Caleb Foster
Fingernails can split vertically or horizontally, and there are many causes, including aging, frequent exposure to water, physical trauma, and underlying medical conditions such as nail infections or vitamin deficiencies. While some splits are random, frequent nail splitting may indicate an underlying issue. To treat a split fingernail, you can trim or file down jagged edges and let the nail grow back naturally, or use temporary solutions like nail glue or clear nail polish to hold the nail together until it grows out. However, if the split is severe or affects the nail bed, it's important to seek medical attention.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Injury, harsh chemicals, psoriasis, nail fungus, vitamin deficiencies, overexposure to water, ageing, physical trauma, yeast or mould infection, nutrient deficiencies, anxiety, nail cosmetics, occupational exposure to chemicals, etc. |
| Treatment | Use adhesives, apply gel and silk wrap, treat underlying cause, use glue or fake nails, use lotions with lanolin or alpha-hydroxy acid, use clear nail polish, use nail-hardening agents, apply thick moisturisers, use cuticle oil, etc. |
| Prevention | Wear gloves while doing chores, avoid harsh chemicals, maintain a healthy diet, take biotin supplements, keep nails trimmed, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Temporary fixes include using nail polish or glue
Temporary fixes for a split fingernail include using nail polish or nail glue.
Nail Polish
A layer of clear nail polish can be applied to protect cracked nails. This is a temporary solution, as it simply holds the keratin together until the nail grows out. You can also use a gel top coat or builder gel, as it provides extra strength. If you don't have gel nail polish, a clear dip powder can also strengthen your nails.
Nail Glue
Nail glue can be used to mend broken nails. For larger tears, you can dip your nail in fill powder first, as this adds strength to your natural nail. Then, apply a thin layer of nail glue to glue your broken nail back together. For smaller tears, simply apply nail glue to the torn nail and smooth it out with a toothpick. Press your nail into place and hold it for at least a minute so the glue dries.
Other Temporary Fixes
- Clear tape: Wrap clear tape around the break. This is a good option if you don't have access to nail glue or nail polish.
- Tea bag: Apply super glue or nail glue to the break, then stick a small strip of a tea bag onto the glue with tweezers.
- Nail silk wrap: Buff your broken nail, then dab nail glue directly on the break. Trim a nail silk to the size of your break, stick it to your nail, and cut off any excess.
- Press-on nails: These can be used to cover up a broken nail without sacrificing your manicure.
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Avoid harsh chemicals and moisture
Overexposure to moisture can cause nails to become weak and brittle, making them more prone to breaking, bending, or splitting. Activities such as washing dishes, frequent handwashing, and repeated nail polish use can lead to excess moisture. To prevent this, avoid keeping your hands in water for extended periods, and wear gloves while performing household chores that involve water or chemicals. Additionally, limit the use of nail polish and ensure proper ventilation when applying nail polish or using other nail products.
Harsh chemicals found in cleaning supplies and nail polish can also contribute to nail dehydration, causing nails to separate and crack. Therefore, it is advisable to refrain from using acetone-based nail polish removers and other harsh nail products. Instead, opt for gentle, non-acetone alternatives and always follow directions for safe use. It is also beneficial to wear gloves when using cleaning products to create a protective barrier for your nails and hands.
When performing manicures, it is important to be gentle and avoid scraping the nail bed with metal tools. Aggressive manicures can cause physical stress to the nails, leading to splitting and breakage. Additionally, consider using nail hardening products to fortify your nails and prevent them from becoming brittle and prone to splitting. These products can help protect your nails from the negative effects of moisture and chemicals.
It is worth noting that split nails can also be a result of vitamin deficiencies, nail-biting, and underlying health conditions such as nail fungus or psoriasis. Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet, refraining from nail-biting, and consulting a healthcare professional for persistent or severe nail splitting are recommended.
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Take biotin supplements
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a B-complex vitamin that promotes healthy cell growth and aids in the metabolism of protein-building amino acids that are essential for nail growth. Consuming biotin through supplements or biotin-rich foods may help strengthen brittle nails and improve their growth.
Biotin deficiency is rare, but it can cause problems with your nails. If you're not getting enough biotin in your diet, your nails may become brittle and weak, leading to splitting. In addition to supplements, you can try eating more biotin-rich foods, such as meat, eggs, fish, seeds, nuts, and vegetables like sweet potatoes.
Several studies have shown a positive response to biotin supplementation in treating brittle nails. For example, a recent Swiss study found a 25% increase in nail plate thickness in patients with brittle nails who took biotin supplements. Another study showed that 63% of patients with brittle nails who took daily biotin supplements experienced clinical improvement.
It's important to note that taking high doses of biotin can interfere with certain medications and laboratory tests. Additionally, if your nails are splitting due to overexposure to moisture, you may need to reduce your contact with water and wear gloves when your hands are exposed to wet conditions.
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Keep nails short and well-hydrated
Keeping your nails short and well-hydrated is a great way to prevent and cure split finger nails. Nails that are too long are more likely to break, chip, or crack, so keeping them short helps to prevent this. Filing your nails in one direction, instead of a back-and-forth motion, also helps to keep them strong.
To keep your nails well-hydrated, it's important to moisturize them regularly. You can do this by applying hand cream or lotion to your nails and cuticles every time you wash your hands. You can also use nail oils to keep your nails hydrated. Before bed, you can apply urea cream or mineral oil to your nails and cuticles, and then put on cotton gloves to lock in the moisture.
In addition to external hydration, internal hydration is also important for nail health. Drinking at least eight glasses of water a day can help to hydrate your nails from the inside out. Consuming biotin-rich foods, such as eggs, nuts, and vegetables, can also contribute to healthier nails.
By keeping your nails short and well-hydrated, you can effectively prevent and cure split finger nails.
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See a doctor if the nail bed is affected
Fingernails are made out of layers of keratin, a protein that also makes up hair. Healthy nails appear smooth and have consistent colouring. Nails can split vertically or horizontally, and the way they split can indicate the cause. For example, horizontal splits are usually a sign of damage to the proteins that connect the nail layers, whereas vertical splits can indicate damage to the nail matrix (the part of the finger that creates the nail).
If your split nail is more severe and extends down to the nail bed, it's important to see a doctor. In such cases, a doctor may recommend removing part of the nail to promote healing. If the nail matrix is healthy, the nail should grow back. However, if the matrix is injured, the nail may not grow back normally or may not grow back at all.
Fungal, bacterial, or yeast infections in the nail bed can change the texture of the nails, resulting in weakened and split nails. If you suspect an infection, it's important to seek medical treatment. A dermatologist will typically treat a fungal nail infection with an antifungal medication that can be taken orally or topically for minimal infections. In more severe cases, it may be necessary to remove part of the nail surgically to treat the underlying fungal infection.
If your split nails don't resolve on their own, or you have multiple nails with splits, you may have an underlying condition or infection that needs treatment from a healthcare provider. Repeated nail splits can increase your risk of permanent nail bed damage if left untreated. Therefore, it's important to see a doctor if you have concerns about any changes to your nails.
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Frequently asked questions
If your nail is split horizontally at the edge, trim or file down the jagged edges and let your nail grow back naturally. If you have a bigger split, you can apply nail glue or clear nail lacquer to hold the nail together until your nail grows out.
Nails can split due to aging, frequent exposure to water, harsh chemicals, nail cosmetics, and certain underlying illnesses.
To prevent your nails from splitting, avoid exposing your nails to harsh chemicals and water. Keep your nails clean, trimmed, and moisturized.
If your nail split is severe, causing constant pain, or appears infected, seek medical attention to fix the nail and address any potential underlying issues.
