My nails are so soft what can i do to make them hard?

Answer 1

Exposure to water (frequent hand washing, doing dishes, etc.) will dry out nails and cause peeling and make them weak. The water rinses away natural oils and the nail absorbs some water causing the nail layers to expand. As the water evaporates, the nail layers contract leading to peeling which makes the nail thinner. (like paint exposed to the elements)

My nails used to peel constantly so I stopped using a nail clipper and only use a nail file to shape and shorten them. I also started protecting my nails with thicker moisturizers.

I read somewhere that nail clippers can cause the layers of the nail to separate and filing is the best way to go.

I started with Revlon's disposable files made for weak nails. File in one direction only. Start on one side and file towards the middle, then go to the other side and file towards the middle of your nail. Smooth the nail into a squoval that mirrors you cuticle or the shape of the white part of your nail bed.

Finish the edges of the nail with a hindo stone, a smooth ceramic/stone nail file or the finest grit nail file you can find. You want to make the edges really smooth.

Revlon makes a tool that should work. It is a pink half moon shape and you can run it under/across the nail from side to middle.

(I have an old hindo stone but haven't been able to find a replacement at a local store. The Revlon tool might be easier for you to find.)

(photo of hindo stone http://www.enailsupply.com/browseproduct...

Also, avoid using metal nail files. I recommend using disposable nail files and changing them frequently. The fresher the grit, the less the drag which leads to tearing and peeling.

Some people swear by glass nail files but they can shatter if dropped.

I also use a cuticle balm or nail oil to moisturize my nails and protect them from water since I wash my hands frequently.
(ex. Solar Oil, OPI Avoplex)

Vit E oil, jojoba oil, Aquaphor Healing Ointment, Vaseline or plain Chapstick will work too.

Some people recommend taking pre-natal vitamins.

Answer 2

There are two ways I know (and use) how to make soft nails become healthy:

1. Use nail hardener-I recommend Sally hansen's hard as nails nail polish.

2. Eat food with alot of iron in them like beans and broccoli.

Hope I helped!

Answer 3

Sally Hansen Hard As Nails - sold at Walmart...it works good!

Answer 4

Yep, Sally Hanson hard as nails! I use it! Works good! Goes on and looks like clear nail polish!

Answer 5

theres this vitamin called biotin and it makes ur nails and hair really healthy. also, there are these nail hardener polish things that u paint on ur nail. i know sally hansen makes one because i saw it in a magazine. also, eat plenty of fruits and veggies and keep ur diet healthy.

Answer 6

use nail polishes specifically for weak nails like yours. Most make up companies create them, like sally hansen, and maybelline's foreverstrong plus iron or something by that name...

Answer 7

Take bee polen every day. Rub your nails with vitamin e oil every night before going to bed. That should help.

Answer 8

eat jello, it the best thing for your nails to make them hard
it really works
plus you can add any thing to it fruits or veg's

Answer 9

I SEEN WHERE SOMEONE SAID JELLO WILL HELP. I KNOW THIS TO BE TRUE, HOWEVER I HAVE A MAJOR PROBLEM EATING JELLO SO I TAKE GELATIN CAPSULES. YOU CAN ALSO PURCHASE THEM AT ANY DRUG STORE AND THEY ARE NOT TOO EXPENSIVE... GOOD LUCK

Answer 10

nail hardener......they have all different brands you can find it at drug stores like walgreens, cvs, walmart or beauty supply stores