Tips for Growing Stronger Nails for Nail-Biters
Nail-biting is a common habit that can leave nails thin, brittle, and damaged. While kicking the habit is ideal, there are things you can do to help strengthen and repair nails that have been weakened from biting. With some care and consistency, it’s possible to get your nails looking healthy again.
Why Nail-Biting Damages Nails
Nail-biting is problematic for a few reasons:
It removes layers of the nail plate - The nail plate is made up of keratin protein stacked in layers. Biting tears off these layers, thinning out the nails.
It exposes the nail bed - With fewer layers to protect it, the sensitive nail bed underneath gets more exposed. This area is vulnerable to bacteria and infection.
It causes tears and cracks - The pressure of biting can cause small tears and cracks in the nails, allowing bacteria to enter.
It impedes normal nail growth - The root of the nail under the cuticle gets damaged from biting. This disrupts healthy and normal nail growth.
So in essence, nail-biting leads to weaker, thinner, more brittle nails that don’t grow properly. But this damage can be reversed.
Dietary Tips for Healthy Nail Growth
Diet and nutrition play a big role in the quality of your nails. Here are some dietary tips:
Get adequate protein - Nails are mostly made of the protein keratin, so getting enough protein from food helps them grow strong. Foods like meat, eggs, beans, and nuts are great sources.
Load up on biotin-rich foods - Biotin is a B vitamin that assists in producing keratin. Avocados, eggs, fish, nuts, and seeds are good sources of biotin.
Eat iron-rich foods - Iron helps deliver oxygen to nail beds for growth. Iron-rich options include red meat, beans, lentils, and spinach.
Try collagen supplements - Collagen is the building block of keratin. Taking collagen supplements can help get more of this protein.
Stay hydrated - Proper hydration keeps nails flexible. Drink plenty of fluids daily.
Lifestyle Tips for Healthy Nails
Certain habits and lifestyle factors can also influence nail health:
Don’t overwash hands - Frequently washing hands with soap and water can dry out nails. Limit washing or use a moisturizing soap.
Wear gloves for wet work - When doing dishes or cleaning, wear waterproof gloves to protect nails from excess moisture.
Avoid very hot water - Hot water can cause nails to expand and contract. Stick to warm or cool water instead.
Be gentle - Rough handling of nails can lead to splits and cracks. Open doors carefully and avoid using nails as tools.
Quit smoking - Smoking restricts blood flow to extremities including fingers. Better circulation helps nails grow.
Take biotin supplements - Separate from dietary biotin, taking 2.5mg biotin supplements can help strengthen weak nails.
Direct Nail Care Tips
You can also use products and treatments directly on nails to improve their health:
Use a strengthening base coat - Base coats with keratin, calcium, or silk can reinforce nails underneath the polish. This helps prevent cracks and peeling.
Do weekly nail soaks - Soak nails in a mixture of olive oil and vitamin E to hydrate and soften nails. Rinse after 10 minutes.
Try a nail hardener - Apply a nail hardener that contains formaldehyde or dithioerythritol 2-3 times a week to make nails less prone to splitting.
Get regular manicures - Have a professional buff, clean, and trim nails every 2-3 weeks to keep free edges smooth. This prevents tears.
Use cuticle oil daily - Rub oil like jojoba or vitamin E on cuticles to keep nail beds hydrated. This aids healthy growth.
File nails properly - File gently in one direction avoiding back-and-forth. Use a glass file which causes less damage than metal files.
Wear nail strengtheners - Try adhesive nail wraps or stick-on nails if your nails are very weak. These act like artificial nails to protect existing nails.
Comparison of Top Nail Hardener Products
Tips to Stop Biting Nails
While promoting nail health, it’s also vital to kick the nail-biting habit. Here are some strategies to stop:
Carry nail clippers or file for minor snag smoothing instead of biting
Get regular manicures to keep nails neatly groomed
Use a bitter no-bite polish like Mavala to deter biting
Identify trigger times for biting (like when idle or stressed) and stay busy with other things
Notice biting triggers like hangnails and clip them so there’s nothing to bite
Reward milestone days without biting with something like a manicure
Bandage fingers to prevent easy biting access to nails
Role model good nail habits if others around you bite their nails too
Additional Tips for Repairing Nail Damage from Biting
Damaged, brittle nails from chronic biting can take time and effort to rehabilitate. But it is possible with diligence. Here are some additional in-depth tips for rebuilding weak-bitten nails:
Moisturize Nails and Cuticles Thoroughly
One key is keeping nails and surrounding skin well-moisturized. Dehydration makes nails more prone to cracking and peeling.
Apply a thick, nourishing nail and cuticle cream daily. Look for ones with shea butter, vitamin E, and plant oils like Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream.
Massage cuticle oil into nails and cuticles at least twice daily. Oils like sweet almonds and olives deeply hydrate.
Apply a rich overnight hand cream before bed and wear cotton gloves. The gloves lock in moisture.
Get professional manicures biweekly to nourish nails and remove dead cuticles. Opt for moisturizing paraffin treatments.
Avoid soaking hands in water frequently. Wear rubber gloves for wet work.
Protect Free Edge and Corners
Pay extra attention to protecting the free edge and corners of nails. These areas are vulnerable to splits and breaks.
File nails every few days to keep free edges smooth. Use a high-quality crystal nail file.
Never clip or pick at the corners of nails. Clip any hangnails very carefully.
Seal free edges and corners with clear nail polish or acrylic paint on natural nails.
Keep nails trimmed relatively short. This prevents bending and trauma to the free edge.
Consider poly gel or acrylic nail overlay extensions while nails grow out. This shields natural nails.
Use a Prescription Medicated Nail Cream
For very severe nail damage, see a dermatologist. They may prescribe a medicated nail cream or ointment containing compounds to heal cracking and infections.
Ciclopirox treats fungal infections that infect nails and nail beds.
Topical steroids reduce inflammation and swelling around nail beds.
Antibiotic creams combat bacterial infections under and around nails.
Medical nail lacquers create a protective film over damaged nails while healing.
Follow all directions for prescription topical nail medications. See the dermatologist regularly to monitor progress. This can greatly accelerate healing.
Take Oral Medications If Necessary
Besides topical medicines, oral antifungal or vitamin supplements may be recommended.
Oral antifungal pills treat stubborn underlying nail fungal infections.
Biotin supplements stimulate keratin production for quicker nail growth and thickness.
Cortisone may be prescribed short-term for severe nail bed inflammation.
Discuss any concerns over side effects with the prescribing doctor. Take oral medications exactly as directed. Monitor for improvements or changes after starting a new oral medicine. Keep all follow-up appointments with the dermatologist. Report any unusual symptoms promptly.
Use Antibacterial Soaks
Bacterial infections can develop under damaged nails and nail beds. Antibacterial soaks can treat and prevent this.
Make a foot soak using diluted Betadine surgical scrub or Epsom salts. Soak for 15 minutes daily.
Alternate with tea tree oil diluted in water. Its antimicrobial properties treat infections.
Try an apple cider vinegar bath. The vinegar’s acetic acid kills bacteria.
Dry thoroughly after soaking and apply antibiotic ointment around the nail beds.
See a doctor if any signs of infections like redness, swelling, oozing, foul odors, or fever develop. Topical and oral antibiotics may be needed.
Avoid Picking at Nails
While it’s tempting to pick at and peel weak nails, this must be avoided.
Picking thin layers of nails can pull off too much nail plate. This worsens the problem.
It opens up the door for bacteria to enter and cause infection.
Use a glass nail file to gently smooth rough edges or snags instead of picking.
If a nail starts to peel significantly, trim it short and cover it with nail glue or clear polish to keep it in place instead of pulling at it.
Distract yourself when you get the urge to pick by putting your hands in your pockets or squeezing a stress ball.
See a Podiatrist for Toenail Problems
Stubborn thick, discolored toenails that are not improving need professional podiatry treatment.
Podiatrists can remove part of the toenail surgically and apply the medication directly to the nail bed.
Prescription topical or oral antifungal medications are stronger than over-the-counter options for dense toenails.
In-office laser therapies help clear nail fungus. Professional debriding improves very thick nails.
Get pediatric help early before toenail problems worsen and become painful. Chronic nail issues are harder to correct.
See a podiatrist every few weeks until severe toenail damage is corrected. Listen carefully and follow all home care instructions provided.
Use Drying Agents for Very Moist Nails
While moisture is good for most damaged nails, overly hydrated and very soft nails require drying agents.
Wipe nails dry after washing and moisturizing to remove excess moisture.
Apply thin layers of a nail hardener like formaldehyde solution once or twice weekly to harden flexible nails.
Use acetone nail polish remover on the nail plate to dry out wet nails, being careful not to expose the nail bed.
Dust nails lightly with baby powder or cornstarch to absorb excess moisture and reduce bacterial growth.
Get professional acrylic or gel nail enhancements for added protection from moisture while nails heal.
The Journey to Healthy Nails
Rehabilitating nails damaged from years of biting requires changing habits and daily care. It does not happen overnight. But with consistency and patience, nails can transform from a source of embarrassment to beautiful assets.
Follow these comprehensive tips to heal nail beds, stimulate stronger growth, and prevent further damage. Seek professional medical care for severe issues. With time, you will have the healthy glowing nails you deserve.
FAQs
How long does it take for nails to grow back after biting?
It typically takes 4-6 months for nails to fully regenerate after biting. You should see noticeable improvements after 1-2 months. Be patient, as nails grow slowly.
Do nails get stronger as they grow out?
Yes, newer nail growth will be stronger and healthier assuming the nail bed is protected from damage. The part of the nail closest to the cuticle will be strongest.
Can you rebuild and strengthen bitten nails?
It is absolutely possible to repair and strengthen damaged nails from biting through proper nutrition, nail care, and stopping the biting habit. Consistency is key.
What deficiency causes weak peeling nails?
Iron or biotin deficiency commonly causes weak, brittle nails that peel easily. Eating more iron and biotin-rich foods can help or try supplements after consulting a doctor.
Do gel manicures or acrylics help strengthen natural nails?
Gel manicures and acrylics protect natural nails while worn but can weaken nails over time with overuse. Give nails occasional breaks between sets. Use strengthening base coats under gels or acrylics.
Summary
While nail-biting can damage nails, the habits can be overcome and nail health restored. It takes diligently protecting nails from further biting, getting proper nutrition, staying consistent with nail strengthening routines, and having some patience. In 4-6 months, you can go from nail-biter to growing strong beautiful nails with the right care. Consult a dermatologist if nails remain very weak or brittle despite your best efforts.
