#1: Load up on hydrolysed collagen peptides

Healthy nails start from the inside out.

 See, your nails are made up of layers of keratin, a protein. So, loading up on hydrolysed collagen peptides is essential for nail health because they:

Provide your body with amino acids, the basic building blocks of keratin
Protect keratin from the damaging effects of oxidative stress (from environmental factors, such as UV exposure)
Promote blood flow and, in turn, oxygen and essential nutrient delivery, to the nail bed, encouraging healthy nail growth

 But how much hydrolysed collagen peptides would you need to take to realise those benefits? Research suggests at least 2.5 grams daily could help improve nail health within 6 months, with higher dosages potentially leading to quicker results (as shown by many of The Collagen Co’s customer reviews).

 So. If you’re on the market for collagen supplements that deliver clinically effective hydrolysed collagen peptides dosages for nail strength and growth, check out any collagen product on The Collagen Co.

 A teaser of what you can expect:

 Super Beauty Greens: An organic greens blend packed with 5 grams of hydrolysed collagen peptides per serving, plus a slew of pre and probiotics, digestive enzymes, super fruits, and more

Premium Collagen Peptides: Boasts a whopping 15 grams of hydrolysed collagen peptides per serving, alongside good-for-your-nails vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and biotin

#2: Moisturise your hands and nails daily

Like how hair and scalp health are inextricably linked, healthy nails and cuticles are also.

Cuticle skin envelops and protects the nail matrix, where nail growth happens. If the skin is dry or compromised, dehydrating chemicals and allergens (e.g., fragrance) could penetrate and damage the matrix more easily.

 The fix? Apply a moisturiser (ideally, dedicated cuticle cream or oil) as often as possible, massaging it into the area at the base of the nail. Look for formulations with a combination of the following:

Humectants, which attract moisture, such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid 
Occlusives, which help lock the hydration in, such as shea butter or petrolatum 

#3: Wear gloves when doing dishes

Ironically, soaking your hands in water for long periods (e.g., doing the dishes) sucks the moisture out of your nails.

 So, something as simple as popping on rubber gloves while doing the dishes can make a huge difference. Or, if that’s not possible, the next best thing is to add moisture immediately afterward (i.e., moisturise your hands and nails post-dunk).

#4: File your nails

Long nails may be your ultimate goal, but if you’re struggling with weak nails (frequent hangnails or breakage), you should keep them short — at least for a while — as you allow them to grow stronger.

 Once clipped, use a glass nail file to keep the edges of your nails smooth. 

This reduces their chances of snagging on things and peeling and splitting at the tips. Instead of using back-and-forth see-saw motions that can cause splintering, use one-directional, long, and swift (but gentle!) strokes. 

#5: Don’t skip the base and top coat

Never apply polishes “neat”.

 Always apply your base and top coats because they provide your nails with an additional proactive barrier from dehydration and breakage:

Base coat: Leaves coat nourished and protected; a key ingredient to look for is any type of hydrating, nurturing, and strengthening oils (e.g., squalane, sweet almond, and coconut oil).

 Top coat: This protects your manicure from chipping and peeling. Look out for “enriched” formulas boasting vitamin B5 (which contributes to maintaining optimal conditions for nail growth), vitamin C (a potent antioxidant that staves off harmful free radicals, especially in response to UV exposure), and AHAs (which help promote cell turnover and may, in turn, strengthen damaged nails) for that extra boost of TLC.

#6: Pick nail-friendly polishes

As for the polishes themselves, try to choose those labeled “3-free” — these are free of formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate (DBT), and toluene, which are harsh chemicals that’ll compromise already weak nails.

 Studies have also shown that the chemicals in nail polish can be absorbed into the body, potentially causing health issues. For example, exposures to formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP are reported to cause central nervous system, respiratory irritation, and reproductive complications.

 FYI, some polishes also call themselves “5-free” and “7-free”; in addition to the 3 big iffy ingredients above, these are also free of:

Formaldehyde resin

Camphor
Ethyl tosylamide
Xylene

 Of course, it’s not just the application bit that you should pay attention to. There’s also polish removal. While all nail polish removers must be formulated with some type of solvent, and all solvents are innately dehydrating, acetone is the worst. 

That’s why you should always choose a non-acetone remover. 

Fair warning: removing all the colour with a non-acetone remover may require more elbow grease. Also, non-acetone removers will only work on regular polish, not long-lasting formulas like professional gel.

#7: Indulge in acrylic or gel treatments sparingly

The consistent pressure of thicker artificial nails or thicker types of polish on the nail matrix may ultimately cause the nail to grow out thinner. The harsh removal process doesn’t help, either — it typically consists of a long soak in dehydrating acetone coupled with aggressive scraping that weakens the nail.

Now, this doesn’t mean you cannot ever indulge in your beloved acrylic or gel manicures; just be mindful of how frequently you do it and take a break when you can.

Here’s a rough guideline depending on the condition of your nails:

If your nails are in pretty good shape: Take 1-2 weeks off every 1-3 months.

If your nails are brittle: Consider leaving them bare for 4-6 weeks.