6 Rules For Stronger Nails

Dr. Sam Ellis advises how, and it’s not what most people think of first:

What makes the most difference

We won’t keep the six core things a mystery!

And, contrary to popular marketing, you’ll not find “skin, hair, and nails” supplements on this list.

Instead, Dr. Ellis recommends:

1. Keep your hands, cuticles, and nail plates moisturized
2. Use hand-shielding lotion for frequent washing
3. Apply nail oils to nails and cuticles consistently
4. Avoid harsh removers like prolonged acetone soaking
5. Gently file and trim your nails to prevent snags
6. Avoid using your nails as tools, and wear gloves for chores

For example, about not using your nails as tools… This writer has medium-length nails most of the time (I like the look of almond-shaped* nails, but over a certain size, they start interfering with my typing and must be trimmed), and/but if ever I need to open something (e.g. ring-pull on canned goods in the kitchen) I lift it up using a short and rather blunt knife that I keep for exclusively that purpose.

*appropriately enough, as a 10almonds team member!

Dr. Ellis also mentions nutrition, advising to ensure adequate protein intake, and to investigate iron deficiency causes before supplementing, if it looks like that might be needed (or else you may be treating a symptom rather than the problem, and might not even be successful at treating the symptom, if the cause of anemia is “can’t absorb iron properly”, for example). In terms of other supplements, collagen may help (being essentially a rather bioavailable protein), but biotin has mixed evidence and megadoses can interfere with certain blood tests, so be aware of that if supplementing.

She’s not a fan of beauty salon treatments, noting (as we have before at 10almonds) that removal of gels, acrylics, or dip powders often damages nails through acetone soaking and filing. Nor is she a fan of Russian manicures that cut away cuticles, as they increase risk of infections and irregular (read: in-growing) nail growth.

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Want to learn more?

You might also like:

The Counterintuitive Dos and Don’ts of Nail Health

Take care!