How to Thicken Nails

Co-authored by Mia Rubie and Jessica Gibson

Last Updated: August 30, 2021 References

Thin, weak, and brittle nails are frustrating. You might be worried that they'll tear or split and it may be difficult to remove nail polish without staining them. To strengthen and thicken brittle or weak nails, start by protecting them from damage. Don't aggressively file them or soak them in water, for instance. Once you're sure that your nails won't split or peel, improve your nutrition and take nail supplements. Within a few months, you should enjoy thicker, stronger nails that don't crack or bend easily.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Protecting Your Nails

1
Use a gentle nail file when you shape your nails. Feel both sides of your nail file and use the finer, gentler side when you rub it against your nails. If you use the more abrasive side on your thin nails, you'll cause them to tear or peel.^{[1]
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- Never file your nails when they're wet since you can damage them.
Tip: If you want to make your nail file even gentler to use, rub the abrasive side against the abrasive side of another nail file a few times. This will smooth it a little so it's not as rough on your nails.
2
Don't file down the ridges of your nail plate. Your nail is made up of 30 microscopic layers, but filing down the top of your nail can remove 10% of the nail. This is why it's important to leave the ridges and top of your nail intact.^{[2]
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- Removing the top layer of your nail plate can weaken the nail, which will cause peeling and damage.
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3
Wear gloves if you'll be submerging your hands in water. When water soaks deep into your nails, it can cause the ends to split or crack, especially if your nails are already thin. Wear gloves when you'll be washing dishes or try to limit the amount of time you keep your fingers in water.^{[3]
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- For example, instead of soaking in the bathtub when you bathe, take a quick shower instead.
- You should also wear gloves to protect your nails when you dig or use cleaning supplies.
4
Use non-acetone nail polish remover to take polish off. When you're taking off your nail polish, dip a cotton ball or cotton bad in a non-acetone nail polish remover and wipe it over your nail. Non-acetone nail polish removers aren't as harsh as acetone nail polish removers, and they usually have moisturizing ingredients, such as glycerin or panthenol, which prevent your nails from drying and peeling.^{[4]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
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- Don't ever pick nail polish off of your nails since you'll also remove the top layer of the nail plate. This can thin your nails and take months to grow back.
5
Oil your nails to protect them from moisture damage. If you frequently get your nails wet or wash your hands a lot, spread cuticle or nail oil over your nails. Then, massage the oil into your fingernails so they absorb the oil. This helps create a barrier against water, which can cause your nails to split or crack.^{[5]
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Expert Source

Mia Rubie
Nail Artist
Expert Interview. 23 April 2020.}
- Completely wipe away nail oil before you apply nail polish or a nail strengthening product.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Strengthening Your Nails

1
Apply nail polish to add temporary thickness and strength. If you're looking to quickly thicken your weak nails, brush on at least 2 or 3 layers of nail polish. Remember to let the polish dry thoroughly between each coat. The nail polish acts like an additional layer that sits on top of your nail.^{[6]
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Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Don't leave your nail polish on for more than a week or two since it will begin to dry out your nails.
2
Brush a clear nail strengthening product on your nails every day. It will take time for your nails to become thicker, but nail strengthening products are designed to build up your nails over time. Most strengthening products contain the protein keratin, vitamins, and moisturizers that are great for your nails.^{[7]
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- Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Most products will advise you to apply a coat to your nails every day for a set amount of time. Then, you'll need to remove the product.
3
Take a nail supplement that contains vitamins and biotin. You can find supplements designed to strengthen and thicken nails at most grocery stores, pharmacies, and online. They usually contain biotin, vitamins A, D, E, and iron. A supplement is a great option if it's difficult to eat a diet that contains these nutrients.^{[8]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- It may take several weeks or months of taking the supplement before you notice a change in your nails.
- A collagen supplement may help strengthen your nails as well.^{[9]
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  Expert Source
  
  Mia Rubie
  Nail Artist
  Expert Interview. 23 April 2020.}
4
Eat healthy fats, protein, and calcium every day to strengthen your nails. Your nails might be thin or weak if you're not getting a balanced diet. Since nails are made of keratin, a type of protein, eating more protein can help thicken your nails. Healthy fats, such as omega 3s from nuts, and calcium are also important for strong, thick nails.^{[10]
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- Try eating chicken, turkey, lean red meat, seafood. If you're vegetarian, quinoa, nuts, and soy are good protein sources.
5
Give yourself time. Unfortunately, nails take about 6 months to fully grow out, so it will take several weeks or months before you notice any thickening of your nails. Stick with the changes that you're making, such as protecting your nails, taking a supplement, and eating a nutritious diet. Over time, your nails should become healthier and stronger.^{[11]
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Expert Q&A
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Question

How do you fix thin nails?

Mia Rubie
Nail Artist
Mia Rubie is a Nail Artist and the Owner of Sparkle San Francisco, a nail studio based in San Francisco, California. She has over eight years of nail artist and management experience and is known for her push-the-envelope designs and artistic eye for colors. Her clients include Sephora, Target, and Vogue. Her work has been featured in the San Francisco Chronicle and StyleCaster. She holds a BBA focusing on Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations from San Francisco State University. You can find her work on her Instagram account @superflynails.

Mia Rubie

Nail Artist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

You probably want to lay off of the acetone and abrasive chemicals for a while. Just give your nails time to recover naturally, since you may be drying your nails out with all of the products, polishes, and acrylic nails. If this isn't the case, talk to your doctor about taking a biotin or collagen supplement, which can help strengthen your nails.
Question

What can I put on my nails to protect them?

Mia Rubie
Nail Artist
Mia Rubie is a Nail Artist and the Owner of Sparkle San Francisco, a nail studio based in San Francisco, California. She has over eight years of nail artist and management experience and is known for her push-the-envelope designs and artistic eye for colors. Her clients include Sephora, Target, and Vogue. Her work has been featured in the San Francisco Chronicle and StyleCaster. She holds a BBA focusing on Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations from San Francisco State University. You can find her work on her Instagram account @superflynails.

Mia Rubie

Nail Artist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Apply a thin coat of oil to your nails to help protect them, especially if you wash your hands a lot or frequently put your hands in water. Massage the oil into your nails.