Noah Sinclair
Split nails can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, frequent exposure to moisture, nail-picking, and underlying conditions such as vitamin deficiencies, fungal infections, or psoriasis. Treatment options range from home remedies such as nail glue and tea bags to medical interventions like antifungal medications and stitches for severe cases. Maintaining nail health involves a balanced diet, supplements, and protective measures like wearing gloves and using nail strengtheners. While split nails may sometimes heal on their own, persistent or severe cases may require professional assessment to address underlying causes and prevent further complications.
How to heal a split growing nail
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Injury, nail fungus, psoriasis, aging, vitamin deficiency, moisture, nail polish use, picking at nails |
| Treatment | Trim and file the nail, apply nail hardener, use nail wraps, moisturize, take biotin supplements, use glue, use fake nails, seek medical attention |
| Prevention | Wear gloves when exposing hands to water, keep nails short, apply thick moisturizers, maintain a healthy diet |
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What You'll Learn
Reduce exposure to moisture
Reducing exposure to moisture is an important step in healing and preventing split nails. Nails that are frequently exposed to water can become weak and brittle, making them more prone to breakage, bending, and splitting. This can occur during everyday activities such as doing the dishes, washing hands, or even from repeated nail polish use.
To reduce moisture exposure, it is recommended to wear gloves when performing tasks that involve water, such as washing dishes or housework. This creates a protective barrier between your nails and the water, preventing excessive moisture absorption. Cotton gloves can be worn under plastic or rubber gloves for added protection and comfort.
In addition to wearing gloves, keeping your nails trimmed short can help reduce their exposure to moisture. Shorter nails have less surface area for water to come into contact with, reducing the chances of moisture-related nail damage. Maintaining short nails also minimizes the risk of your nails catching or snagging on things, which could lead to further splitting or breakage.
Another way to minimize moisture exposure is to be mindful of your nail polish usage. While nail polish can add a layer of protection to your nails, excessive use or removal can weaken the nails and make them more prone to splitting. Allow your nails to breathe between applications and opt for nail polishes that are less harsh and fortified with vitamins or strengthening agents.
Finally, maintaining proper hydration is crucial. While it may seem counterintuitive, ensuring that your nails and the surrounding skin are adequately hydrated can help prevent moisture-related nail issues. Apply thick moisturizers or petroleum jelly to your nails and hands to improve nail hydration and promote nail health.
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Treat underlying conditions
If an infection, vitamin deficiency, or medical condition is causing your nails to split, treating the underlying condition should help your nails grow back strong and healthy. If you don’t know why your nails are splitting, or if the splitting is due to aging, you may not be able to prevent it completely. However, a doctor will be able to advise you on the best course of treatment.
Infections
Fungal, bacterial, or yeast infections in the nail bed can change the texture of the nails, resulting in weakened and split nails. Onychomycosis (nail fungus) will require an antifungal medication to kill the infection and prevent future breaks. Acute infections from fungi, yeast, or bacteria require antifungal or antibiotic treatments to prevent further damage to the nails.
Vitamin deficiencies
Nutrient deficiencies may affect your nails' appearance. Maintaining a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals can help prevent nail damage. Taking biotin supplements (vitamin B7) may improve nail strength, although studies are mixed. Taking collagen supplements or adding a scoop of collagen powder to your drink can also improve nail strength and growth.
Medical conditions
Psoriasis can affect both the skin and nails, causing nails to thicken, crumble, or split. Taking medication to control psoriasis can help prevent damage to the nails. Lichen planus can also cause nail splitting.
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Take supplements
Split nails can be caused by physical stress, nutrient deficiency, or wear and tear. Taking supplements can help improve nail strength and enhance nail growth.
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, can improve nail strength and enhance nail growth. A daily dose of 2.5 mg of biotin was shown to enhance nail thickness in brittle nails by up to 25%. A dose of 5 mg to 10 mg daily for 3 to 6 months is generally recommended. However, a high biotin intake, usually over 10 mg/day, may interfere with laboratory tests and interact with other medications. It is important to consult a doctor before taking biotin supplements.
Collagen supplements have also been shown to improve nail health. Taking 2.5 grams of collagen daily for 24 weeks may improve nail growth and reduce cracks. One study showed that oral collagen supplementation led to a 12% increase in nail growth rate, a 42% decrease in broken nails, and a significant improvement in nail brittleness. However, there is limited evidence regarding the relationship between collagen supplements and nail health.
Vitamin D supplementation is also thought to be important for nail health, although more research is needed to assess its effectiveness in improving brittle nails. Deficiencies in vitamins A and D have been associated with soft nails, and a vitamin B12 deficiency is linked to nail hyperpigmentation.
Zinc deficiency can cause nail brittleness, so taking a zinc supplement may help improve nail strength.
Additionally, horsetail, an herb native to the Northern Hemisphere, has been found to improve splitting nails and remove white spotting on nails, which indicates a calcium imbalance in the body. While clinical research on the effectiveness of horsetail is limited, there is some evidence that it can improve nail health.
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Use nail-hardening products
Using nail-hardening products is an effective way to heal a split growing nail. Nail hardeners or strengtheners help restructure fragile nails. Some also improve moisture levels and keratin, the protein that forms nails.
If your nail is split towards the cuticle or across the nail bed, apply a nail wrap to strengthen the nail and prevent further breakage. Cut self-adhesive silk nail wraps to the size of your nail split and secure them with gel nail resin.
You can also apply nail polish with nylon fibre to help strengthen the nail if the split is less severe. Additionally, applying nail moisturisers with alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), glycerin, or lanolin can strengthen brittle nails. Lanolin is an occlusive that helps hold in water, while AHAs and glycerin are humectants that increase your nail's water content.
It is important to note that keeping your nails well-hydrated is crucial for their health, but constant exposure to water can weaken them. Therefore, finding a balance between hydration and moisture exposure is essential for maintaining healthy nails.
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Apply nail wraps
Applying nail wraps is an effective way to treat a split nail. It is a home remedy that can help fix the nail in place and improve its appearance until the break grows out.
Firstly, examine the nail to determine the extent of the split or break. If the break runs longer than one-quarter of the way across the nail, you may need to wrap the entire nail. In this case, leave a 1/16-inch margin around the cuticle before encasing the wrap material with resin. If the break is in the quick or lower area of the nail, use a tip the same size as the nail and cut out the well. Then, glue the well over the crack, buff the edges smooth, and apply the wrap material over the entire nail.
If the break is smaller, focus on repairing the crack. Cut a self-adhesive silk nail wrap to fit the exact size of the nail split. Then, secure the wrap with gel nail resin. You can also use L-shaped tweezers to lay the wrap onto the nail plate, avoiding touching the wrap with your fingers. Allow the resin to dry completely or use an accelerating spray.
Once the resin is dry, dab resin over the wrap until it blends seamlessly into the nail. Buff the nail with a 180-grit file to create an even surface and file and shape the nail to ensure an even sidewall where the crack lies. Finally, cleanse and prep the nail, and continue with your usual nail service or polish.
It is important to note that nail wraps are not a substitute for medical treatment in severe cases. If the split affects the nail bed or causes constant pain, it is essential to seek medical attention to address any potential underlying issues and prevent further damage.
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