How to get Strong Nails

Ever since I was about 11, my nails grew and grew and looked very much like an adults. I wore no nail polish nor did I use hand lotions, they are just naturally this way, but on the other hand, I have always had terribly weak and thin hair which I find strange seeing as you need the same care for your nail as for your hair.

It's not just genetics that determines what type of nails we end up with. Our lifestyles and diets play a big part in our overall health – Here are the four key nutrients that can make your nails stronger, longer, and healthier from the inside out.

1. Protein
Nails are made of keratin, a protein, which is why a protein-rich diet is important to maintaining nail health. If you eat meat, eggs, or other protein-rich foods regularly, there’s no need to worry. 

2. Zinc

A lack of zinc in your diet could be the reason your nails are weak or not growing. It’s also a lack of zinc that can cause the white spots many of us notice on our nails. Oysters are rich in zinc, as are pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, lamb, beef, and oats.

3. Iron
Not getting enough iron? If your nails are thin, curved, or have ridges, it’s usually a telltale sign of anemia or an iron deficiency. Stock up on red meat, leafy greens like spinach and kale, and shellfish, all of which can supply your body with much-needed iron.

Here are a few tips I swear by to keep my nails super long and healthy

Nail Hardners

This is your first step, the trusty nail hardner! These really do  work even if it only provides a small coating to prevent splitting. Even the cheapest nail hardners will do the trick. There are also gel nail hardners that have a slightly better effect and will last longer. Apply this every 2-3 days as a basecoat under your usual nail polish. This really does work!

Opi Original
Diamond Strength
Nail Aid Almost Gel Harder Nails 3 Minutes



File your nails round
Just file once a week. Depending on genes, nails may break easily. Nails often break if they are uneven, and nails naturally grow unevenly. So stash files everywhere, and whenever you see unevenness, file them all to the same length, shape, and size. Make sure to file in the same direction, to prevent nail breakage. Replace your file every month, or even before the grain smooths out.

Gel nails

If all else fails...gel nails :-)