Does Nail Polish Strengthen Nails?

Nail polish is one of the most popular beauty products in existence, with millions of women and men wearing it on a daily basis. But many people have questions about what exactly nail polish does to strengthen their nails. This can be particularly confusing when considering that individuals with weak or damaged nails often choose to use clear polish rather than color, despite the fact that clear nail polish contains no strengthening ingredients whatsoever.

This brings people to ask, can nail polish strengthen nails? No, they can’t. Nail polish does not help to make the nail stronger in any way. However, in this article, we will learn why they don’t and possible solutions that can help strengthen your nails.

Reasons Why Nail Polish Do Not Strengthen Nails

1. They are not a healthy solution

Although you may have heard that nail polish is a healthy solution to strengthen your nails, it is actually not. There are many reasons why this is the case.

Nail polish contains chemicals that can be damaging to your nails and even cause them to break down, which will make them weaker than before.

2. Nail polish can cause nail discoloration

When you use nail polish, it can cause discoloration of your nails. The main culprits are the chemicals in nail polish that make them dry and brittle, but there’s also the acetone used to remove the polish from your nails. If a large amount of acetone is absorbed into your nail bed when removing the polish, it can cause yellowing and damage to your natural nails.

3. Nail polish can damage your nails

Nail polish remover can cause damage to nails, including making them brittle and weak. The acetone in nail polish remover dehydrates the nail, which makes it more prone to breaking while also causing dryness. Nail polish remover can also be harsh on your skin at times, so avoid using it too often if you want healthy nails that chemicals or other products won’t damage.

4. Nail polish can cause nail fungus

It’s important to note that nail polish is not the cause of nail fungus.

However, if you’re already infected with fungus, wearing nail polish can make it worse. The black pigments in the dark-colored polish will trap warm moisture under your nails, which can make fungal infections worse if they already exist.

Other Alternatives to Strengthen Nails?

If you’re looking for a more natural approach to strengthening your nails, there are other options available. Be sure to consult with a dermatologist or nail technician before starting any kind of treatment, as many treatments can be harmful if not done properly.

1. Use a nail strengthener

One option is using a nail strengthener on your nails prior to applying polish. This will help make them stronger but will not change their appearance once applied. It also won’t prevent chipping or peeling as regular polish does.

2. Moisturize your hands and nails regularly

You can also moisturize your hands and nails regularly to keep them healthy. Look for lotions that contain shea butter, glycerin, vitamin E, and coconut oil. These ingredients all help cuticles to grow back faster and prevent damage from the elements. Jojoba oil is another good choice because it penetrates into your nail beds and absorbs easily without leaving any greasy residue behind.

3. Keep your nails short

If you want to keep your nails strong, you should make sure to keep them short. Longer nails will cause more breakage and splitting.

To avoid this, use a nail clipper or file to cut your nails regularly. If you’re in a rush, it’s best not to use a nail file on them too often; instead of filing every day, try cutting every other day and only filing once every two weeks or so.

4. Don’t overuse hand sanitizer

It may seem like a good idea to wash your hands frequently, but it might actually be bad for them. While it’s important to keep germs at bay, washing your hands too often can strip the skin of its natural oils and moisture. This can make your nails weaker.

It also makes them more prone to breaking or splitting due to dryness. Instead of relying on hand sanitizer all the time, try washing up with soap and water when you can and moisturizing afterward.

5. Eat more foods that promote strong nails

While many people consider nail polish to be a cosmetic product, it actually has the potential to strengthen your nails. If you want to strengthen your nails naturally and promote healthy growth, try incorporating some of these foods into your daily diet:

  • Eggs – The protein found in eggs helps strengthen hair and nails by providing building blocks for them.
  • Salmon – Salmon contains high levels of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which can help improve overall skin health. These fatty acids have an additional benefit for dry skin; they help moisturize the skin by increasing moisture retention via the sebaceous glands (oil glands).
  • Spinach – Spinach is rich in iron, which is essential for normal blood circulation that leads to strong bones and healthy hair growth. A deficiency in iron can lead to brittle or soft nails as well as a pale appearance or slowed growth rate.
  • Beans – Beans are one of the best sources of calcium, vitamin C (which helps form collagen), and zinc — all three are vital nutrients required for healthy nail growth.

6. Consider biotin supplements

If you’re looking for a nail-strengthening solution that’s as natural as it is effective, consider biotin supplements. Biotin is a vitamin that helps the body make the proteins it needs for healthy hair, skin, and nails. It also helps form fatty acids that help your body metabolize carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

If you’d like to add biotin to your daily regimen, start by talking with your doctor about whether or not this is right for you before purchasing any products yourself.

Does Base Coat Strengthen Nail?

This is a common misconception. Base coat strengthens your nails in the same way nail polish does, but it does not strengthen them enough to prevent breakage or peeling. If you want to give your nails a boost and make sure that they aren’t going to chip or peel off at the first signs of weakness, then consider using an actual nail hardener instead.

Home Remedies for Stronger Nails

1. Olive oil

There are many home remedies that you can use in order to strengthen your nails. One of the most effective ones is olive oil. Olive oil contains vitamin E, which helps to nourish and moisturize the skin and nails. It also has antibacterial properties, making it a good option for preventing fungal infections on your cuticles and around your nail beds.

To apply olive oil to your hands at home, massage them into the skin after showering or washing them with soapy water; this will help remove any dirt or debris that could clog up pores in the future. Then simply let them soak in as long as possible before washing them off again with soap and water.

2. Use vitamin E oil

If you’re looking to strengthen your nails, there is one other good option. Using vitamin E oil to moisturize your nails can help them grow back more quickly and also reduce any damage that may have been done by the polish remover.

If you are going to try this method, make sure that you apply enough of the oil on each nail and let it soak in for about five minutes before washing it off with warm water. If you don’t use enough or let it sit for too long, there’s a chance that the oil might only stain your skin instead of penetrating into it.

3. Use lemon juice

Lemon juice is a natural whitener that also has vitamin C, which helps to strengthen nails. Lemon juice is also antibacterial, so it can be used on both natural and artificial nails. You can apply lemon juice to both fingers and toenails.

How to Strengthen Your Nails That Have Been Damaged by Nail Polish

1. Soak in olive oil

The good news is that there are some ways to strengthen your nails. If your nails have been damaged by nail polish, soak them in olive oil for 15 minutes. Olive oil is a rich source of Vitamin E, which can help repair and strengthen the nail plate. You can also use vitamin E capsules or apply a vitamin E cream on your nails before going to bed.

2. Use a Cuticle Cream or Oil

If you want to strengthen your nails, you can use cuticle cream or oil. The process is simple. Before bed, apply a small amount of the cream or oil to the nail bed and massage it in. Then, if possible, put on cotton socks so that they can penetrate into the skin more deeply and work longer overnight.

The best part about using cuticle oils and creams is that they won’t cause any damage to your nails like other treatments might.

3. Use a Keratin Treatment

Keratin treatments are a popular way to strengthen nails, and they can be done at home. This chemical process bonds keratin molecules to the surface of your natural nail plate, providing it with a protective coating.

Keratin treatments do not damage or weaken nails in any way; however, if you don’t apply them correctly (according to instructions), they may peel off too soon or chip easily.

4. Change Your Polish Removal Routine

To combat potential damage from nail polish remover, try using a non-acetone remover. These are less harsh on your nails and will help keep them healthy. Use a cotton ball or pad to remove the polish, then use cuticle oil after you remove it to maintain moisture in your nails.

Conclusion

In conclusion, nail polish does not strengthen your nails. It can cause damage to them and even make them weaker. However, there are safe alternatives that can help you get a manicure that doesn’t harm your nails in the process. Another alternative is choosing non-toxic nail polishes that contain fewer chemicals so they don’t damage your hands or nails as much over time.

Leave a Comment