YouTuber Loey Lane Has Built an Empowering Brand By Calling Out Body-Shamers

Jan 17, 2018

Every Body celebrates inclusivity and the representation of human beings in every shape and form.

Thanks to the wonders of YouTube, we have been introduced to a wealth of inspiring plus-size vloggers, and one of our favorites is Loey Lane. She’s incredibly funny and sarcastic but, most of all, throughout the hundreds of videos she has posted on her channel, Lane is always super encouraging. Her number-one goal? To have each of her viewers love their body as it is.

It seems like a simple enough task, but for this 24-year-old YouTube star, being self-confident was not always something that came easy. As a proudly self-proclaimed “fat girl,” Lane has endured plenty of cruelty and criticism for simply having the body she has — a reality that she courageously broadcasts in her videos. Lane tells Brit + Co that she feels passionate in her belief that it’s not just realistic but necessary that diverse bodies like hers are showcased online. She also wants body-shamers out there to know that their words hurt, and aren’t okay.

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Take, for instance, a video from July 2017 titled “Fat Girl Summer Dress Code,” which detailed various items of summer clothing that people in plus-size bodies like Lane’s are told they “can’t” wear: crop tops, shorts, a sports bra as a workout top, and so on. As she’s sarcastically explaining to her viewers why each item shouldn’t be worn by “fat girls,” Lane’s video displays images of plus-size women completely slaying each respective look.

Lane’s videos are lighthearted in tone, but what they aim to address is much more serious. As Lane tells us, it’s been important for her to make these videos because “not all of us are as strong to withstand the hate directed at us. Everyone should be able to not feel guilty for being themselves, so I want to build other people up.”

When she’s not taking down the haters, some of Lane’s most popular videos are her horror storytime videos. As a fan of all things spooky and creepy, Lane grew up in a house that, as she explains to Brit + Co, had a lot of “supernatural energy”

“I love storytelling and given my history, I want to share that with the world,” she says.

In fact, the popularity of her scary videos inspired Lane to write her very own book, Haunted in Hollywood: The Adventures of Loey Lane, which is being released May 1.

In the meantime, Lane plans to continue focusing her work on combatting the negative energy behind comment section haters and IRL body-shamers. “I want others to build up other people more,” she says. “That is so important.”

The Best 'Hot Ones' Episodes To Binge When You're Feeling Spicy

“Hot Ones: it’s the show with hot questions, and even hotter wings.” It's the mantra for the best online interview series, hosted by First We Feast. Hot Ones is a slightly different – and dare I say devilish – interview show, and has become *pretty* iconic in the realm of great web series. The episodes always bring the humor, plus host Sean’ Evans' interviewing skills are impressively unmatched.

Evans comes in hot AF on his guests with deep-dive questions as they move through the interview eating hot wings of varying spice levels. The stakes rise higher as they scale the Scovilles and interview questions amp up, a combo which usually unravels guests (unless you’re Lorde) in a super comedic fashion.

Though I wouldn’t wish the Hot Ones spice challenge upon myself (or anyone I care about) it makes for a unique concept that I can’t help but keep coming back to. Seeing your favorite celebrities reveal their authentic selves in an interview while ingesting insane amounts of spice is always a fun time.

If you're new to Hot Ones or may have missed some of the standout moments from the 400 episode-long series, I handpicked a few of the best episodes to give you a boost of humor this week. Check out our faves below, and keep an eye out for more awesome celeb guests coming this year!

Amelia Dimoldenberg

The queen of chicken herself, Chicken Shop Date host Amelia Dimoldenberg, appeared on this week's episode of Hot Ones and we can't get enough! Right off the bat, Sean calls her his "chicken-fueled talk show host, sister in arms" which was so funny, I had to rewind. They talk about how she interacts with her own guests, surprising props, and her iconic red carpet interviews. In her signature chaos, Amelia breaks out a portable fan to try and cool her tongue, but she actually does remarkably well compared to the tears and freak outs we've seen before!

*NSYNC

Justin Timberlake, Chris Kirkpatrick, JC Chasez, Lance Bass, and Joey Fatone, AKA *NSYNC stepped up to the Hot Ones challenge, beating the record for most wings on the table before they even took their first bite. In this episode, they talk about the making of their new single, “Better Place,” what it’s like to be in a boyband (although now, they’re more of a manband), crazy fan experience, and the infamous Star Wars casting rumors.

Sean and the boys struggle hilariously through the last of the hot sauces, but the crew still manages to answer all of the questions. Whether you were a die-hard fan of *NSYNC or only caught the tail-end of their Y2K run, you just can’t miss this monumental episode of Hot Ones.

Gwyneth Paltrow

Award-winning actor, best-selling cookbook author, and the founder and CEO of Goop, Gwyneth Paltrow, wasn't too enthused about the hot sauce-drenched wings in front of her when she first sat down at the Hot Ones table.

"I am full of regret," she says at the start. "I can't believe I'm here... I like hot sauce, I like spicy, but I don't think I'm equipped to be here." LOL, same! That's exactly what we'd say if we were on Hot Ones.

Though she hesitantly approaches the wing line-up throughout the interview, Gwyneth offers thoughtful insights on running a business, dishes on behind-the-scenes deets from her film work, and even reveals a best-kept secret cocktail recipe from the Paltrow family! This interview is totally worth watching to the end – Sean and Gwyneth team up for a hilarious post-show segment.

Jennifer Lawrence

J Law enters the Hot Ones ring looking iconic and glowy AF. The beaming look she begins with slowly turns to a glistening sweat, though, as she wades her way through the sauce lineup. The anecdotes she gives about her career throughout the interview (that watches more like a playful conversation between good friends) all testify to her commitment to acting. For example, she’s coughed up her swallowed nose ring on set *right* in front of Leo DiCaprio, and has torn her literal diaphragm while filming Mother. She’s increasingly “a little hurt” by the Hot Ones spice, but a little turns into a lot once Sean leads her to Da Bomb Beyond Insanity. We’re constantly amazed by Jennifer’s previous projects (like Silver Lining’s Playbook, The Hunger Games, and American Hustle), but feel just a tad curious about her Chili Pizza Sandwich concoction.

Rosalía

Rosalía states that she’s not really a hot sauce person before her Hot Ones interview starts, and as the spice grows, she discovers the “disturbing” nature of the show. The singer-songwriter’s energy is delightful and silly in general, so seeing her be herself while eating hot AF wings is just as fun in this episode. She runs through an entertaining anecdote about her time being a singer-for-hire in Barcelona, her favorite emotion-inducing instruments, and teaches us how to describe devilishly hot and spicy food in Spanish.

Megan Thee Stallion

Whatever Megan Thee Stallion does, I truly support and love her. She's a model, singer, rapper, fashion and beauty icon, and comedian rolled into one stunning and talented women. She always keeps it real, especially on her 2021 episode of Hot Ones. While literally indulging in some hot girl sh*t with the show's spice-filled sauce lineup, Megan carries on an engaging conversation about her love of anime, the top sonic influences to her music style, and music video behind-the-scenes. The moments where she's falling apart from the spice and needs to reel things back in are the funniest.

Paul Rudd

If you were anywhere on the internet when Paul Rudd's Hot Ones episode came out, you obviously know the iconic "hey, look at us" line that was meme'd for seemingly forever. Aside from relishing in those few seconds, and watching Paul be the super handsome actor, writer, producer and heartthrob he is, Sean leads a conversation that makes the episode barely an interview. It carries out so naturally, and the video feels like him and Paul are just two best pals hanging out. By the end, they pretty much are besties. The best moment from Paul Rudd's episode falls at the end of the video – watch the last minute, hot sauce-induced improv acting challenge play out above.

Lizzo

Musician, rapper, beauty queen, Instagram icon, and Yitty CEO Lizzo hopped on Hot Ones last summer to chat all things music theory, red carpet fashion and career starts. Among insightful responses about how formal music training shaped her budding career, and talk about the cities with the best music scenes, Sean pops off with a mega-throwback Lizzo fact. His hardcore interview research often surprises guests, and Lizzo's case is no exception. Watch as Sean throws Nardwuar-like interview knowledge at Lizzo about her first years as an underground rapper, and how well she excitedly receives it.

Viola Davis

Acting and producing powerhouse Viola Davis delivered some truly unfiltered reactions to the Hot Ones sauce lineup. Between gracefully answered questions about her background in theater, and what goes into making a movie like The Woman King, Viola's responses to the spice just adds so much magic to the already amazing interview. She starts getting scared around the 69,000 Scoville mark, so the fact that she kept composure that far in to the episode is amazing. The best quote from Viola from this series? "My lips are burning off... and I've got some lips."

Midsommar and A Good Person actress Florence Pugh is scared of the hot sauce lineup from the start of her episode. Shockingly, she powers through the Scovilles with only a trace of her initial hesitance. Her sweat-filled episode first dives into the real behind-the-scenes of eating on camera with a hilarious Flo anecdote from the set of Hawkeye – she got to eat mac n cheese all day at work, which is a true dream of ours. Just have to LOL. Flo throws out recipe pairing ideas for each hot sauce she and Sean enjoy down the line, which shows her chef’s headspace, a la Cooking With Flo. This 2023 episode leaves her in legit tears and sweat.. But we’d be in the same exact state after all that!

Gordon Ramsey

For maybe the most highly anticipated Hot Ones round, multi-Michelin star holder and restauranteur Gordon Ramsay stepped up to the sauces. Of course he had to harshly critique the Hot Ones wings themselves, and with the spiciest sauces they're coated in. The episode is full of snarky banter between Gordon and Sean, and of course, a healthy amount of spice-retaliating profanity. Jokes aside, the fact that you can tell each of them is having an absolute ball in the interview is my favorite part. But, the segment where Sean makes scrambled eggs for Gordon is pretty funny, too.

Mille Bobby Brown

Millie Bobby Brown of Stranger Things and Enola Holmes joined Hot Ones in 2022 for a pretty panic-filled episode. She was smooth sailing until the duo chowed down on the Da Domb hot sauce about halfway through the interview. From then on, it was pure melodrama and pain. Millie thought she had it at the beginning, when she makes a stab at Tom Holland's Hot Ones performance, but it subsequently all crumbles under her, and the irony is hilarious.

Emma Chamberlain

Miss Emma Chamberlain approaches the beginning of her Hot Ones episode with the utmost confidence, and the chemistry she has with Sean throughout the episode makes for a charming watch. Sean's questions explore the range outside of Emma's YouTube career (though their discussion about editing styles is pretty neat), tapping into coffee nerd moments from her brand Chamberlain Coffee, exploring her famous Architectural Digest home renovations, and even chatting about homemade nut milk. Emma slowly ends up in tears due to the Scoville spices and resorts to praying to the ghosts of Hot Ones guests past, but she rocked the challenge either way.

Khloe Kardashian

Khloe K prefaces her Hot Ones visit by admitting that she doesn't eat chicken or hot sauce, which gives the impression that she probably won't be able to handle the heat with ease. The episode quickly proves that assumption wrong, and she goes all the way without reasonable struggle. Sean talks with Khloe about the behind-the-scenes workings of reality TV and her perspectives on lifelong fame, which made the episode a really eye-opening experience for me. It's entertaining to watch Khloe succumb to the spice, because we don't usually see the more authentic side of a highly-tailored personality like hers. You can tell Sean wants to learn a lot in his interviews, and in Khloe's case, he gets curious about self-care, and hilariously whips out a notepad to take notes on her coveted skincare advice.

Agree with our picks for the best Hot Ones episodes? Get more spicy entertainment takes directly to your inbox when you sign up for our newsletter!

This post has been updated.

George And Amal Clooney's Courtship Included...Letters From His Dog?

George and Amal Clooney are one of the celebrity couples I’d personally be upset over if they ever break up. Like...my heart just wouldn’t be able to handle it because their love story is one for the books — not to mention all the power couple fashion moments we'd miss out on!

I was introduced to George Clooney’s work via Quentin Tarantino’s movieFrom Dusk ‘Til Dawn (thanks, dad) and have always found him to be a force of nature, but I didn’t take him for the ‘settling down’ type. Imagine my surprise when the man who once claimed he’d never get married eventually found himself smitten with Amal Alamuddin, an intelligent Human Rights Lawyer.

Since their fateful first meeting at George’s home years ago, the two have gone on to get married, have children, and even established the Clooney Foundation for Justice together. If you can’t get enough of their relationship either, here’s a full timeline of their love story!

George and Amal Clooney's Full Relationship Timeline

Image via Andrew Goodman/Getty Images for Celebrity Fight Night

July 2013: George And Amal Clooney’s First Introduction

In 2018, George sat down with David Letterman on My Next Guest Needs No Introduction to recount various moments from his life, including when he first met Amal. He remembers being at home at Lake Como when one of his friends asked if they could bring a plus one with them.

To make things even wilder, his own agent let him know his bachelor days would soon be over. “I got a call from my agent who called and said, ‘I met this woman who’s coming to your house who you’re gonna marry,’” he said.

Once he met Amal and began talking to her, it was apparent they had chemistry that resulted in them exchanging emails. George told The Hollywood Reporter, “I thought she was beautiful, and I thought she was funny and obviously smart…Then she sent some pictures from when she was here, and we were writing each other, emailing, talking, mostly about what was going on in each other’s lives, and over a period of time it became clear we were more than just friends.”

I’m being dramatic, but I think this dispels the idea that it’s impossible to find love if you don’t leave home.

Image via Cindy Ord/Getty Images

October 2013: George and Amal Have Their First Date

George also told The Hollywood Reporter about how their first official date came to be. He was in London overseeing the music for Monuments Men and decided to invite Amal for a visit. “Then we went for dinner…and when we came out, there were 50 paparazzi there. But she handled it like a champ. And pretty quickly, things escalated once I was in London,” he said

While they dated and got to know each other, they told CBS that they wrote each other letters. While they described that courtship, Amal added that some of the letters George wrote to her came from...his dog? Talk about bringing someone into your inner world! TBH, I'm more than here for it — let your sweet, goofy flag fly, George!

Image via Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Turner

April 2014: George and Amal Get Engaged

I always say there’s no denying when you’ve fallen in love with someone, and that couldn’t be more true for George and Amal Clooney who got engaged after six months of dating. Seriously, the way George proposed is something out of a romantic fairytale because he planned it. Not only that, but he cooked for her and sent her on a short scavenger hunt — except she didn’t know she was supposed to be looking for a ring.

He revealed even more details about the moment during his interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “I did all the stuff, got down on my knee and did all the things you’re supposed to do. I had a playlist with my Rosemary [Clooney] songs on it, and I was waiting for this song, ‘Why Shouldn’t I,’” he said.

Needless to say, Amal happily accepted his proposal! Ironically,I’m starting to realize there’s not always a set timeline for people to get engaged or married after dating. Some people only date for a few months while others date for years before deciding to get married. It’s all very personal.

Image via Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for BFI

September 2014: George And Amal Clooney Get Married

It wouldn’t be right if the couple didn’t get married in Italy, the country where they first met. Of course they were free to get married wherever they wanted, but leave it to the Clooneys to keep the romance going.

People reported the lovely couple wed at the Aman Canal Grande resort and guests like Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, and John Krasinski were in attendance.

Image via Jason Merritt/Getty Images

January 2015: George and Amal Grace the Red Carpet Together

For the first time ever, George and Amal Clooney made an appearance on the red carpet at the beginning of 2015. They attended the Golden Globes together where George received the famed lifetime achievement award.

Towards the end of his speech, George praised Amal in only a way that a man truly in love with his wife could. He said, "You make every single day — every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday — feel as special as tonight..."

Image via Duncan McGlynn/Getty Images

Late 2016: George and Amal Found the Clooney Foundation for Justice

By 2016, George and Amal Clooney decided to found the Clooney Foundation for Justice — an organization that aims to shed light around social injustices found across the globe. They've prioritized spending their own money to help those in need without a second thought and have even donated to the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Image via Clemens Bilan/Getty Images

February 2017: PEOPLE confirms George and Amal are expecting twins

Almost three years after getting married, a source close to George and Amal Clooney revealed the two were expecting a baby together. They told People, "They’re all very happy," referring to the couple's family.

George later revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that he was shocked when he discovered the couple would actually become parents to twins. He recalled their experience in the ultrasound room. "He goes, 'Well, there's one.' And I said, 'Great.' And then he goes, 'And there's the second one.' And I was like, 'What?' We just sat there, staring at that piece of paper they give you, and I kept thinking there was a mistake," he said of the exchange between the doctor and the couple.

Image via Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

June 2017: George and Amal Clooney Welcome Their Twins

People also reported the birth of George and Amal Clooney's twins — Alexander and Ella — during the summer of 2017. "This morning Amal and George welcomed Ella and Alexander Clooney into their lives. Ella, Alexander and Amal are all healthy, happy and doing fine. George is sedated and should recover in a few days," they revealed in lighthearted joint statement.

September 2017: George and Amal Clooney Make Their First Appearance After Becoming Parents

Later that year, George and Amal Clooney graced the red carpet at the Venice Film Festival in support of George's film Suburbicon. George — an ever dapper gentleman — wore a classic black tuxedo while Amal wore a lilac Versace gown.

Image via Gareth Fuller - WPA Pool/Getty Images

May 2018: George and Amal attend Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding

Things were quiet for the couple until the spring of 2018. They attended Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's highly publicized wedding. They were just a few of the celebrities that were seen in the crowd.

Image via Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

February 2022: George and Amal accept the Catalyst Award together

A couple of years later, George and Amal Clooney were the proud recipients of the joint Catalyst Award from the Elevate Prize Foundation. The amazing work they'd been doing in connection with the Clooney Foundation for Justice hadn't gone unnoticed and they were praised for their amazing philanthropic work.

While accepting the award, George gave a moving speech about their foundation's purpose. "One of the Elevate Prize Foundation's core values is human safety and freedom...Our goal at the foundation is to free the innocent and punish the guilty. I think we're both inspired by the young people out there challenging injustice in their communities, a new generation that won't accept the status quo," he said.

Image via Joe Maher/Getty Images

September 2022: George and Amal attend London premiere of Ticket to Paradise

The couple then attended the London premiere of Ticket to Paradise where they looked refreshed and glowy. This is my attempt to be appropriate, but they truly looked smoking h-o-t!This time George wore a three-piece suit while Amal stunned in beautiful slip dress.

Image via Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images

October 17, 2022: George and Amal attend Ticket to Paradise Los Angeles premiere

They then attended the L.A. premiere of Ticket to Paradise where George looked debonair in a grey suit. Amal wore a gorgeous Alexander McQueen number that was an appropriate nod to the film's paradise theme.

Image via Mike Coppola/Getty Images

December 3, 2022: George and Amal Attend The Kennedy Center Honors

George and Amal Clooney attended the Kennedy Center Honors where he, along with honorees, received a nod for lifetime achievements. They were a picture of perfection on the red carpet, especially Amal. She dazzled in a lovely Valentino gown that looked amazing on her frame.

Image via Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

August 31, 2023: The Couple Attend The DVF Awards in Venice

While attending the DVF Awards in Venice, Amal received the DVF Leadership Award. During her acceptance speech, Amal thanked George for being by her side. People reports she said, "Venice is the place where almost nine years ago we were married. I just wanted to say, you, my love, like this city, take my breath away, and you make our lives magical. It is sometimes hard to believe you exist, so thank you for being the brightest light in my life.”

September 28, 2023: George and Amal host The Albies

Before the end of 2023, People reported George and Amal Clooney hosted their foundation's second annual Albies at the New York Public Library to continue highlighting the importance of securing human rights for all.

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Header image via Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

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Get Fit Anywhere with These Free YouTube Resistance Band Workouts

When you're looking to refresh your workout at home, there are tons of YouTube workout videos to choose from, ranging from super easy to hardcore HIIT. Since they’re free, these videos are an awesome resource for trying out new exercises and switching up your workout routine. You may have seen resistance bands at the gym or received a new set during the holidays and wondered how you’re actually supposed to use them. Lucky for you, the world of YouTube workout videos is to help! Most of these workouts are short, meaning they’re easy to fit into your jam-packed sched. If you want to get a longer workout in, tack one of these onto the end of a run, or group a few videos from one of these channels together! Arm yourself with a yoga mat and a band, and you’re set to get your sweat on.

Not only are resistance bands a convenient option for working out at home, they’re also one of the best options for both travel and small space workouts, since they’re ultra-light and compact. Another perk? They’re crazy cheap and can be ordered online for under $15 (sometimes even less!). Seems like a small price to pay for being able to work out literally anywhere, right?

Shop These!

Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands, Set of 5

Resistance Bands for Working Out With Handles

Resistance Bands Strength Training Starter Set

MONDAY

The BEST Band Workout

Start the week off right with this short but surprisingly sweat-inducing workout from the Tone It Up girls. Trainers Karena and Katrina have a cult following, and after doing a few of their YouTube workouts, we totally understand why. They’re super encouraging and engaging, and everything from their music to their attitude is fun and positive. Give this full-body workout a try and you’ll barely notice the 14 minutes fly by. (via Tone It Up)

TUESDAY

30-MIN INTENSE MINI BAND WORKOUT

Okay Tuesday, time to up the intensity. This full-body workout focuses on completing as many reps as you can in 50 seconds. @growingwithannanas provides a good vibes workout with energetic music and easy instruction.

WEDNESDAY

Full Body Mini RESISTANCE BAND Workout

Trainer Heather Robertson starts you off with lower body exercises using a mini band, then upper body and then finishes things off with ab exercises for a total body workout that feels amazing.

THURSDAY

15-Minute RESISTANCE BAND WORKOUT

On a time crunch? Sculpt and strengthen your body in this 15-min workout using a light to medium resistance band with handles. Trainer Mikala takes you through 45-second intervals to breeze through this full-body workout.

FRIDAY

Tighten & Tone Your Abs With a Resistance Band

In this workout, trainer Katia Pryce uses a handle-less resistance band to make your abs hurt so good. Don’t let the fact that you get to lay down for most of this workout fool you; this is a tough one, but Pryce does an amazing job of talking you through each move. Get ready for the soreness you’ll feel tomorrow. (via CosmoBody)

SATURDAY

Full Body Resistance Band Workout

This video is a full 30 minutes and you will feel the burn. We especially love the short cardio burst at the end of this workout, which really gets your heart rate up and ends the sweat sesh on a high note. (via GymRa)

SUNDAY

Thigh Trimmer & Butt Lifter Workout

You’ll need a few different circular bands to complete this workout from Cassey Ho of Blogilates, but the targeted toning you get in return is totally worth the minimal investment. Cassey is also fun and encouraging, which is probably why she has over 3 million subscribers on YouTube! (via Blogilates)

MIX IT UP

Resistance Band Arms & Abs Workout

Work your upper body and core with this 12-minute video that takes you from standing moves to planks and then to a floor abs series. We love that this channel also offers printables of their workouts, so you can do them without watching the video once you get the hang of the moves. (via The Live Fit Girl)

10-Minute Travel Resistance Band Workout

This workout from PopSugar Fitness and Fit Chicks Michelle Lovitt and Angie Akers utilizes super compact bow-tie bands, making it ideal for travel (or tiny apartments!) Be warned: The triceps series is absolutely killer, but you’ll feel strong and accomplished when you’re done. (via PopSugar Fitness)

Short Full Body Workout With Resistance Bands

No bands? No problem. Natalie Jill constructed all the moves in this video so that you can do them with or without resistance bands. Go ahead and add them in for a little extra intensity, but these exercises will have an impact no matter what. We also love that she explains how to use different types of bands for the same result, meaning you can adapt whichever kind you have to her workout. (via Natalie Jill Fitness)

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

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Desperate For Long Nails? How To Finally Make Your Nails Grow Faster

Nails breaking constantly? Wishing you didn't have to rely on tips at the salon? Desperate for that long nail look? You’re not alone. Despite it being used as an annoying and vapid phrase women would say in TV shows, breaking a nail is very painful and can ruin a (usually expensive) manicure. But don’t fret — we’ve rounded up five simple ways to get your nails to grow longer and stronger.

What causes weak fingernails?

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

But first, what causes unhealthy, brittle, breakable nails? A lot of factors that may not instantly come to mind. According to WebMD, these factors can contribute to weak nails:

Aging: As we get older, our nails get thinner and can crack or peel.
Harsh nail products: Both nail polish and nail polish remover can have strong chemicals that can damage and dry out your nails, leading them to break.
Wet nails: Consistently have your hands in water, maybe doing the dishes or bathtime for the kids? This could be drying out your nails.
Underlying health issues: Vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, and many other health issues could be the cause of nails breaking.

How can I strengthen my nails?

Photo by Karolina Grabowska/PEXELS

Dealing with some of these factors? While we can’t help you with the underlying health issues (please see a doctor if you think you may be dealing with something!), there are many easy things you can do to improve your nails and encourage growth.

Cuticle oil
Biotin
Diet
Nail protection
Avoid picking and peeling

Here's why each factor is important, plus how you can go about successfully achieving them.

Find a Cuticle Oil

You may only use cuticle oil when your manicurist applies it, but that doesn't have to be the case. Cuticle oils are an inexpensive and easy way to promote nail health and growth by keeping your nails hydrated. Cosmetically, cuticle oils encourage longer-lasting manis and leave your nails looking shiny and polished. But they do much more below the surface: cuticle oils create a healthier environment that allows strong growth for your nails.

Interested in adding cuticle oil to your beauty routine? Check our a few of my faves:

Photo via Cora Pursley/Dupe

Explore Biotin

Biotin is an important type of B vitamin that helps our bodies turn food into energy. It’s also one of the top recommended supplements for hair and nail growth, and for good reason. Many scientists say a daily biotin supplement can improve nail strength in as little as a few weeks.

“Since it is water soluble, biotin (or vitamin B7) can’t be stored in the body and must be acquired from diet or through supplementation,” shared Rachel Kilroy, Director of Product Innovation at Solaray, the original pioneers in supplement health and wellness. Solaray has developed a new supplement that provides biotin in a unique way.

“Solaray’s Timed Release Biotin strategically supports nail health with a powerful 5,000 mcg of this important nutrient, delivering half of the biotin rapidly and the other half gradually over a period of up to 8 hours for sustained support,” Kilroy continued. “With consistent use, this vegan formula—lab verified for purity and potency—can provide comprehensive support for longer, stronger nails.”

Supplements not your thing? Biotin can be found naturally in many foods, like cooked eggs, whole grains, soy and other beans, nuts and nut butters, salmon, mushrooms, and cauliflower.

Photo via Daniella Cappellari/Dupe

Eat A Nail Friendly Diet

Nails require a balanced, healthy diet for proper growth and strength. According to Medical News Today, making small tweaks to your diet can make a big impact on your nails. Adding in nutrients like more iron or calcium in your diet will have your nails growing long and strong.

Dieticians recommend a colorful diet for nail growth consisting of colorful fruits and veggies, nuts, seeds, eggs, lean meat, avocado, sweet potato, and whole grains.

Photo via Sash Gabriel/Dupe

Protect Your Nails While Wet

Constantly doing dishes, managing bath time, gardening, or swimming? The water may be the cause of your breakage.

Your nails are like sponges, constantly expanding and contracting when water goes in or out of the nail cells. This can strain your nails, causing them to weaken, peel, and then break.

When possible, grab a pair of rubber gloves to wear while cleaning to protect your nails from the water and make sure to fully dry your nails after they’re in water. Hand creams are also a win for your nails after water exposure.

Avoid Picking, Peeling or Biting

Bad habits that are addicting. While peeling off your gel manicure can be so satisfying, it’s one of the worst things you can do for your nails. Same with constantly picking or biting your nails. As someone who used to constantly bite her nails down, I can assure you my nails are much healthier and stronger after kicking that habit.

Want to quit that habit? Try a nail bite deterrent, like this one from ella+mia or this one from LONDONTOWN and watch your nails grow before your eyes.

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Yulin Kuang’s Debut Novel “How To End A Love Story” Is Summer's Hottest Book Club Pick

I've got a thing for Reese Witherspoon's book club which is why I couldn't wait to get my hands on Yulin Kuang's debut novel How to End a Love Story. Chosen as Reese's Book Club's May Pick, it features a romance that almost shouldn't make sense. I mean, when's the last time you realized you trauma bonded with someone? Except Helen Zhang and Grant Shepard's character arcs as well as the entire plot of How to End a Love Story doesn't even feel like that.

Instead, Yulin uncannily peels back the layers of what it means to be a layered human being who happens to be carrying trauma, talent, success, imposter syndrome, and burning desire in their hearts. Even that doesn't scratch the surface of who Helen and Grant are. Trying to capture their essence feels like I'm stumbling over my words which points to how great this novel is and that means Yulin's goal has been accomplished.

Though she loves perfectly executed rom-coms and is fortunate to be working on them in the filmmaking space, she doesn't consider How to End a Love Story as one. "...I was searching for something more aligned with the Brontë sensibility of romance in the writing of this book. Less warmth and charm, more id-level storytelling and unchecked carnal desire," she explains.

Yulin Kuang's Journey To "How To End A Love Story"

Image via Zach Wallnau

Some people seem to be born knowing they're destined to right, but some of us stumble into it and realize, "Hey, I'm pretty good at this." For Yulin, her journey to her debut novel How to End a Love Story takes the latter route. Her first dream, you make ask? To be an Olympic figure skater.

"...that didn't pan out so I turned to storytelling," Yulin admits. That pivot led her to set her sights on becoming an author as she began honing her creative writing skills via your classic marble composition notebooks. If you're still wondering if she kept some of them, the answer is yes!

The screenwriter and author then found herself drawn to other aspects of writing and film. She says, "I eventually fell in love with screenwriting and directing while in undergrad at Carnegie Mellon, and I spent my first decade post-grad concentrating on my filmmaking career."

Yulin Kuang's Approach To Filmmaking

It's a reason why her hard work and the stars aligned for her to adapt Emily Henry's Beach Read and People We Meet on Vacation.

When I ask what helps her approach the book-to-film trajectory, she credits writing fan fiction. This feels similar to Christina Lauren's own experience, further proving that fan fiction deserves the utmost praise for helping some of the best literary and film minds who ultimately birth what I could only describe as masterpieces.

Yulin says, "Fan fiction is where I first learned you could play with characters originated by someone else to discover what you’d make them do in your own version." Although it would be easy for anyone to snap their fingers and have their first pitches accepted by everyone, she learned to lean on what writing fan fiction taught her.

"Early in my career, I would pitch on book-to-film adaptations and I’d be like, 'Change nothing, just shoot the book!' And I wouldn’t get those jobs, because I didn’t have a clear “take” and because you can’t actually just shoot a book – adaptation is an art form unto itself. So onceI started approaching adaptation with more of a fan fiction mindset – 'What is my take on these characters and this world?' – that helped me approach the book-to-screen trajectory more successfully," she proudly says.

However, this doesn't mean she never questioned if she could still find ways to create new ideas. "...in 2021, at a time when everything else I was working on was an adaptation, I found myself wondering if I had anything original left within me," she remembers.

It's natural for creatives to experience moments of doubt, but Yulin has been able to turn the tide and discover untapped ideas in her mind. Just don't expect her to set her own expectations about any adaptations she's working on.

She says, "Know that I am an avid reader of romance and a frequent consumer of this genre across mediums, and I will be bringing everything I know going into these adaptations. But more specifically to Beach Read, which I have more creative ownership over as the writer/director."

How Yulin Kuang Relates To Her Main Characters In "How To End A Love Story"

And since How to End a Love Story is truly Yulin's own creative body of work, it makes sense that main characters Helen and Grant have pieces of her personality as well as her characteristics.

"I gave Helen all my hopes and insecurities from high school and gave her the alternate universe path where I had pursued publishing instead of Hollywood. I examined what might have happened if I’d grown into certain qualities I’ve actively tried to grow away from," she says of Helen Zhang.

Right away, readers get the sense that Helen is a whip-smart and hardworking, but her penchant for being cautious about her success also peeks through. Though she's written highly successful YA (read: young adult) novels, Helen waits with bated breath for the moment people will call her bluff. She's relatable because many of us wonder if we're simply cosplaying as versions of ourselves who've reached any level of success.

On the other hand, there's Grant Shepard. He's seemingly this cool, calm, and collected screenwriter who has a complicated past with Helen. Yulin says, "I gave Grant a lot of the qualities I’m proud of and/or have coveted as a working screenwriter, and I certainly relate to many of his thoughts on screenwriting and the current state of our industry."

The more the reader learns about Helen and Grant, the more it becomes obvious that there's more to them than meets the eye. Sure, they are complicated...but who isn't?

"At their core, Helen and Grant are just two kids from Jersey trying to make it in Hollywood, and of course I relate deeply to that," she says.

Yulin Kuang's View Of Rom-Coms

Based on Yulin's genuine interest in romance novels and the fact she's well-versed in adapting them, she knows what it takes to make rom-coms flourish. Her first take? "Romantic tension is key to any romance – I always need to know why our couple can’t be together now. The second that tension is gone, so is audience interest," she points out.

This explains why we can't get enough of reading books about it, listening to albums dedicated to it, or watching films that depict all levels of romance. Still, there are some people who approach the genre with a side eye.

"There seems to be a natural human suspicion of things that make us feel too good – like, 'That can’t possibly be good for us, that’s just candy!' I wonder if it’s something evolutionary at work," she says before doubling down. "You can’t argue with the fact that people absolutely fucking love rom-coms, and I will die on the hill that a well-earned happily ever after is both harder to achieve and more narratively satisfying when it’s pulled off successfully."

She's the type of writer who really appreciates a big kiss that's handled correctly onscreen, but she's also not afraid to "groan every time it's fumbled." But, she knows everyone still won't see romance the way she and so many others view it, but she doesn't really care.

"Ultimately, I don’t concern myself too much with changing minds that don’t want to be changed.There are enough smart people who recognize the power and value of rom-coms, and I’d rather spend my precious time creating art to surprise and delight the people with good taste."

Need I say that this is yet another reason why How to End a Love Story works so well?

How Yulin Kuang Wishes The World Would Celebrate AAPI Month

As much as she's vocal about screenwriting and rom-coms, Yulin also has thoughts about the way society-at-large talks about BIPOC creative artists. "There’s a real, 'This is important, eat your vegetables,' vibe to things. And while that might be true, it’s not the most appealing way to market or discover art," she says.

She admits this could be due to how many diversity-in-film panels she's attended. As a Black woman, the conversations I see every year during Black History Month seem to have a certain "Let's check this box so everyone can be happy" vibe, so I can imagine attending panels about diversity and inclusion can start to sound repetitive after awhile.

Yulin doesn't hold back when she says, "I’m a little jaded when people ask me diversity questions at this point. I don’t want to attract the kind of readers who are only showing up to be supportive of my Asian-ness. It’s a bit like showing up to a date where someone says, 'I’m so excited that you’re Asian!!!'" This is an analogy I can so get behind because it makes a lot of sense!

It's one thing to have representation, but I like to think it's always obvious when people are approaching the conversation in a way that 'others' BIPOC people. We're literally not asking for a trophy, but more so an acknowledgement that we shouldn't be excluded from conversations, spaces, and careers or treated differently.

This sentiment is shared by Yulin who says, "That’s the thing about me that I didn’t do on purpose, and while I’m glad you’re excited, I hope there are things that I did do on purpose that you find exciting, too" and feels there is a way to be a genuine ally.

"...support AAPI creatives by all means, and perhaps begin by celebrating us as individual artists even after the designated month ends. And where applicable, talk about our work like it’s candy, not vegetables. I’d rather be irresistible than important," she states.

Take a page from Yulin Kuang's book and pick up a copy of How to End a Love Story today! You won't regret it!

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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