Sophia Delgado
Thick, brittle nails are a common issue, affecting about one in five people. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including aging, nutritional deficiencies, underlying conditions, and damage from household cleaning products. While brittle nails usually do not require medical attention, consistent nail care can improve their health and appearance. This includes moisturizing hands and nails, wearing gloves while doing household chores, eating a balanced diet, and limiting the use of nail polish and acetone-based removers. For long-term strengthening, prescription nail strengtheners are recommended, while over-the-counter options can provide short-term results.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Causes | Aging, nutritional deficiencies (such as biotin, zinc, vitamin B7, iron, calcium, or fatty acids), underlying conditions, damage from household cleaning chemicals, frequent hand washing, and frequent nail polish use |
| Symptoms | Cracking, splitting, peeling, breaking, thinning, softness, ridges, thickening, yellowing, and changes in colour of the nail bed |
| Prevention and Treatment | Moisturize regularly, wear gloves when doing household chores, eat a balanced diet, avoid nail biting and picking, limit nail polish and acrylic nail use, use a nail strengthener with nylon fibres, take biotin supplements, use prescription topical agents like Nuvail and Genadur, or opt for over-the-counter nail hardeners |
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What You'll Learn
Moisturise hands and nails regularly
Moisturising your hands and nails regularly is an effective way to combat brittle nails. The nail is 1000 times more permeable to water than the skin, so water exposure weakens the bonds of the nail's structure, compromising its ability to retain hydration. Therefore, it is important to moisturise your hands and nails after washing them or doing the dishes. You can also buy lanolin-rich nail conditioners online.
When applying the lotion or cream, be sure to rub it around and directly onto your nails. Before going to bed, moisturise your hands, feet, and nails to keep them hydrated as you sleep.
You can also use your regular hand cream on your nails. Oils tend to absorb into the nail better than creams, especially products with sunflower oil and Brazil nut oil. These are phospholipids that increase nail flexibility and combat dryness.
Look for moisturising hand lotions that contain lanolin or alpha-hydroxy acids. You can also use a nail-specific cream, like Londontown's Kur Restorative Nail Cream, which contains vitamin E to strengthen nails and prevent cracking.
Some beauty experts recommend taking supplements of the B vitamin biotin to treat brittle fingernails.
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Take biotin supplements
While brittle nails are common and usually do not require medical attention, they can be frustrating and negatively impact one's confidence. The good news is that there are several ways to address this issue, including taking biotin supplements.
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is an essential nutrient that supports various bodily functions, including metabolism. It plays a role in converting food into energy and is found in many of the foods we eat. Sources of biotin include liver, eggs, salmon, pork, nuts, and seeds. Most people get sufficient biotin through their diet, but certain health conditions or circumstances may lead to a biotin deficiency.
While biotin deficiency is rare in the United States, some individuals with thinning hair or brittle nails choose to take biotin supplements. It's important to note that there is limited scientific evidence directly linking biotin supplementation to improved nail health. However, some people report that taking biotin supplements has helped boost their nail growth and strength.
A Swiss study found a 25% increase in nail plate thickness in patients with brittle nails who took biotin supplements. Out of 35 patients who took daily biotin supplements, 22 (63%) showed clinical improvement. These results suggest a positive response to biotin supplementation for brittle nails in some individuals.
If you are considering taking biotin supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your healthcare provider first. While biotin supplements are generally safe, they may cause mild side effects such as stomach upset. Additionally, it is important to remember that a consistent and dedicated nail care routine, including the use of moisturizers and nail strengtheners, is crucial for improving and maintaining nail health.
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Wear gloves when doing chores
Thick, brittle nails can be caused by a variety of factors, including aging, nutritional deficiencies, underlying conditions, and damage from household cleaning products. To prevent nails from becoming brittle, it is recommended to wear gloves when doing chores involving exposure to harsh chemicals or frequent handwashing.
Wearing gloves while doing chores can help protect your nails from these damaging factors. Here are some tips to incorporate this into your routine:
Firstly, invest in a good pair of household gloves, such as rubber dishwashing gloves. These will create a barrier between your nails and any harmful chemicals or detergents you may be using. This is especially important if you are frequently exposed to cleaning products or water when performing tasks like washing dishes or scrubbing surfaces.
Secondly, if you are using gloves for chores that require fine motor skills and dexterity, consider thinner cotton glove liners underneath. These can be washed and reused, providing an extra layer of protection for your nails and hands while maintaining comfort and flexibility.
Additionally, if you are performing chores that involve contact with other people's nails or cuticles, wearing gloves is essential for hygiene and infection control. Thin, disposable nitrile gloves are often used in salons for this purpose and can also be worn underneath thicker gloves for added protection.
Finally, remember to moisturize your hands and nails regularly, especially after chores. This will help counteract the drying effects of household chemicals and frequent handwashing, keeping your nails healthy and less prone to brittleness.
By incorporating glove-wearing into your chore routine and pairing it with consistent moisturizing, you can effectively protect your nails from becoming thick and brittle.
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Avoid nail biting and picking
Nail biting and picking are common habits that can cause damage to your nails and the surrounding skin. It can also lead to infections as you are passing bacteria and viruses from your mouth to your fingers and from your nails to your face and mouth. Here are some tips to help you avoid nail biting and picking:
Identify your triggers
Firstly, it is important to identify what triggers you to bite or pick your nails. The triggers can be physical, such as the presence of hangnails, or emotional, such as boredom, stress, anxiety, or loneliness. By figuring out what causes you to bite or pick your nails, you can develop a plan to avoid or cope with these triggers.
Keep your nails trimmed
Keeping your nails short can help reduce the temptation to bite them. With less nail to grab with your teeth, it becomes less satisfying to bite. Trimming your nails can also help reduce hangnails and ragged edges that may trigger nail-biting or picking.
Apply a bitter-tasting nail polish
Using a bitter-tasting nail polish can act as a deterrent by creating an unpleasant taste when you bite your nails. This safe formula discourages nail-biting and is available over the counter.
Cover your nails
Covering your nails with tape, stickers, or even gloves can be an effective way to prevent nail-biting or picking. If wearing gloves is not practical, consider alternative coverings that can act as a barrier.
Keep your hands and mouth busy
Find alternative ways to channel your nail-biting energy. You can try squeezing a stress ball, playing with a fidget toy, or clicking a pen. Keeping your hands busy can help keep them away from your mouth. Chewing gum can also be a good way to occupy your mouth and reduce the urge to bite your nails.
Seek professional help
If you are struggling to break the habit on your own, consider seeking the guidance of a mental health professional or a dermatologist. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) can help address the underlying psychological aspects of nail-biting and picking. Behavioural modification or habit reversal therapy is another treatment option.
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Use non-acetone nail polish remover
Non-acetone nail polish removers are an excellent option for those who want to avoid the harsh effects of acetone on their nails. Acetone is a highly effective solvent for removing nail polish, but it can be tough on nails, leaving them dry and brittle. If you're looking for a gentler alternative, non-acetone removers are a perfect choice.
Non-acetone nail polish removers typically contain ethyl acetate, a compound made from ethanol and acetic acid. While ethyl acetate is also a solvent, it is milder than acetone and less likely to strip your nails of their natural oils. As a result, non-acetone removers are generally safer for your nails and can help maintain their health.
When using a non-acetone nail polish remover, it's important to remember that it may take a little longer to remove stubborn nail polish. Apply the remover to a cotton pad and hold it against your nail for around 30 to 45 seconds. You can then use an old toothbrush to gently exfoliate the nail polish. This method ensures that your nail polish is effectively removed while keeping your nails healthy and hydrated.
In addition to non-acetone removers, there are other acetone-free alternatives for removing nail polish. These include using rubbing alcohol, hairspray, or natural ingredients like lemon juice or a mixture of orange juice and vinegar. While these methods may take more time and effort, they offer a gentler approach to nail care.
After removing your nail polish, it's essential to nourish your nails and cuticles. Use a hydrating cuticle oil or hand cream to replenish moisture and promote nail health. This step is crucial, especially if you've used drying agents like rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer, as they can dehydrate your nails and surrounding skin.
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