How to Stop Nails from Curling Under? [Complete Guide]

Do you find it difficult to keep your nails from curling under at the sides? This common problem can be a source of frustration, as it’s often hard to figure out how to prevent it from happening.

In this blog post, we’ll share some tips on how to stop your nails from curling under and help them stay strong and healthy-looking.

What Are Our Nails Made From?

Our nails are primarily made of a specialized protein, also known as keratin. This is the same key protein found in our hair and skin.

However, nails are made with a tougher form of keratin that is harder and more durable.

This special keratin provides our nail plate with the strength and flexibility they need to resist breakage and chip away at other materials.

Our nails are also composed of water, lipids, and melanin, which gives them color. And last but not least, our bodies naturally produce a substance called “sebum” which helps keep our nails nourished and healthy. 

What Is Essential For Healthy Nail Growth?

Taking care of your nails is essential for healthy growth and a good look. If you want to make sure that your nails stay strong and healthy, you need to make sure that they get plenty of oxygen, blood, and the right type of nutrition.

Nails are composed of a hard material called keratin. To keep them strong, ensure that they get enough oxygen from your bloodstream.

As a lack of oxygen, can lead to the nail plate curling under and becoming weaker. Blood helps to carry oxygen to the area around the nails and helps to nourish them.

Nutrition is also essential for nail health. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables will help ensure that your nails get the nutrients they need to stay healthy.

Nutrients like zinc, calcium, and vitamin E are especially vital for nail health, as well as your body’s health overall.

Make sure to keep your nails clean and moisturized. A good moisturizer can help keep your nails strong and prevent them from breaking or cracking.

Use lukewarm water to clean your nails and avoid harsh soaps or detergents, as that’ll only end up stripping your nails.

By providing oxygen, blood, and the right type of nutrition, you can help ensure that your nails stay healthy and strong for as long as possible.

Which Factors Can Influence The Growth Of Our Finger Nails?

Our fingernails may seem like a simple feature, but when it comes to their growth, there are a number of factors that play a role in the process.

Genetics have a significant influence on the rate of growth and size of the nails, with differences in growth rate observed between individuals of different ages, genders, and ethnic backgrounds.

The rate of nail growth can vary between the fingers, with the index and middle fingers often growing faster than the other fingers.

Environment is another major factor influencing the growth of nails – exposure to sunlight, temperature, and humidity can all impact how quickly and how thickly nails grow.

For instance, warm temperatures are believed to stimulate nail growth, while cold temperatures can slow it down.

Diet is also an essential consideration when it comes to nail health and growth.

Having a lack of certain vitamins, minerals, and proteins can lead to weak and brittle nails which won’t be able to grow as quickly or as thickly as healthy nails.

Stress levels have been linked to slower nail growth – when our body is under stress, it is not able to devote as much energy to the process of nail growth, resulting in a slower process.

Our lifestyle choices can also have an impact on our nails; using harsh soaps or detergents on our hands can strip our nails of their natural oils, leaving them dry and brittle and thus more prone to breakage and slower growth.

Which Health Conditions Can Influence The Growth Of Our Fingernails?

It’s no surprise that our fingernails can serve as a telltale sign of our overall health. Fingernails are often an indicator of certain underlying health conditions, many of which can influence their growth and appearance.

While healthy nails tend to be smooth, curved slightly, and colored in the same hue, any sudden change in their shape, color, or texture can signal an underlying health issue.

For instance, an iron deficiency can cause nails to appear more pale than usual. 

Having a vitamin B8 deficiency can leave nails brittle, while a lack of Vitamin D causes them to become too soft.

Many skin conditions such as nail psoriasis and dermatitis can also affect the appearance of your nails, causing them to be discolored or misshapen.

Other medical conditions can also cause changes to the growth, or the appearance of your natural fingernails.

Skin disorders such as eczema and psoriatic arthritis can lead to pitting and ridges in the nail’s surface.

Thyroid problems often cause the nail beds to become slightly swollen and abnormally curved.

Even fungal infections can take their toll on your nails, causing them to become brittle, yellowed, and pitted in some cases.

When it comes to overall health and the appearance of our nails, it’s good to pay attention to any sudden changes and seek medical help if necessary.

Consulting a medical professional may reveal a deeper medical issue that you were unaware of, so don’t ignore any changes that you observe in your nails.

What Causes Our Fingernails To Not Grow Straight?

Our fingernails are not destined to grow straight, as there are several external and internal factors that can influence their shape.

Excessive moisture or humidity can cause them to bend and curve, as the nail is more pliable when wet.

Poor nutrition can also disrupt nail growth patterns as nutrients like calcium, zinc and vitamins A, C and B-complex are necessary for healthy nails.

Genetics may also play a role in how our nails develop; some people have naturally curved nails, while others have very straight ones.

Environmental factors such as overusing nail clippers or filing the edges of fingernails too often can affect their growth pattern.

Having an underlying medical condition like anemia or psoriasis can also contribute to the growth of curved nails.

Why Are My Nails Curling Under?

Nails curling under, also known as onychocryptosis or ingrown toenails, can have many different causes.

It can be caused by trimming your nails too short or not at all, wearing shoes that are too tight and press against the toenail, or an injury to the nail bed such as a cut or bruise.

Plus, genetics, fungal infection of the toenail (onychomycosis), poor hygiene around the feet and toes, and sometimes even psoriasis can cause your nail to curl under.

Other medical conditions such as diabetes and peripheral vascular disease may cause nails to curl under as well.

Certain nail-related treatments like acrylics and gel polish can contribute to this problem, especially if you have one of the aforementioned health conditions..

To prevent your nails from curling under, keep your nails and feet clean, wear well-fitted shoes, and avoid tight socks.

If you are experiencing a nail issue that persists despite proper care, it is best to seek medical advice from a professional.

They will be able to determine the cause of your curling nails and provide treatment options accordingly.

How to Stop Nails from Curling Under?

While a few people are born with naturally straight nails, most of us have to put in some extra effort to prevent our nails from curling under.

Thankfully, there are several ways to keep your nails looking great without spending a fortune.

One of the simplest ways to stop your nails from curling under is to keep them moisturized.

When the nails dry out, they start to curl and split, so make sure to apply a good moisturizer to your nails each day.

While coconut oil and aloe vera are often recommended, lotions with lanolin or beeswax are also great options.

Another great way to keep your nails from curling is to keep them short. Short nails tend to stay flat and don’t curl as easily as long nails.

When trimming your nails, make sure to cut them in a slightly curved shape. This allows the nail to fit more snugly against the nail bed and prevents it from doing the curling under.

Try investing in a few good quality nail care products. You can find many helpful tools at your local drug store, such as nail files, buffers, and cuticle cream. 

My favorite nail clippers are the Tweezerman Nail Clippers. I’ve tried endless different clippers, and whilst their tools are expensive, they’re very sharp, and thus, give a precise clip.

Why Do My Nails Curl Inwards On The Sides?

There are several reasons why your nails may curl inwards on the sides. The most common cause is that you have a fungal infection, often called Onychomycosis.

This fungal infection can be caused by exposure to moisture and warmth, such as swimming pools or hot tubs. It can also occur if you frequently wear tight shoes or gloves without proper ventilation.

If this is the case, then it you need to treat the condition with an antifungal medication prescribed by your doctor.

Injury or trauma can also lead to curling nails on the sides. If you’ve experienced any blunt force trauma to your nail bed.

Such as dropping something heavy on it or banging your hand against something hard, this can cause your nails to curl inwards.

This type of injury may also cause the nail to become thick and brittle, break easily, and have ridges running across it.

Treatment for injured nails includes keeping your injured hand elevated above your heart and applying ice packs to reduce swelling.

In some cases, the shape of your nails is simply a genetic trait that runs in families.

If you’ve noticed that other family members have similar curling nails on the sides, then this may be the case for you as well.

The only solution here is to keep them trimmed short and maintain good hygiene routines, such as washing and moisturizing your hands, cuticles and nails daily.

Certain medical conditions such as nail psoriasis or lichen planus can also lead to curved nails on the sides.

These conditions generally require medical treatment, so it is essential to see your doctor if you suspect this may be the case.

How To Get Your Nails To Grow Straight

If your nails are starting to curl under, there are several things you can do to help get your nails to grow straight.

1. Soak Your Nails: Before beginning any treatment, soak your nails in warm water for 10 minutes or so before beginning. This will soften the nail beds and cuticles and make them easier to work with.

2. File Regularly: Use an emery board or manicure file that is designed specifically for natural nails. Make sure it’s not too coarse; if it is, you could damage the nail surface. To keep your nails growing straight, use a light touch and file in one direction only (not back and forth, as this will weaken the nail).

3. Keep Your Cuticles Trimmed: Make sure you keep your cuticles well-trimmed to prevent them from pushing up against the nail and causing it to curl.

4. Moisturize Regularly: Keep your nails moisturized, as dryness can cause them to curl and break easily. To do this, use a nourishing nail oil or lotion with natural ingredients like vitamins E and A, aloe vera, jojoba oil, olive oil, or coconut oil. Apply this daily after washing your hands for best results.

5. Wear Hardening Nail Polish: Apply a hardening nail polish that is designed specifically for natural nails. This will help strengthen and protect your nails as they grow, allowing them to stay straight and strong, preventing the risk of ingrown nails.

Can Nails That Curl Under Lead To Ingrown Nails?

Yes, if the nail curls under and penetrates the skin or tissue surrounding it, an ingrown toenail can occur. This is especially likely to happen with thickened nails or when cut too short.

If you have a history of ingrown toenails, avoid cutting your nails too short and wear protective shoes that fit properly.

You need to keep your feet clean and dry as bacteria can cause infection which could lead to an ingrown toenails / ingrown nails.

If you notice any pain or redness around the nail, see a doctor or nail technician immediately for treatment.

Proper home nail care including cleaning and soaking your nails, may help prevent these issues from occurring.

Can Supplements Help To Stop Nails From Curling Under?

Yes, taking a supplement can help to prevent nails from curling under. Certain supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids and biotin are known to strengthen nail beds, which in turn helps keep nails from curling under.

Omega-3s are essential for healthy skin growth and cell regeneration, while biotin helps promote keratin production which is necessary for strong and healthy nails.

Taking in enough water daily will also help keep the skin hydrated and aid in preventing your nails from curling. As well as keeping your hands and cuticles healthy.

Try to minimize exposure of your hands to chemicals such as detergents or solvents that can dry out your skin and cause your nails to curl prematurely.

How To Prevent Spoon Nails?

Spoon nails, which are also known as Koilonychia, can be quite embarrassing and unsightly, often making people feel self-conscious.

However, they don’t have to be something that you have to live with. There are some simple ways to prevent spoon nails and having healthy nails.

The first tip is to keep your nails short. Longer nails can be more prone to developing spoon nails because they become weak and brittle.

Keeping your nails trimmed and filing them, with a good quality nail file or emery board, often can help to prevent them from becoming weaker.

Moisturize your nails often. This will keep your nails hydrated and less likely to break or crack. Applying a hand lotion, moisturizer or cuticle oil can help to nourish the nail bed.

Another great way to prevent spoon nails is to wear gloves when you’re performing any type of manual labor, cleaning, or garden work. Gloves help to protect the nails from getting damaged and breaking down.

Eat a healthy diet that is high in proteins, vitamins, and minerals. These essential nutrients help to keep the nails strong and healthy and can have a positive effect on preventing spoon nails. Eating foods like nuts, beans, and fish are all great sources of these vitamins and minerals.

Why Do Nails Start To Curl Once They Reach A Certain Length?

Have you ever wondered why your nails start to curl once they reach a certain length? Well, this is actually a very common occurrence and occurs due to a mechanism known as ‘Fostered Nail Curling’.

This mechanism is the result of the natural growth pattern of the nails and is caused by the balance of moisture and pressure that builds up in the nail as it grows.

The longer a nail becomes, the more pressure builds up inside and causes it to curl inwards. The degree to which it curls is determined by the type of nail and the amount of pressure and moisture that has built up within the nail.

This phenomenon also helps to keep the nails strong as they can fold in on themselves to absorb impact, protecting the tip of the nail and making it harder to break. Nail curling can vary from person to person, although most people experience some degree of curling once their nails reach a certain length.

 

Summary

Nails curling under can be a nuisance, but it is usually nothing to worry about. With proper care and a few lifestyle changes, you can help prevent them from occurring in the first place.

Supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids and biotin can also help to strengthen your nails, while avoiding harsh chemicals will reduce their chances of

curling prematurely.Spoon nails, on the other hand, can be prevented by keeping your nails short and filing them regularly, moisturizing your nail beds often, and wearing gloves when doing manual labor.

Eating a balanced diet high in proteins, vitamins and minerals is also key to maintaining healthy nails and preventing spoon nails from occurring in the first place.

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Makeup Muddle

Hi, my name is Gemma, and I’m the owner of MakeupMuddle.com. I’m a true beauty obsessive, and love writing about anything to do with beauty. In addition to Makeup Muddle, I also own GemmaEtc.com, and love sharing my thoughts and feelings about the greatest (and not so great) beauty products!