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What Can I Do About Brittle Nails

What Are Brittle Nails

QUICK TIP: How to Prevent and Treat Brittle Nails

Brittle nail is a condition named onychorrhexis that is generally faced by dogs. This problem gives immense pain to your little partner as they put their body weight on their paws and nails, relying on them for dragging, digging, holding the bones & toys, along with protecting themselves from different threats. You can quickly notice this issue while trimming or grooming their nails. And so theres a need to know dog brittle nails remedy to solve the issue at the earliest.

What Can Help Strengthen Your Nails

First things first, Dr. Lamb said to make sure you’re not vitamin deficient. A diet that lacks key nutrients like biotin, iron or magnesium can result in brittle, thinning nails.

Additionally, Dr. Lamb advised ensuring that your nail technicians are keeping their equipment sanitized and clean. She also mentioned that lacquers and nail hardeners are great for daily use. “Nail polish doesn’t always thin your nails it can act as a very good protectant,” explained Dr. Lamb.

Based on Dr. Lamb’s advice, weve selected some highly rated products for brittle and thin nails that you can incorporate into your routine starting today. Take back the health of your nails once and for all!

Cut Back On Gel And Acrylic Manicures

They may be touted as an easy alternative for people who have trouble growing their nails, but frequent gel or acrylic manicures can cause your nails to peel, weakening them in the process. These manicures also expose your digits to excessive amounts of acetone in the soak required to remove them, which is very drying to the nail, says Dr. Klein. If you prefer to keep these types of manicures on rotation, make sure to either give your nails time to breathe between applications or save them for special occasions.

Also Check: Take Out Contacts With Long Nails

Remove Gel Polish And Acrylics Correctly

Okay, so technically this isnt a repair tip, but do this first and it can save you from having to deal with a lot of potential problems. First and foremost, repeat after us: I will not pick off a gel manicure.

Picking off gel is probably the worst thing you can do to your nails, says celebrity manicurist Geraldine Holford. The immediate effects are harming the nail plate because youre removing the top layers of the actual nail along with your polish, she explains.

The long-term effects are thinning of the nails, harm to the nail bed, and irregularities on the nail plate and in growth patterns. No thank you.

ORLYs Senior Product Testing Manager, Kelly Bannon agrees, adding that even if you soak your nails to remove the polish, you can still damage your nails if not soaked long enough or if the topcoat barrier is not broken, prohibiting the remove to reach all the gel layers. She strongly recommends having your gels removed by a professional top prevent any damage.

Pro tip: Whether youre having gel or dip removed, ask your tech to cover your hands in hot towels while your nails are wrapped up in the acetone-soaked cotton pads the heat will help speed up the process, explains Sarah Gibson Tuttle, founder and CEO of Olive & June.

RELATED: The Biggest Mani Mistake Youre Making, According to Sarah Gibson Tuttle

Symptoms Associated With Brittle Nails

What can I do for my weak nails?

Image: Shutterstock

Like most people, you might be good at trimming, painting or decorating your finger and toenails, but how often do you indulge yourself in giving them the nourishment they require? The signs for brittle nails can be that they are:

  • Rough
  • Chipped
  • Slow in growth

Nails, skin, hair, sweat and oil glands are part of the integumentary system which prevent excess loss of moisture from the body and helps it in regulating body temperature. But when brittle nails, might not be just about your nails, it could also lead to:

  • Hair loss
  • Nails starting to fall off
  • Experiencing mood swings
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea

Tip: So if you see any of the above concerning symptoms, you ought to visit your dermatologist soon.

Also Check: How Much Do Nails Cost To Get Done

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 theyâre 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.

Thereâs 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, weâll look at five ways of boosting nail health and learn why a candle may be just what your troublesome fingernails need.

Contents

Also Check: Nail Fungus Cures Vicks

How Do You Get Rid Of Green Fingernail Fungus

Green nail syndrome responds well to treatment. Therapy consists of cutting the detached portion of the nail, keeping nails dry, and avoiding trauma to the area. Topical antibiotics, such as bacitracin or polymyxin B, applied two to four times per day will cure most patients if continued for one to four months.

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What Are Brittle Toenails

When your toenails look cracked, dried up, and they peel at the edges, then these are considered brittle, which is a common affliction, especially in women and the elderly.

As we grow older, our body struggles to produce and maintain the natural proteins that keep our bodies looking and feeling healthy.

However, just like your skin, hair, teeth, and eyes can alert you of any anomalies in your body, brittle toenails can be a sign that says much more about you and your habits than age alone.

Dont Overdo The Hand Sanitizer

How To Fix Brittle Nails

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.

Recommended Reading: Does Toothpaste Remove Nail Polish

Dry Brittle And Peeling Finger And Toenails

Brittleness is the quality of a substance or anything solid to break easily due to its quality to break or snap easily upon applying pressure or force. However much the hardness in our fingernails seems to be brittleness in them can make them dry out easily, get damaged and vulnerable to peeling.

Causes of brittleness include

  • Nail polishing directly on to your naked nails
  • Frequently applying polish which contains drying ingredients
  • Vitamin deficiency especially Iron, Biotin or vitamin B-complex
  • Using the wrong polish removers
  • Damaged and dry cuticles and lack of adequate moisturizing after washing, cooking, etc.
  • Certain medications can also make them become brittle. Other than the above reasons, is also a sign of aging.

    Home Remedies To Strengthen Brittle Nails

    In this article:

    Everyone desires strong, smooth nails on their fingers and toes. However, various factors can turn the nails brittle and textured.

    This condition, medically known as onychoschizia, is categorized by thin, soft or dry, cracking, and splitting nails that can break off easily and have a slow growth rate.

    While it is a common symptom of aging, it can often result from health problems such as nutritional deficiencies.

    Read Also: How To Fix An Ingrown Toenail Painlessly

    Ways To Strengthen Dog Nails To Prevent Cracks And Splits

    Strengthen dog nails starting now if your dog experiences cracked, split, or brittle nails.

    Recently we talked about treating torn dog nails and how to prevent that.

    Today, well go into a little more detail on how to strengthen dog nails, because strong nails dont tear or break nearly as often.

    There are things you can do to strengthen your dogs nails, but as I always say, they should all be done in conjunction with your vet for maximum efficacy and safety.

    Dont forget to read our detailed guide about dog nail problems & treatments as well as dog nail fungus.

    Healing Insights For Splitting Fingernails And Cracked Dry Skin

    If You Have Brittle Nails, You Need To Try These 12 ...

    Just yesterday, an 80-year-old man who is one of my dermatology patients asked me why his splitting fingernails were dry and brittle on the ends. He’d always had strong nails. He wanted to know if I thought Knox Gelatin Capsules would work for him it’s what his mother used when she had nail problems. They didn’t work for her, but he didn’t know what else to do.

    Splitting and cracked fingernail problems can happen at any age, but it’s definitely one of those as we age stories. If your nails are splitting, there are things you can do to improve them, but there are also common “remedies” that actually make the problem worse.

    Read Also: How To Get Contacts Out With Acrylics

    Going Short Can Strengthen Nails

    Whether you realize it or not, when you have long nails youre constantly hitting them on your keyboard, the door, you name it. People underestimate how much of an impact this has, says Tuttle.

    Keep your nails short and give them a chance to grow out stronger and healthier than before. The other upshot: Nails that arent in great shape look healthier when theyre shorter, adds Holford.

    Bannon adds that giving yourself a mini manicure even if its just as simple as filing your nails every two to four days can prevent breakage and snags. If your nails are really in need of some T.L.C., repeat these manis for two to four weeks to see results and stronger nails.

    Brittle Nails What Can I Do

    Malnutrition and certain lifestyle habits or circumstances such as nail biting, continuous contact with chemicals, etc. weakens the nails.

    Brittle nails what to do? Many women suffer from brittle nails for no apparent reason, which quickly make their hands look unkempt. Often the many activities around the house and at work are to blame.

    If you also suffer from this problem, you will learn important tips in the following article. Your brittle nails will soon be a thing of the past.

    Also Check: How To Apply Dashing Diva Gel Strips

    Become A Nail Filing Master

    Go with a soft nail file to keep the edges of your nails smooth, says Dr. Klein. With rougher grains, you run the risk of making tears in the nail, which can lead to peeling and hangnails.

    File your nails in one direction, using long and swift strokes. Back and forth see-saw motions will cause the nail to splinter, says Dr. Solomon, who recommends using the Deborah Lippmann Smooth Operator 4-Way Nail Buffer.

    The micro-fiber material its made from is very gentle on the nails, but still manages to achieve a clean shape, she says.

    How Are Brittle Nails Treated

    Why Do My Nails Keep Breaking?

    The B complex vitamin biotin has been demonstrated to strengthen weak, brittle nails. Over-the-counter biotin supplements such as Appearex can be found in most chain drugstores. Studies appear to show that 2.5 milligrams of biotin daily will improve nail strength.

    Since a nail takes about six months to replace itself, it may take at least that long for the benefits of biotin supplements to become apparent, but 2530 percent of people who try biotin see improvement within four to six months.

    Another product that shows promise in the treatment of brittle nails is Genadur. Unlike biotin supplements, Genadur is available only with a prescription.

    The significance of this product is that it is the first treatment for fragile, brittle nails that has been approved by the FDA.

    According to Genadurs manufacturer, Medimetriks Pharmaceuticals, a once-daily brush-on application may produce results within two or three weeks.

    Also Check: Does Vitamin E Kill Nail Fungus

    What Is A Nail Split

    Brittle nails on fingers or toes are also called nail split ends, as the nails break off, similar to split ends on hair. The hair splinters there.

    There are two different types :

    • Onychorrhexis : The brittle nail tears in a longitudinally fibrous manner, vertically from the nails free edge.
    • Onychoschisis : The nail plate splinters in layers, horizontally from the edge.

    Both forms of nail split can be caused by repeated moisture penetration and drying of the hands and fingernails and systemic diseases.

    A knowledgeable doctor can often deduce possible causes from the type of nail change.

    Massage With Coconut Oil

    Coconut oil contains healthy fatty acids that deeply moisturize the nails, strengthening and nourishing weak, brittle nails. Moreover, this oil can act on the nail bed and boost nail growth.

    Massaging your nails with coconut oil can also enhance blood circulation and retain moisture. Almond oil can be used instead of coconut oil.

    How to use:

  • Warm 12 tbsp of coconut oil and apply it to the nails.
  • Massage it for 46 minutes three times a day.
  • Recommended Reading: How Much Does Nail School Cost

    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.

    Take A Biotin Supplement

    Top 10 Home Remedies For Weak And Brittle Nails

    Biotin is one of the B vitamins. Because its water-soluble, it isnt stored by the body, so you have to ensure that you consume it daily.

    Biotin can help strengthen hair and nails and also helps the bodys nervous system to function properly. It can be found in foods like sardines, cooked eggs, and legumes, or you can take a B vitamin or supplement.

    Check with your healthcare provider before taking a biotin supplement to ensure that its safe for you.

    Recommended Reading: How Do You Get Nail Polish Out Of Carpet

    Also Check: Best Nail Repair Product

    Brittle Toenails: Causes And Treatment Options

    If you suffer from brittle nails, youre not alone. Experts believe that up to 20 percent of the US population suffers from onychorrhexis .

    Brittle nails can cause considerable misery for people who suffer from them the split ends that look like theyve been gnawed by a hungry animal are bad enough, but the ridges are the icing on a very unattractive cake.

    Women who try to grow their nails to any length generally find that the nail breaksunevenlyas soon as it gets more than a millimeter past the end of the toe or finger.

    While weakness of the nails can take many formssplit nails, crumbling nails, etc. the term onychorrhexis refers to a specific condition that is characterized by splitting and by the formation of longitudinal ridges on the surface of the nail.

    This condition can have many causes, and in some cases, doctors are unable to determine the exact reason for a patients brittle toenails, and must settle for diagnosing the condition as idiopathicmedical jargon for who knows?

    Avoid Certain Nail Treatments

    Hardening products with dehydrating ingredients can potentially worsen their condition given that its formulation cannot fit the specific qualities of your nails. This would eventually lead them to even splitting further.

    Hardening products with Acrylate are often recommended for splitting cases. However, according to Skinsight Web site, acrylate can potentially cause an allergic reaction in the skin.

    Recommended Reading: Best Place To Buy Essie Nail Polish

    Also Check: Taking Contacts Out With Nails

    Home Remedies For Brittle Nails

    Shutterstock

    • Lemon Juice And Olive Oil Soak: This soak will naturally penetrate through the cuticle to repair and strengthen the damaged nails.
    • Beer Soak: Beer has many natural friendly minerals which are essential for strong nail and hair growth.
    • Sea Salt Soak: This is a technique usually used in spas because they soften the nail cuticle adding in a brilliant shine.
    • Coconut Oil Massage: Coconut oil is an excellent nourisher and moisturiser for the nails, even preventing any kind of nail infection.
    • Apple Cider Vinegar Soak: Who does not have apple cider vinegar in the pantry? This inexpensive technique provides nails with the minerals they require.
    • Vitamin E Oil Massage: Like coconut oil, vitamin E oil acts as a moisturiser.
    • Tea Tree Oil Drops: It cures brittle nails caused by fungal infections. Note that you must dilute the tea tree oil with a carrier oil before applying.
    • Lemon Juice Swipe: Strengthening and brightening the nails by removing the ugly yellow stain left behind by excessive nail paint.

    Tip: Most of these remedies should be tried at night because at that time the body is allowed to rejuvenate and repair itself.

    Brittle Toenails: Causes And Home Remedies

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

    Written byDr. Victor MarchionePublished onJanuary 20, 2017

    Brittle toenails arent something to be ashamed of, as many people suffer from this condition. You may feel that due to your brittle nails, you cant enjoy wearing sandals in the summer or open toe shoes to events. Theres no denying that brittle nails look unsightly, even if you try to pretty them up by applying nail polish.

    Brittle toenails appear as if the nails have been chewed on, because the nails look uneven and split at the end. Furthermore, even though initial growth of the nail looks good, once it grows beyond a millimeter past the end of the toe, the same chipping and uneven process begins againmeaning you need to keep your toenails quite short to keep them looking good.

    There are many different causes for brittle toenails, but the specific condition onychorrhexis refers to an ailment that causes lengthwise ridges on the surface of the nail.

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