Have your nails become weak, brittle, or peeling? Maybe frequent manicures, harsh detergents, or even nutrient deficiencies have taken a toll. Damaged nails are more common than you think - especially when frequent hand washing, and daily chores can easily strip nails of their natural strength.
The good news? With the right care, you can heal damaged nails and restore them to a healthy, strong, and shiny state.
1. Identify Why Nails Are Damaged
Before you fix them, it’s important to know the cause. Common culprits include:
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Overuse of nail polish removers (especially acetone)
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Gel/acrylic nails without breaks
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Excess exposure to water, soap, and cleaning chemicals
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Vitamin and mineral deficiencies (biotin, zinc, iron)
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Dry climate or sun exposure
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Nail biting or picking
2. Start With Moisture & Cuticle Care
Hydration is the key to repairing damaged nails. Just like skin, nails need moisture.
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Apply cuticle oil daily, for heavy damages apply at least twice a day
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Use a nourishing hand cream after washing hands
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Avoid cutting cuticles - instead, gently push them back
- If you are exposed to harsh chemicals and dish washing, always apply cuticle oil after using them.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep a small cuticle oil pen in your handbag for easy application during the day.
3.Give Your Nails a Break
Let your nails breathe by avoiding polish, gel, or acrylics for a few weeks. This rest period allows natural repair and prevents further thinning.
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If you love color, switch to breathable nail polishes or press on nails for short time periods
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Always use a base coat to protect the nail surface
4. Strengthen From the Inside Out
Your diet directly impacts nail health. To promote faster healing and stronger nails, include:
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Biotin-rich foods: eggs, nuts, seeds, bananas
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Protein: fish, chicken, beans (nails are made of keratin, a protein)
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Iron & Zinc: leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, lentils
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Omega-3s: flaxseed, chia seeds, salmon
In Sri Lanka, common foods like gotukola, cashews, kurakkan, and fresh fish can be your nail superfoods.
5. Gentle Nail Care Habits
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File nails in one direction (not back and forth) to avoid splitting
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Avoid biting or peeling nails
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Wear gloves when cleaning or gardening
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Don’t use nails as tools especially if you have thin nails(to open cans, scratch off stickers, etc.)
Damaged nails can be frustrating, but with consistent care, healing is absolutely possible. By combining hydration, a nutrient-rich diet, and gentle nail habits, you can transform brittle, weak nails into strong, smooth, and beautiful ones.
At Cleopatra Ceylon, we always prioritise natural skincare. If you’re into holistic, natural ingredients, try our Cuticle Oil - made with 100% nourishing natural oils to keep your nails healthy, hydrated, and glowing the natural way. 🌿💅