. For the best results, use cuticle oil at least three times a day — consistency is key.
3. Include vitamin B9 (folic acid) in your diet
Nutrition experts note that folic acid (vitamin B9) plays an important role in the process of cell division, which forms nails. It helps strengthen the nail plate, increases its density, prevents splitting, and accelerates growth. A deficiency in vitamin B9 can lead to brittle nails and color changes. Regular intake of folic acid helps restore nail health and natural beauty.
4. Include biotin in your diet
In many cases, splitting and brittle nails may indicate a lack of biotin in the body. Experts note that including biotin-rich foods in your diet helps strengthen nails and restore their healthy appearance.
Biotin (vitamin B7) is abundant in eggs, yeast, liver, and several vegetables. Particularly rich sources include potatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, onions, and cauliflower. Other sources of biotin include mushrooms, nuts, spinach, oatmeal, buckwheat, soy, and lentils. Smaller amounts of biotin are also found in cherries and beet juice.
Biotin (vitamin B7) is abundant in eggs, yeast, liver, and several vegetables. Particularly rich sources include potatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, onions, and cauliflower. Other sources of biotin include mushrooms, nuts, spinach, oatmeal, buckwheat, soy, and lentils. Smaller amounts of biotin are also found in cherries and beet juice.
5. Use a Nail Strengthening Gel
Strengthening gels create a strong framework that supports the length of the nail and protects it from breaking. They form an apex — a thickened area where stress is greatest — which promotes healthy nail growth without splitting. This method is especially useful for thin and weak nails. However, do not try this on your own — it’s better to discuss everything with a professional nail technician.
6. Use Acetone-Free Nail Polish Remover
Acetone-based nail polish removers are well known for effectively removing polish, but they dry out the nail plate significantly. This can lead to damage, peeling, and splitting. For removing regular polish, it’s better to use a gentler, more delicate remover.
7. Do Not Peel Off Gels or Polish with Your Hands
Peeling off nail polish or gel by hand damages the upper layer of the nail plate. This method makes nails thinner, rougher, brittle, and weak. To restore nail health, avoid using polish for a while, trim your nails, and regularly apply nourishing oil until fully recovered.
8. Improve Nail Health Through Your Diet
Nutritionists note that healthy nail growth largely depends on proper nutrition. Including fresh vegetables, greens, fruits, nuts, healthy fats, and whole grains in your diet helps strengthen nails from within and prevents brittleness. At the same time, it is important to avoid excessive sugar and maintain adequate hydration.