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How To Fix Brittle Nails

Stay Away From Liquids

How To Fix DAMAGED, THIN & BRITTLE NAILS!!! ***NATURAL NAIL STRENGTHENING TREATMENT***

Ok, you cant completely keep clear but its important to avoid your nails having prolonged spells in water. Your nail plate is made up of layers and water gets between those layers pushing them apart causing peeling/flaking and weak spots. Be sure to wear gloves when washing up and try to keep some polish on your nails, says Jess Clarke nail tech and OPI Nail Boss. Gel colour will of course give you better protection but regular polish – or even just a clear base if you dont want colour will seal your nails against water.

Eat More Foods That Promote Strong Nails

Avoid yo-yo dieting, which can lead to vitamin deficiencies that may put the strength of your nails in jeopardy. Make sure you eat enough protein and calcium too, which are thought to promote nail health, says Robin Evans, MD, Connecticut-based board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Loading up on biotin-rich foods, such as veggies, eggs, and nuts, may also help.

You Use Your Nails As Tools

If you tend to use your nails to scrape, peel, or pry things off, then you leave yourself open to breaking them. Hey, we get it.

The fix: Well, its sort of a duh, but were here to encourage you to use actual tools, like scissors, for prying, peeling, or scraping, instead of your nails. Keep them cut short to prevent further injury, too.

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Wear Gloves For Chores

When doing the dishes, cleaning and gardening, wear gloves. Detergents and cleansers are harsh on your fingernails, causing drying, spitting and peeling. Soil and gardening can also cause damage to your nails.

As Dr. Tanzi pointed out, the best way to take care of hands and nails is to avoid drying them out. Frequent hand washing with antibacterial soap is very harsh, she says. I recommend washing with a gentle cleanser, which will sanitize just as well as harsh products and a good moisturizer afterward to lock in the hydration. At night, a thicker moisturizer on hands with a rich cuticle cream will keep hands/nails looking great.

Exposure To Environmental Stress

10 Natural Ways to Fix Your Brittle, Weak Nails

One of the common factors or cause;of brittleness is chemical exposure. The chemicals may comprise specific cleaning products or washing agents. The delicate cells in nail plates easily absorb these chemicals leading to them losing the natural quality. They may become dehydrated or lift off the nail bed.

Also, they may start to peel suddenly from their tips.

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Brittle Toenails: Home Remedies

Home remedies can go a long way in aiding the treatment and easing the appearance of unsightly nails. Home remedies for brittle toenails include:

  • Always keeping your toenails clean
  • Trim your toenails regularly and properly
  • Apply a hardener to the toenail to keep it strong
  • Make sure you moisturize your toenails to keep them moist. Good moisturizers include coconut oil or almond oil
  • If toenails are dry, try soaking them, and apply a moisturizer when done
  • Ensure you are eating a diet rich in vitamins and nutrients. If your diet is missing essential vitamins, then consider taking a multivitamin
  • Avoid chemicals on your toenails
  • Wear fitted shoes, but not too fitted where your toenail becomes crushed or hits the front of the shoe. An ill-fitting shoe causes your toes to bang up against the front of the shoe
  • Follow instructions on antifungal creams if prescribed or recommended

Nailtopia Nails Are Firm Kit In Orange

This twofer product consists of a nail treatment product and cuticle conditioner, both of which smell great . I apply two coats of the nail treatment and one coat of the cuticle conditioner. You can also feel good knowing that the orange extract; gives a little extra dose of vitamin C and folic acid.

My nails tend to peel more than split, but this product, which contains vitamin E to help moisturize and protect, helps seal my nails with repeated use. Per package directions, apply it to the top and underside of your nails .

I keep this cute tin on my nightstand so I can apply it before bed. Made of soothing East African shea butter and sea buckthorn, this USDA organic balm is infused with lemongrass, ginger, geranium, and mandarin essential oils. I apply it over my hands and nails and wear cotton gloves overnight for nourished nails and super-soft hands come morning.

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Take Breathers Between Manicures

Bottom line: Your nails need to breathe. Constant use of polish, even non-toxic polish, can weaken the nail, says Dr. Solomon. If you find that your nails have become especially fragile , give them a month off from nail polish to allow them to grow and strengthen. Applying a keratin treatment between manicures, such as CND RescueRXx, can help nourish your nails during the hiatus.

You Pick Off Your Nail Polish

How to fix thin, brittle nails?! EVERYONE should know this product

Peeling off polish when your manicure starts to chip isnt just getting rid of a pretty coat of polish. Youre also removing part of the top layer of your nails, leading to thinning. Hey, were all guilty of doing this from time to time, but were just here to warn you: your nails will suffer. It can take months for your nails to grow back healthy. No thanks!

The fix: Do not, we repeat, do not peel off your nail polish. Try a non-acetone polish remover to take off traditional nail polish without weakening them any further.

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What Brittle Nails Can Mean

If these techniques dont work to strengthen brittle nails, its time to see your primary care doctor or a dermatologist. Brittle nails can be signs of other health conditions, so be sure to let your doctor know of any other changes you notice.

Some health conditions that can cause brittle nails include:

  • Raynauds syndrome: This disease causes circulation problems in the extremities, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. When the smaller arteries in hands and feet narrow, those extremities might feel numb or cold. Not surprisingly, this can affect nail health.
  • Hypothyroidism: Low thyroid levels can cause more than just brittle nails. You might also notice fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, thinning hair, memory problems, depression, and constipation, according to Harvard Health Publishing.
  • Anemia: Low iron levels can cause your nails to be brittle, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. You may also experience fatigue, shortness of breath, headaches, dizziness, cracks in the side of your mouth, or frequent infections. If blood work shows low iron, your doctor may recommend iron supplements.
  • Cancer treatment: Brittle nails can be a side effect of cancer treatment, especially chemotherapy and other targeted therapies. If youre undergoing cancer treatment, talk to your oncology team about how to keep your nails and skin healthy and moisturized.

Treatment For Brittle Toenails

Treatments can either target the nail specifically or address the underlying cause. For example, treating hormonal dysfunction, vitamin and nutritional deficiencies, reducing your exposure to chemical and harsh products, and treating other medical conditions can go a long way in improving the appearance of brittle toenails.

Your doctor may also be able to prescribe you medication or topical creams to treat fungal or other infections that may be contributing to brittle toenails.

It takes up to six months for a new nail to grow, so changes are unfortunately not seen overnight. Dont stress out when you dont see changes right away. Having patience and watching the changes occur slowly is your best tactic. If there are no results after six month, you may need to change up your treatment method.

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When To See A Doctor

Brittle nails are not necessarily a major cause for concern. However, a person may wish to see a doctor if they notice additional accompanying symptoms.

For example, fatigue could be a symptom of iron deficiency or anemia. Weight gain or loss could indicate a thyroid issue.

A person may also want to see a doctor if home remedies to strengthen their nails are not working. They may be able to suggest additional treatments or determine the cause of the brittleness.

Perform A Lemon Juice And Olive Oil Soak

This DIY Remedy Can Fix Your Dull, Brittle Nails

Olive oil and lemon juice are common natural agents used for various dermatological treatments, including brittle nails.

Olive oil can penetrate the nail cuticles, helping in strengthening and repairing them. Lemon juice can help manage peeling and damaged nails while removing stains and giving them a bright sheen.

How to use:

  • Massage the mixture onto your nails.
  • Soak your fingertips in it for 20 minutes.
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    Causes Of Brittle Nails

    Too Much Moisture:acetone found in nail polish remover

    Image: Shutterstock

    The Fix: Use a nail straightener/ hardener. It will work as a protective, flexible film that reinforces the strength of the nail while also imparting vitamins, minerals and nutrients to the nail plate and cuticle to promote growth. If your main aim is to grow nails, we would suggest using a nail hardener.

    Image: Shutterstock

    Too Little Moisture: Funnily enough, even too little moisturiser can have adverse effects on nails! When nails are hard, dry and brittle, it usually means there is a lack of moisture. This is usually seen in hot weather or during the winter months . This is also seen when the person is excessively wetting or drying the nails from activities such as hand washing, swimming or doing the dishes which strips away the moisture from the nails!

    The Fix: You might want to consider using a moisturiser that contains lanolin or alpha-hydroxy acids on your hands and nails. Also, buy a lanolin-rich nail conditioner. You should include this in your daytime or nighttime skincare routine. Moisturise your hands thoroughly, especially your nails every time you wash them.

    Image: Shutterstock

    Age: As you get older, the health of your nails changes, and they often become dull and brittle. While toenails usually get thicker and harder, fingernails become thinner, softer and more brittle. Although there is no specific age when this happens, if you take proper care of them, you can avoid this.

    Take A Collagen Or Biotin Supplement

    Studies indicate that collagen supplements can support healthy nail growth.* One study found that when patients took collagen daily for 24 weeks, their nail health was better maintained, including faster growth rates, reduced breakage, and improved appearance.* The same goes for biotin, a form of vitamin B that is often used in hair growth supplements.* Biotin has been shown to support thickness and firmness of nails.* If nail growth is a regular issue for you, collagen supplementation may help.*;

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    Fingernail Health Nutrition For Dry Brittle Nails

    Dont give up your good nutrition habits just because youve finished growing big and strong. Healthy eating habits should be practiced throughout every facet of life, no matter how old you are. Your overall health, energy level and even your appearance depend on your quality of nutrition. What you eat affects everything from your hair to your skin to your fingernail health. Take a look at your fingernails are they smooth and perfectly rounded with a healthy pink glow? Or do you have to resort to applying fake nails or slathering on nail polish to cover up your unsightly fingernail problems? If you want healthy fingernails, you have to nourish yourself from the inside-outhealthy nailsFingernail Nutrition – You Are What You EatB-complex vitaminsbiotincalciumfolic acidvitamin Comega-3multivitaminCalcium-rich foodsalmondsflaxseedsvitamin BFlaxseedevening primrose oilFingernail CareQuick Beauty TipsWhat Do Your Nails Say About You?

    Apply A Cuticle Oil Daily

    Solution for Dry Brittle Nails and How to Make them Healthy and Long

    The cuticle is a vital part of nail health, aas it overlaps the nail plate and rims the base of the nail And dry, frayed cuticlesas well as the skin around your cuticles can lead to picking. ” can damage the nail beds and matrix, which causes permanent indentations in the middle of your fingernails,” says Amy Wechsler, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and psychiatrist, who recommends applying a cuticle oil regularlyat least once a day. Barr agrees: The matrix is the part of the nail that constantly produces new keratin at the nail plate and slowly pushes the nail forward causing it to grow. Damage to this part of the nail can interfere with growth.;

    If applying a daily cuticle oil seems like an arduous extra step, don’t worry: You don’t need a special oil for this. You can keep your cuticles hydrated with a variety of oils, like olive, coconut, or sweet almond. And then just remember to rub the oil into the cuticles when you are applying your full-body moisturizer, as usual.;

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    You Dont Need To Avoid Gels

    If youve heard the myth about gels damaging your nails, NAF Stuff! Founder Tammy Koslowski wants to squash the rumours once and for all. Its completely safe to wear gel polish or nail polish on your nails long term. My nails only really grow when I have gel polish on because theyve got an added layer of strength, she says. A lot of people think that gel polish damages their nails, but its usually because they have picked them off or removed them/had them removed improperly which has resulted in trauma to their nail plate. Gel polish must be applied, maintained and removed correctly to ensure optimum nail health, otherwise you can end up with sore, thin nails.

    Dont Overdo The Hand Sanitizer

    Because hand sanitizers are typically alcohol-based, constantly applying the stuff can dry out your nails and leave them super brittle. If you have to use hand sanitizer, try not to get it on your nails, and dont overdo it, says Dr. Solomon. Using hand sanitizer wipes can make it easier to avoid the nail area during applicationor if you prefer the liquid variety, make sure to slather on moisturizer afterward to balance the scales.

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    Cause: Low Thyroid Levels

    Sweat is your body’s natural moisturizer. Low levels of the thyroid hormone, called “hypothyroidism,” lessens how much sweat your body makes. The result is drier hair, skin, and nails. Along with brittle nails, you might have other symptoms like aches and pains, fatigue, weight gain, and memory problems.

    Quick Cures For Brittle Toenails

    10 natural ways to repair dry and brittle nails ...

    Mixing olive oil and lemon is a quick and easy way to restore your nails.

    The moisture of the olive oil and the acid of the lemon will kill any and all bacteria hiding away in your nails while supplying much-needed moisture.

    Apply the mixture on your toenails every two or three days. You should notice an improvement after the second week.

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    Nail Tek Protection Plus 3 Nail Strengthener For Hard And Brittle Nails 05 Oz 2

    Hard, Brittle Nails No More! Nail Tek Protection Plus 3 provides extra conditioning for nails that are hard, dry, and brittle. Its special formulation replenishes the natural moisture of the nail and helps regain its health and prevent breaking. This formulation is ideal for pedicures.

    • Ideal for hard, dry, and brittle nails
    • Promote nail growth and flexibility.
    • Formaldehyde-free, DBP free, and Toluene free
    • Made in the USA

    Top 5 Treatments For Brittle Nails

    A lot of things can go wrong with nails. They can be brittle, pitted, discolored, flaky and ridged, among other common abnormalities. But brittle nails can be a natural part of the aging process, and they’re often represented by dry, cracking or splitting nails. They may also grow slowly or simply seem weak and easily breakable.

    Nail abnormalities may be caused by a relatively minor condition like brittle nail syndrome, which is what it sounds like: excessively brittle nails, often caused by a lack of moisture. They also could stem from a lack of iron or zinc . But nail problems may also be representative of something more severe, such as hepatitis, jaundice, lupus or heart disease. When in doubt, look for basic causes first, such as a fungal infection, a reaction to nail polish or bruising from an impact.

    There’s ongoing debate about whether brittle nails are caused predominantly by a lack of protein or moisture in the nails. Consequently, most treatments for brittle nails are concerned with one of these two factors. In this article, we’ll look at five ways of boosting nail health and learn why a candle may be just what your troublesome fingernails need.

    Contents

    “Brittle” nails are too hard, while “weak” nails are too soft .

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    Hydration Will Strengthen Your Nails

    Now that the gel-dip-acrylic is off, the key is to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. “Prolonged use of gel manis and acrylics dehydrates your nails, making them dry, brittle, and fragile,” says manicurist;Jin Soon Choi, founder of JINSoon nail polish and salons.

    A cuticle oil is your BFF for imparting deep hydration. Focus on slathering it not only on the nail itself, but also massaging it well into the cuticle; the cuticle is where new, healthy nail growth will start so it’s important to nourish and hydrate this area, says Choi.

    One best-seller to try:;CND Solar Oil Nail and Cuticle Conditioner. Holford also likes using straight up jojoba oil, which can strengthen nail beds and boost healthy nail growth. She recommends applying it three times per day for five days for the best results.

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