Over the decades, people have always looked for an easy way to strengthen the natural nail plate. Nails are made of protein called keratin, and a deficiency of protein can show up as soft, fragile, or brittle nails. Since gelatin is a form of protein, the logic is that the protein would help strengthen nails. It has never been proven in a controlled and scientific fashion that gelatin does anything to strengthen nails. Nails also contain no calcium so there is no rationale for taking calcium to strengthen nails. Several studies have been done with the vitamin biotin that showed some usefulness in making nails stronger.
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More FAQ
What is psoriasis?
What is psoriasis?... read more
What effect does cold weather have on the nails?
What effect does cold weather have on the nails?... read more
What causes grooved nails and how can I treat them?
What causes grooved nails and how can I treat them?... read more
What causes fungal infections and how should I treat them?
What causes fungal infections and how should I treat them?... read more
What are green nails and how do I treat them?
What are green nails and how do I treat them?... read more
My client's nails are constantly lifting away from the nail bed. What causes this? How can it be treated?
My client's nails are constantly lifting away from the nail bed. What causes this? How can it be treated?... read more
My client often has white spots on her nails. What causes this?
My client often has white spots on her nails. What causes this?... read more
Is wearing artificial nails safe?
Is wearing artificial nails safe?... read more
I have a client with brittle nails. What causes this and what should I do about it?
I have a client with brittle nails. What causes this and what should I do about it?... read more
I have a client who recently began having an allergic reaction after her salon visits. What could be causing this?
I have a client who recently began having an allergic reaction after her salon visits. What could be causing this?... read more
I have an elderly client with fungus on one foot only. Is that normal?
I have a client who is an elderly gentleman. On his right foot all his toenails are perfect and on the left foot all the toenails have fungus. I have never seen this. Usually I see fungus on the big toe or on a few toes per foot. I was wondering what you thought of this.... read more
One of my clients has deep indentations in her nails. Should I refer her to a doctor?
One of my clients has deep indentations in her nails. She never gets artificial nails — just manicures. She told me she has a bit of arthritis. What may have caused these deep indentations? Should I refer her to a doctor?... read more