How to get stronger nails - 3 tips for reformed nail biters | Shop Naturally News Blog

Are you a reformed nail biter? You can get stronger nails again by taking care of your nails and the skin around them.

One natural makeup trend that has continued through lockdowns as a part of a self care ritual many people have adopted is to paint their nails. It's not just a 'feel good' exercise though, it can be a great way to stop you from biting your nails if you're trying to kick that bad habit! You don't have to sparkle or have your nails stand out, there are plenty of natural nudes to blend in with your every day life.

Three tips for growing healthier and happier nails

ONE - get stronger nails by keeping hands hydrated

Nail biters can have terribly dry skin around the fingers and also an issue with hangnails, that little torn piece of skin next to your nail that can sometimes be really irritating but other times hurt. Before you address any issues with your nails, keep the skin on your hands and fingers well hydrated. A dedicated hand cream will give you longer lasting protection or for troubled hands, give Weleda Skin Food a try and then step back to one of their hand creams once your skin is feeling back to normal.

TWO - get stronger nails by using a base and a top coat

Use a base coat and a top coat when you paint your nails. Some people's nails take polish better than others. If you find you don't get long lasting results from any polish, try using a base coat. They are formulated differently than colours and top coats and help the polish adhere to your nails. The top coat will prevent chipping and will give added strength to prevent breakages while you're growing them back from biting. A good tip with your top coat is to repaint just your tips every 2-3 days to help keep the ends strong.

THREE - get stronger nails with regular grooming

Carry a nail file with you. Breakages rarely happen when you're just at home. They happen when you're out enjoying life or busy working. File down the breakage immediately so you don't end up ripping the nail and causing damage. This also helps you to resist the temptation of biting it off.

FOUR - use the Hanami Nail Rescue & Repair Treatment Pack

In just 2 weeks, you will notice an improvement in the quality of your nails and the surrounding skin. Rescue Me Oil and and Repair Me Gel work together to nourish and heal.

Rescue Me is a nail and cuticle oil that is packed with vitamins and antioxidants and contains celery seed extract, a known nail plate thickener.

Repair Me is a strengthening blend of calcium, silica and zinc to repair and protect against future damage and to remineralise your nail plate.

These tips have been brought to you by the team at our favourite Australian natural nail polish brand, Hanami.

Why do people bite their nails?

There are quite a few reasons people bite their nails. Some of them are relatively easy to overcome, others are a part of some mental health issues that can addressed with a professional. Some of the most common reasons people bite their nails are:-

As a stress coping mechanism to bring a sense of calm
To tidy up a hangnail or a chipped nail
Boredom
A habit while watching TV or reading
A distraction while trying to solve a problem

What can I do to help stop biting my nails if I can't stop?

This is a habit that needs to be broken, and you do need to want to stop. Continuous biting of nails can end up causing physical health issues including fungal infections both on the nail and surrounding skin, damage to your teeth and if you swallow the nails, they can cause stomach and digestive system infections. It's a good idea to stop the habit before it causes too much damage. Some coping mechanisms include:-

Keeping your nails cut short so they're not long enough to bite
Keep your nails painted, they're harder to bite and you're less likely to want to swallow nail polish
When you identify a trigger to biting your nails, replace the habit with something else
Put on a pair of gloves or put tape or a sticker over the ends of your nails as a reminder not to bite