Isla Bennett
Nail hardeners are a popular polish treatment that helps strengthen flimsy nails. They create a protective barrier on the nail, while treatments nourish the nail from the inside out. However, some nail hardeners contain formaldehyde-type ingredients that can cause nail splitting and fissuring. This can be avoided by using natural alternatives such as sugarcane, cassava, cotton, and corn, which are rich in vitamins and minerals that promote healthy nail growth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What nail hardeners are made of | Formaldehyde, proteins, wheat protein, keratin, calcium, nylon, sulfhydryl protein, vitamins, biotin |
| How nail hardeners work | Hardeners create a protective barrier on the nail, while treatments nourish the nail from the inside out |
| How to use nail hardeners | Apply a small amount to nails and skin; can be used as a base coat under nail polish |
| How to avoid nail damage | Avoid harsh nail polishes, gel treatments, and acetone-based nail polish removers; avoid picking off nail polish or gel treatments; avoid washing hands frequently or spending a lot of time in water |
| How to promote nail health | Keep nails and skin moisturized; use natural ingredients like sugarcane, cassava, cotton, and corn; take biotin supplements |
| When to see a doctor | If you are experiencing sudden nail weakening, see a dermatologist as the cause may be something internal |
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What You'll Learn
Nail hardeners can cause nail splitting
Nail hardeners are a popular polish treatment that helps strengthen flimsy nails. They are enriched with proteins to encourage healthy nail growth. However, despite their benefits, nail hardeners can also cause nail splitting.
Nail splitting, or onychoschizia, is a condition that causes horizontal splits across the width of the nail plate, resulting in an uneven and jagged appearance. It is often characterized by brittle nails that are dry, weak, and prone to splitting, cracking, or breaking easily. While nail hardeners aim to strengthen nails, they can sometimes have the opposite effect, leading to increased nail brittleness and splitting.
There are several factors that contribute to nail splitting. One of the most common causes is frequent wetting and drying of the hands, which can strip the nails of their natural oils, leading to dryness and brittleness. This is often exacerbated by the use of harsh chemicals, such as detergents and acetone-based nail polish removers, and the frequent use of hand sanitizers containing alcohol. Nutritional deficiencies, particularly of vitamins A, C, and biotin, can also weaken the nails, making them more susceptible to splitting.
Additionally, underlying medical problems, such as gland (endocrine system) diseases, tuberculosis, Sjögren syndrome, and malnutrition, can contribute to nail splitting. In some cases, nail splitting may be a side effect of certain medications. It is always advisable to consult a medical professional to determine the underlying cause of nail splitting and receive appropriate treatment or advice.
To help improve brittle nails and nail splitting, it is recommended to reduce the frequency of wetting and drying the nails, wear gloves when performing tasks involving water or chemicals, and keep the nails trimmed short. Applying thick moisturizers or petroleum jelly can also improve nail hydration and reduce splitting. While nail hardeners can provide temporary relief and protection, they should be used cautiously, especially those containing formaldehyde, as they can cause further nail problems.
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Moisturising nails is recommended over the use of nail hardeners
While nail hardeners are a popular polish treatment for strengthening flimsy nails, they may not be the best option for those with extremely damaged nails. This is because nail hardeners contain a lot of formaldehyde-type ingredients that can cause nail splitting and fissuring. The softer and more brittle your nails are, the more susceptible they are to damage with nail hardeners.
Nail hydrators or moisturizers, on the other hand, work by using ingredients that moisturize the nail to keep it flexible, so it bends rather than breaks. They are thicker, like a lotion, and are usually labeled as "nail-strengthening creams" with ingredients like mineral oil, glycerin, petrolatum, and beeswax. Moisturizing your nails make them more flexible, which means they bend more easily and are less likely to break. Additionally, your cuticles and the skin around your nails also benefit from the moisture.
While nail hydrators need to be used on an ongoing basis and require multiple applications to be effective, they are a better option for those with dry nails that peel easily. Peeling is usually a sign of a lack of moisture rather than a lack of strength.
For those with extremely damaged nails, a nail-strengthening treatment with ingredients like keratin or wheat protein can help turn things around. According to Dr. Shari Lipner, an associate professor of clinical dermatology, "Nail strengtheners crosslink keratin, the building block of your nails, to make the nail more durable."
Therefore, while nail hardeners may provide short-term results, moisturizing nails and using treatments are recommended for long-term nail health.
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Natural nail strengtheners are an alternative to toxic nail hardeners
While nail hardeners are a popular polish treatment to help strengthen flimsy nails, they may contain toxic ingredients that can damage your nails and skin over time. Many so-called nail strengtheners contain harmful ingredients such as formaldehyde, formalin, and methylene glycol. While these products may show initial results, over time they can cause nails to become more brittle and prone to breakage.
Natural nail strengtheners, on the other hand, are a healthier alternative that nourishes and strengthens nails from the inside out. These products contain ingredients like wheat protein, keratin, and biotin, which promote healthy nail growth and make nails more durable. For instance, ORLY's Nailtrition Nail Growth Treatment helps to fortify cuticles and harden nails, protecting them from peeling and breaking with regular use over time.
Additionally, some natural nail strengtheners are enriched with calcium, which strengthens nails, and hydrating oils like rapeseed oil, cannabis seed oil, or coconut oil seal in moisture. Londontown's Nail Hardener and Base Coat, for example, is made with rapeseed oil, vitamins A and E, and biotin, leaving nails hydrated and nourished.
If you're looking for a more natural approach, vitamin supplements can also help strengthen nails. The B vitamin biotin, for instance, has been shown to strengthen fingernails and promote nail growth. Taking biotin supplements daily for at least four to six months can lead to noticeable results.
In conclusion, while nail hardeners may provide short-term results, natural nail strengtheners offer a healthier and more effective long-term solution. By nourishing nails from within, these treatments not only improve the appearance of nails but also enhance their overall health and durability.
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Acetone-based nail polish removers are very drying and damaging to nails
To minimize the drying effects of acetone, it is recommended to moisturize your hands and nails after polish removal. There are also acetone-free nail polish removers available that are gentler and preserve the nails' natural moisture while still effectively removing polish. These usually contain less aggressive solvents like ethyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol, and propylene carbonate, as well as moisturizing agents like glycerin, panthenol, and soy. However, these formulations may not work as well as acetone and may require more effort to remove the polish, especially for dark colors and certain types of manicures.
Overall, while acetone-based nail polish removers are very effective at removing nail polish, they can also be very drying and damaging to the nails. It is essential to consider the current state of your nail health and the type of polish you are trying to remove when choosing between acetone and acetone-free alternatives.
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Hydration is key to promoting healthy nail growth
Healthy nails are an indicator of good health, but sometimes our nails need a little extra help to become as strong as we'd like them to be. One of the most important things to do to promote healthy nail growth is to keep them hydrated.
Nails that are dehydrated can become weak, brittle, and prone to breakage and infection. So, how can you ensure your nails are getting enough hydration? Firstly, drink enough water throughout the day to keep your body and nails hydrated. While it's important to keep your nails hydrated from the inside, you should also take care of them from the outside. Avoid excessive exposure to water, especially hot and soapy water, by wearing gloves when washing dishes, gardening, or bathing. This will protect your nails from becoming overly brittle.
After washing your hands or removing nail polish, it's a good idea to moisturize your nails with hand cream or natural oils such as olive oil or coconut oil. You can gently massage these oils into your nails and cuticles before bed, ensuring your nails stay hydrated and healthy. If you use nail polish, opt for a gel manicure, as this provides a long-lasting and chip-resistant finish. You can also use a nail hardener as a base coat, which will create a protective barrier between your nail and the polish, helping to maintain your nail's strength.
In addition to hydration, a healthy diet is key to promoting nail growth. Make sure you're eating a nutrient-dense and varied diet that includes plenty of protein and minerals. You can also take a multivitamin with biotin, which has been shown to strengthen nails and promote healthy nail growth.
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Frequently asked questions
No, nail hardeners are not known to hurt your skin. However, they can cause nail splitting and dryness. It is recommended to use a moisturizer to combat this issue.
Nail hardeners can help strengthen flimsy nails and create a protective barrier on the nail.
Some common and effective ingredients to look for in nail hardeners are wheat protein, keratin, and biotin.
