KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Biotin, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and vitamin A are among the top beauty nutrients for supporting healthy nails.**
- Keeping nails hydrated with oils like jojoba or vitamin E can help prevent splitting and breakage.
- Limiting water exposure, harsh salon treatments, and harsh chemicals supports stronger nails over time.
- Nails grow about 0.7 mm per week, and proper diet, hydration, and cuticle care may help support healthy nail growth.
- Strengthening and growth don’t happen overnight, but consistent habits make a meaningful difference.
- Adding Collagen Peptides to your routine may help support healthier hair, skin, and nails from within.**
**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
WANT STRONGER, HEALTHIER NAILS? HERE’S HOW TO STRENGTHEN THEM AND SUPPORT HEALTHY NAIL GROWTH.
If your nails feel brittle, thin, or prone to breaking, you’re not alone. Everything from frequent handwashing to regular gel manicures can weaken the nail bed over time. The good news is that with a few simple changes and the right daily habits, you can support stronger, smoother nails and even help support healthy nails. We tapped nail technicians, dermatologists, and podiatrists for their best tips. Ahead, find expert-backed answers to the most common nail-care questions.
WHAT VITAMINS HELP STRENGTHEN NAILS?
Stronger nails start with what you’re feeding your body. According to experts, these vitamins are the most important for healthy nails.**
- Biotin (Vitamin B7): Commonly associated with healthy-looking nails.
- Vitamin C: Essential for collagen formation and antioxidant protection.
- Vitamin E: Moisturizes nails and cuticles, supporting flexibility.
- Zinc: Supports normal nail appearance.
- Vitamin A: Supports normal nail texture and health.
Vital Proteins® offers several options to help support your daily nutritional needs, as well as providing collagen, which helps to support healthier hair, skin, and nails. The Beauty Edition features biotin, vitamin C, and other beauty-loving ingredients to help support strong nails from within.**
If you’re experiencing peeling or splitting, you may be low in one or more of these nutrients. Supporting your daily intake may help improve nail strength over time.**
**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
WHAT CAUSES NAILS TO SPLIT OR BECOME BRITTLE?
Nail splitting can be caused by both external habits and internal deficiencies. Factors associated with brittle‑looking nails may include:
Internal Factors
- Low levels of biotin
- Insufficient zinc intake
- Low vitamin A, C, or E
- Not getting enough protein
External Factors
- Excessive water exposure
- Harsh salon treatments (acrylics, gel, acetone)
- Picking at nails or using them as tools
- Dry, cold weather
- Frequent filing in both directions
Addressing both internal and external factors is key to stronger, healthier nails.
HOW CAN I STRENGTHEN MY NAILS NATURALLY
Achieving healthy nails doesn’t require an elaborate routine – even the smallest habits make a big difference. Experts recommend adapting daily care such as:
- Moisturize daily with vitamin E, jojoba, or olive oil
- Wear gloves when cleansing or washing dishes
- Choose gentle polish when painting your nails
- Keep the nails short during the strengthening phase
- File in one direction to prevent microtears
- Avoid harsh chemicals, gels and acrylics when possible
- Add a collagen supplement to support healthy nails from within**
Supporting nail strength from the inside out is equally important. Try adding Collagen Peptides to your diet by putting it in your morning coffee with Collagen Creamer. You can even put it in your smoothies or tea for an added boost of flavor.
CAN VASELINE® OR NAIL OILS HELP NAILS GROW?
While no topical product can speed up nail growth instantly, certain moisturizers can help keep nails healthier, which supports better growth over time. Helpful options include:
- Vitamin E oil
- Jojoba oil
- Olive oil
- Apricot kernel oil
- Petroleum jelly (Vaseline®) – acts as a moisture barrier
Regularly moisturizing the cuticle area is one of the simplest ways to help reduce the appearance of peeling and breakage.
HOW FAST DO NAILS GROW (AND CAN I MAKE THEM LOOK HEALTHIER AS THEY GROW?)
Dermatologists say fingernails grow about 0.7mm per week (or roughly 3mm a month), while toenails grow much more slowly. If a nail is lost, it can take up to 6 months to regrow a fingernail and about 12 months to regrow a toenail.
While you can’t change the natural rate of growth dramatically, you can support healthier growth that may make the process more efficient and effective long-term.
Daily habits that support nail health
- Eating a nutrient-rich diet.
- Supplementing collagen peptides supports healthy nail growth, like with Vital Proteins® Collagen Peptides**
- Drinking plenty of water.
- Moisturizing cuticles every day.
- Getting 7-9 hours of sleep.
- Avoiding picking or peeling nail polish.
- Not using nails as tools (such as to open things like packages).
Short-term routines that help the appearance of nails
- Lightly buffing the nails to stimulate circulation.
- Cleaning under nails to prevent debris-related irritation.
- Applying nourishing oils before bed.
- Wearing cotton gloves overnight for added moisture.
These habits will help the nails to break less, which is often the biggest barrier when it comes to “growing them out.”
WANT STRONGER, HEALTHER NAILS? SHOP BEAUTY-LOVING FAVORITES
**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.