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7 Remedies for Brittle Nails [Slideshow]

Amanda

Mar 6, 2020

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Life is hard enough without your nails being dry and brittle. Brittle nails can be annoying. If they aren’t splitting, flaking, or crumbling—they’re dull and simple, making it a challenge to have a confident handshake. Nails may also become brittle from lifestyle factors like daily exposure to water or other conditions or substances that dry the beds. Keep these tips in mind for avoiding brittle nails.

Preventing and Treating Brittle Nails

Make hydration a priority.
Avoid overexposure to water.
Let them breathe.
Try non-toxic polish.

To treat and address brittle nails, consider these natural remedies that you may ingest or apply topically.

Image by Yulia Furman / Shutterstock

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1. Biotin

Biotin can improve the firmness and thickness of brittle nails, as well as treat nail conditions and deformities and promote nail growth. Foods rich in biotin include salmon, whole grains, bananas, mushrooms, almonds, peanuts, spinach, sweet potatoes, walnuts, eggs, and meat sourced from organs such as the liver or kidney. Biotin is also available in supplement form.

Image by Anna Gawlik / Shutterstock

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2. Other B Vitamins

A deficiency in B vitamins can lead to brittle nails. Alternatively, ingesting them can aid in the dryness or irregularity of your nails. Particularly, B12 is known to help nourish and improve nails. Take it in supplement form or try foods like brown rice, barley, sunflower seeds, almonds, beans, broccoli, spinach, or fish.

Image by Yulia Von Eisenstein / Shutterstock

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3. Dark Green Veggies

Eating dark, leafy greens and veggies can help to boost your body's iron, folate, and calcium. These are beneficial for the health and appearance of your nails.

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4. Poultry

Poultry such as chicken and eggs can help revive your nails through their high protein and iron contents. Amino acids and vitamins help to build nail strength.

Image by bitt24 / Shutterstock

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5. Magnesium

Magnesium can aid in protein synthesis, which can help to regenerate new, healthier nails. Take it in supplement form or enjoy foods like spinach, quinoa, almonds, avocado, and even dark chocolate.

Image by yulisitsa / Shutterstock

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6. Collagen

Collagen is clinically proven to improve brittle nails. It's available in pill, powder, and topical form. Foods that are rich in collagen include beef, chicken, fish, citrus fruits, and bone broth. Ingesting vitamin C with collagen is beneficial for maximizing its benefit.

Image by Kelly Sikkema / Unsplash

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7. Essential Oils

Applying essential oils to the nails is a fantastic topical remedy to see hydration results rapidly. Try lavender, eucalyptus, rosemary, or myrrh. However, avoid placing them on the nails after pushing back cuticles as they are sensitive.

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Amanda

GR8NESS Writer

Amanda is a GR8NESS contributing writer who lives in celebration of self care, and endeavors to approach all things with a student mentality. Her love for the study of self-development is rooted in fitness, holistic wellness, and skin care. She is an advocate for mental health; and hopes to connect others to their own way of daring to care.

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