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How to Make Your Nails Stronger: Home Remedies and Ayurvedic Tips
Published on 07/31/25
(Updated on 09/29/25)
310

How to Make Your Nails Stronger: Home Remedies and Ayurvedic Tips

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Strong, healthy nails aren’t just a beauty goal — they’re a reflection of your overall well-being. If you're constantly Googling how to make your nails stronger home remedies or how to make nails strong because your nails keep splitting, breaking, or just look dull, you're not alone. Many of us have faced nail problems that seem to come out of nowhere. Whether it’s due to harsh nail polish, poor diet, or simply life stress, weak nails can be frustrating.

This article explores practical, natural ways to fix that. We'll go through Ayurvedic insights, home remedies, and smart nutrition tips that teach you how to make your nails stronger and thicker, and even grow nails faster and stronger. The best part? These methods are easy, affordable, and — yes — you can do them from the comfort of your couch.

Why Do Nails Become Weak and Break Easily?

We all want gorgeous, tough nails, but understanding why they become weak is the first step. Thin, brittle, or peeling nails are often a result of internal imbalances or external abuse. Think of them like your body’s health report card — if something’s off, your nails will show it.

Excessive exposure to water (yup, all that hand washing), using harsh nail products, and lack of nutrients can all lead to weakened nails. Stress, hormonal changes, and even frequent gel manicures can chip away — literally — at your nail health.

Ayurvedic View on Nail Weakness and Dosha Imbalance

In Ayurveda, nails are considered a byproduct of bone tissue (asthi dhatu). When your bone health is compromised, so are your nails. Weak, brittle nails can be a sign of aggravated Vata dosha — which governs dryness and movement in the body. When Vata is out of balance, it can cause dryness in the nails, making them thin and prone to breakage.

On the other hand, a Kapha imbalance may lead to thick but soft and unhealthy nails, while excess Pitta might show up as inflamed or discolored nail beds. Ayurveda teaches us to balance our doshas through diet, lifestyle, and herbs, which directly supports nail strength.

how to make nails strong

How to Make Your Nails Stronger: Home Remedies That Work

Let’s get into the juicy part. You don’t need to spend a fortune at a salon — some of the best nail-strengthening tools are probably already in your kitchen. From oils to kitchen ingredients, here’s how to make nails stronger and thicker naturally.

How to Make Nails Stronger and Thicker Naturally

Coconut oil massage: Warm coconut oil deeply nourishes the nail bed. Massage your nails and cuticles for 5–10 minutes daily. Not only does this boost blood circulation, but it also strengthens the nail structure over time.

Olive oil and lemon soak: Mix 2 tbsp of olive oil with a few drops of lemon juice and soak your nails for 10 minutes. Olive oil is hydrating, while lemon brightens and fortifies weak nails.

Biotin supplements: If you’re wondering how to make nails stronger, Biotin (Vitamin B7) is the go-to nutrient. It supports keratin production, helping your nails grow thicker and more resilient.

How to Stop Nails from Breaking with Simple Daily Care

One big mistake? Using your nails as tools (you know, opening cans or scratching off price stickers). Stop doing that!

Other daily tips include:

  • Keep your nails trimmed to prevent snagging.

  • Moisturize hands and cuticles regularly. (Dry nails = brittle nails.)

  • Avoid acetone-based nail polish removers.

  • Wear gloves while cleaning or washing dishes.

It sounds simple, but trust me — the basics work if you stick with them.

food for strong nails

Food for Strong Nails: Diet Tips to Boost Growth

Okay, let’s get real — no matter how many oils or creams you slather on, if your diet sucks, your nails won’t thrive. Learning how to get strong nails starts on your plate. What you eat can literally determine how thick, shiny, and fast-growing your nails are.

What to Eat for Healthy Nail Growth and Thickness

If you’re asking how to make your nails stronger and thicker, start by checking your protein intake. Nails are made of keratin — a protein. So naturally, more protein = better nail structure.

Here’s a short list of nail-friendly foods:

  • Eggs – Biotin powerhouse. Eat ‘em boiled, scrambled, however you like.

  • Leafy greens – Spinach and kale are rich in iron and calcium, both essential for nail strength.

  • Nuts & seeds – Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E and zinc.

  • Lentils and beans – Packed with iron, protein, and biotin.

  • Sweet potatoes – Rich in beta-carotene, which helps promote thicker nail growth.

Let’s not forget water — yep, good old H2O. Hydrated nails are happy nails. If your nails look dull or feel bendy, you might just be dehydrated, not doomed.

Best Ayurvedic Foods and Herbs for Nail Strength

Ayurveda has some brilliant yet underrated answers when it comes to how to increase nail thickness naturally. Here are a few treasures:

  • Amla (Indian gooseberry): Loaded with antioxidants and Vitamin C. You can eat it raw, drink it as juice, or take it as a powder.

  • Ashwagandha: Known for balancing stress (which by the way, can wreck your nails). Helps in improving bone and nail health.

  • Sesame seeds: Rich in calcium and zinc, known to nourish asthi dhatu (bone tissue).

  • Ghee (clarified butter): Yes, fat is not the enemy! Ghee nourishes all tissues, especially beneficial for dry, brittle nails.

Try to include a mix of these in your meals daily. You’ll start to see subtle but real changes in just a few weeks — like less peeling or splitting.

How to Make Your Nails Grow Faster and Stronger

Growth takes time, but there are definitely ways to nudge it along. Want to grow nails faster and stronger? The key is gentle stimulation and consistent care — without going overboard.

Massage, Soaks, and Nail Care Practices

A warm oil massage every night? Yes, please. Not only is it relaxing, but it stimulates blood flow, which boosts nail growth.

Try this 5-minute routine:

  1. Soak your fingers in warm water for 2 minutes.

  2. Massage with warm castor or jojoba oil.

  3. Gently push back cuticles (don’t cut them — that’s a rookie mistake).

Also, give your nails a break from polish. A naked nail day once a week allows it to “breathe” (ok, technically nails don’t breathe, but they do benefit from polish-free days).

Oh and file in one direction — not back and forth like a maniac. That causes microtears, which leads to... guess what? Yup, breaking.

How to Increase Nail Thickness Naturally

If you're wondering how to increase nail thickness — and not just length — keep this in mind: strong nails grow from the matrix, the base under your skin. That’s why internal nutrition and gentle stimulation are key.

Add silica-rich foods like cucumber and oats, massage your nail beds with vitamin E oil, and — unpopular opinion alert — stop cutting your cuticles entirely. They protect the growth area!

You can also make a DIY strengthening serum:

  • Mix 1 tsp castor oil, 1 capsule of vitamin E oil, and a drop of lavender essential oil. Apply before bed, wear cotton gloves overnight.

It’s low effort, high reward.

Conclusion

If you’ve made it this far, you’re already ahead of the game. Learning how to make your nails stronger isn’t just about vanity — it’s about taking care of your body from the inside out. From home remedies to Ayurvedic tips, to changing your diet and daily habits, it all adds up. And no, you don’t need expensive serums or salon visits to see results.

Real talk? You have to be patient. Nail growth takes time — usually around 3 to 6 months to see a full cycle. But stick with these habits, and you’ll not only grow nails faster and stronger, but they’ll also look naturally beautiful without all the polish.

Try one or two remedies, pay attention to what your body might be lacking, and maybe even cut back on the gel manis for a while. Sometimes, a little restraint is your nails’ best friend.

Oh, and don’t forget to share this with your bestie who’s always complaining about her cracked, sad nails 😅

FAQs

What are the best home remedies to strengthen nails?

Some of the best home remedies for stronger nails include warm coconut oil massage, olive oil and lemon soak, biotin supplements, and castor oil treatments. These help moisturize, nourish, and fortify the nail structure naturally. Also, reducing water exposure and using gloves when cleaning can help prevent further weakening.

How to grow nails faster and prevent breakage?

To grow nails faster and stronger, focus on both external and internal care. Externally, massage your nail beds daily with warm oil, avoid harsh chemicals, and file gently in one direction. Internally, eat protein-rich and biotin-rich foods like eggs, spinach, and nuts. Keep yourself hydrated and avoid biting or using nails as tools.

Which foods help make nails thicker and healthier?

For stronger, thicker nails, go for foods rich in protein, biotin, iron, zinc, and silica. This includes eggs, lentils, leafy greens, almonds, sweet potatoes, cucumbers, and oats. Ayurvedic superfoods like amla, sesame seeds, and ghee are also excellent for promoting healthy nail growth and thickness.

Final Thoughts 

Your nails won’t change overnight. But with consistent love, the right nutrients, and a break from damaging habits, you’ll absolutely notice a difference. Whether you follow the Ayurvedic path, focus on food for strong nails, or stick with home remedies, it’s all about finding what works for your body.

Now it’s your turn:
✨ Start with one of the tips today — maybe a quick oil massage or upgrading your lunch with some lentils and greens.
✨ Take a photo of your nails now. In a month, take another. You’ll be surprised at the glow-up.

And hey — if this helped you, help someone else. Share this article with your friends, your mom, your nail tech. Let’s spread the love (and the strong nail vibes).

Until then, be kind to your cuticles. They deserve it. 😌

 

This article is checked by the current qualified Dr Sujal Patil and can be considered a reliable source of information for users of the site.

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Questions from users
How often should I use Amla for nail care, and can I mix it with other oils?
Violet
23 days ago
What are some other foods that can help improve nail strength besides eggs?
Grace
63 days ago
Dr. Anirudh Deshmukh
63 days ago
For stronger nails, try adding food rich in biotin like almonds, spinach or sweet potatoes! Omega-3s from salmon or flaxseeds can help too. Also, make sure to drink enough water and check your diet for essential vitamins, like Vit. A and D. Frequent nail issues might reflect dosha imbalance, so consider consulting an Ayurvedic practitioner.
What are some easy home remedies I can try for stronger nails without spending too much?
Connor
58 days ago
Dr. Anirudh Deshmukh
58 days ago
For stronger nails without spending much, try these: Eat more nuts and spinach, as they’re biotin-rich, which is great for nail health. Massage your nails with warm coconut or olive oil regularly. Make sure you're not using your nails as tools to open things and stay hydrated! Simple steps, big difference :)
What are some other effective diets or foods that can help improve nail health?
Lucy
53 days ago
Dr. Anirudh Deshmukh
53 days ago
Include more leafy greens like spinach and kale in your diet, they're full of nutrients that support nail health. Almonds and walnuts are great, too, with vitamin E and omega-3s. Don't forget plenty of water to keep everything hydrated! Following a balanced diet helps maintain the overall balance of your doshas.
What are some good Ayurvedic foods I can start including in my diet for healthier nails?
Aaliyah
48 days ago
Dr. Anirudh Deshmukh
47 days ago
Including foods that support keratin production is key. Opt for biotin-rich foods like almonds, walnuts, and eggs to aid nail strength. Lentils and spinach are filled with protein and iron, which are great too. For things like omega-3s, consider adding some flaxseeds or chia seeds. Just rememeber, it takes time for changes to show, so be patient! 😊
What are some specific herbs from Ayurveda that can improve nail strength?
Hudson
43 days ago
Dr. Anirudh Deshmukh
39 days ago
For nail strength, Ayurveda suggests herbs like Amla, known for its high Vitamin C content, which supports collagen production. Ashwagandha and Brahmi might help by balancing stress, which impacts nail health. Guduchi can boost overall immunity and vitality, too. Think about how these herbs support your dosha balance for a healthier you!
What are some effective natural remedies to increase nail thickness?
Christian
33 days ago
Dr. Anirudh Deshmukh
18 days ago
To naturally increase nail thickness, you might try massaging your nails and cuticles with a natural oil like coconut or almond oil (just don't overdo it!). Make sure you get enough protein from your diet since nails are made of keratin. Ayurvedically, keep your doshas balanced with proper nutrition to support overall nail health.
What are some easy ways to incorporate silica-rich foods into my diet for better nail health?
Sofia
38 days ago
Dr. Anirudh Deshmukh
29 days ago
To get more silica in your diet for nail health, try adding foods like oats, barley, and brown rice, and maybe some fruits like bananas and mangoes. Herbs like nettle and horsetail also help. You could even try a smoothie with these ingredients now and then. Just listen to your body, and notice if there's a positive change too!
What are some other foods that can help strengthen nails besides eggs?
Alexander
18 days ago
How can I effectively incorporate more biotin-rich foods into my diet for better nail growth?
Grace
13 days ago
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