Your nails are more than just a cosmetic feature—they are a reflection of your overall health. Weak, brittle, or slow-growing nails can result from various factors, including poor nutrition, excessive exposure to chemicals, and underlying foot health issues. Maintaining healthy nail growth can be tough, but it’s easily done once you know what impacts your nail health.
While at-home care plays an important role, professional guidance can help address persistent nail concerns and prevent conditions like fungal infections or nail deformities. If you want long, strong, and healthy nails, here are some essential tips—along with when to seek expert care.
Maintain a Balanced Diet
Nail growth and strength start from within, making a well-balanced diet essential for healthy nails. Eating the right nutrients can help prevent brittleness, splitting, and slow growth. Biotin, also known as Vitamin B7, plays a crucial role in strengthening nails and promoting faster growth. This vitamin is commonly found in foods like eggs, nuts, and whole grains. Since nails are primarily composed of keratin, consuming enough protein is also vital. Lean meats such as fish and chicken, as well as plant-based sources like legumes, support the production of strong and resilient nails.
Iron is another key nutrient, as a deficiency can lead to brittle nails with noticeable ridges. Incorporating iron-rich foods such as leafy greens, red meat, and lentils into your diet can help maintain nail strength. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds, contribute to nail hydration and help prevent splitting. Additionally, zinc and vitamin C play an important role in tissue repair and collagen production. These nutrients can be sourced from citrus fruits, bell peppers, and various seeds, all of which contribute to stronger, healthier nails.
Stay Hydrated
Just like your skin and hair, your nails need hydration to remain strong. Dehydration can cause nails to become dry and brittle, making them more prone to breakage. Aim for at least eight glasses of water daily and use a nourishing cuticle oil to keep your nails moisturised. If your nails or cuticles frequently crack or peel despite good hydration, it may indicate an underlying issue that a foot health specialist can assess.
Protect Your Nails
Daily activities can weaken nails, so taking precautions is essential. Wearing gloves while washing dishes, cleaning, or gardening prevents exposure to harsh chemicals and excess moisture, both of which can cause brittleness. Avoid using nails as tools for tasks like opening cans or peeling labels, as this puts unnecessary stress on them.
Your toenails can also suffer, particularly if you’re a frequent wearer of high heeled shoes. Limiting prolonged water exposure also helps, as excessive soaking softens nails and leads to peeling. Keeping them dry and applying moisturiser after washing can maintain their strength and prevent damage.
Practice Proper Nail Care to Encourage Healthy Nail Growth
A consistent nail care routine helps maintain strong and healthy nails. Keeping nails at a manageable length prevents breakage and splitting, reducing the risk of damage. When filing, using a fine-grit nail file and moving in one direction rather than back and forth helps prevent weakening. Instead of cutting cuticles, which can lead to infections and hinder growth, gently pushing them back with a wooden stick is a safer option. For those who wear nail polish, applying a base coat first helps protect nails from staining and damage.
For individuals dealing with persistent nail conditions, such as thickened or fungal nails, professional care can make a significant difference. At Northwich Foot Clinic, our specialists offer expert nail trimming, fungal nail treatments, and foot health assessments to ensure your nails remain in optimal condition.
Be Mindful of Nail Products
Many nail products contain harsh chemicals that can weaken nails over time, so choosing the right ones is essential. Acetone-based nail polish removers can be particularly drying, making nails more brittle, so opting for gentler, non-acetone alternatives helps maintain moisture. Some nail polishes contain harmful ingredients like formaldehyde, which can lead to weakening, so selecting non-toxic, breathable formulas is a better option. Frequent gel and acrylic manicures can also damage the natural nail, so allowing time for recovery between treatments helps maintain nail health.
Maximise Healthy Nail Growth with Professional Care
Sometimes, despite the best at-home care, nails can become discoloured, thickened, or painful. Conditions such as fungal nail infections, ingrown toenails, or trauma-related damage often require specialist treatment, and even nail reconstruction. If you notice persistent nail issues, changes in colour or texture, or discomfort when walking, a professional podiatry assessment can help identify the cause and provide effective treatment.
At Northwich Foot Clinic, our team offers expert nail care, fungal treatments, and specialised foot health services to support strong and healthy nails. Whether you’re dealing with stubborn nail problems or simply want a professional assessment, we’re here to help.
Book Your Nail Health Check Today
Achieving healthy and strong nails requires a combination of proper nutrition, protection, and mindful nail care. By following these tips and maintaining a good routine, you’ll notice stronger, healthier nails in no time. However, if you’re struggling with persistent nail issues, infections, or discomfort, professional care can make all the difference.
Book an appointment at Northwich Foot Clinic today for expert nail care and personalised foot health advice. Your feet—and your nails—deserve the best care possible.
