Caleb Foster
Damaged nails can be unsightly and painful, and healing them takes time and patience. The first step is to identify the cause, which could be anything from nutritional deficiencies to chemical exposure or chronic conditions. Once the cause is understood, you can start to take steps to heal your nails and encourage growth. This might include anything from taking biotin supplements and staying hydrated to wearing gloves when cleaning or washing up to protect your nails from harmful chemicals. It's also important to keep your nails trimmed and moisturized, and to resist the urge to bite them. With time and care, your nails will grow back stronger and healthier.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of damage | Nutritional deficiencies, chemical exposure, chronic conditions, or damage during the application and removal of gel or acrylic nails |
| Treatment | Remove superficial damage, use hydrating products like face moisturizer or serum with AHA, or dedicated nail treatments |
| Prevention | Wear gloves when cleaning or washing dishes, use gentler cleaning products, change drying shampoo, take biotin supplements, drink enough water, eat a nutrient-dense and high-protein diet, skip manicures, use nail lotions and oils |
| Healing time | 4 to 6 months for nails to grow and heal fully |
| Professional help | See a therapist if nail biting is a compulsion, visit a reputable manicurist for treatment suggestions and a hand massage, see a physician if there is significant damage to areas around the nail or any signs of infection, swelling, pain, or pus |
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What You'll Learn
Avoid nail biting and picking
Nail biting and picking can be hard habits to break. It is important to address these behaviours as they can have serious consequences, such as leaving you vulnerable to infection. They can also damage the tissue that makes nails grow, resulting in abnormal-looking nails.
Firstly, it is important to identify your triggers. These could be physical triggers, such as the presence of hangnails, or other triggers, such as boredom, stress, or anxiety. By figuring out what causes you to bite your nails, you can avoid these situations and develop a plan to stop.
You can also try keeping something small in your pocket, such as a paper clip or a handkerchief, that you can reach for and fidget with whenever the urge to bite your nails arises. You can also try to keep your nails looking their best. Having a nice-looking manicure may make you less likely to bite your nails.
There are also some simple techniques that may help. One such technique is known as habit replacement, which involves making gentle circling motions on certain body parts throughout the day. Another technique is to gently touch your arms and fingertips when you feel the urge to bite your nails.
Finally, it is important to keep your nails and body healthy. This includes wearing rubber gloves when using cleaning products or shampoo that may contain chemicals that can weaken the nail. It is also important to drink enough water and eat a nutrient-dense diet that is high in protein.
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Use hydrating products
Using hydrating products is an important step in helping damaged nails grow. Nails that are dry, brittle, or peeling are often the result of too little moisture. Therefore, keeping your nails and the surrounding skin hydrated can work wonders. Your cuticles protect the nail matrix, which is where nail growth starts.
There are several products you can use to keep your nails hydrated. Westmoreland recommends using OPI's Repair Mode nail strengthener, which helps repair broken bonds from inside the nail. It can be applied morning and night for hydrated, strong, and healthy nails. You can also try the CND Rescue RXx Daily Keratin Treatment or the Protein Formula for Nails Formula 4 – Strengthen. Alternatively, you can book an IBX Nail Strengthening Repair Treatment, which is a professional-only treatment that helps fuse any damaged keratin.
In addition to nail strengtheners, you can use a cuticle oil or rich hand cream to keep your nail plate conditioned and hydrated. When removing nail polish, use an oil-based remover to avoid dehydrating your nails. Face moisturizers or serums with AHAs, such as glycolic or lactic acid, can also be effective in treating and hydrating your nails.
It is also important to stay hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day. This is essential for overall health, including nail health. However, too much soaking in water can weaken your nails, so it is recommended to wear gloves when washing dishes or doing other activities that involve submerging your hands in water.
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Take biotin supplements
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a water-soluble vitamin that supports your metabolism by helping to convert food into energy. It is also believed to promote healthy skin, nails, and hair. While biotin deficiency is rare, consuming biotin through food or supplements may help strengthen brittle nails and improve their growth.
Biotin supplements are widely available and are often marketed as a way to achieve long, shiny locks and super-strong nails. However, it's important to do your research and consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplements, especially if you have a chronic condition or are taking medication.
Most people get all the biotin they need from a healthy diet. Biotin is found mainly in sources of protein, such as liver, eggs, salmon, pork, nuts, and seeds. If you are concerned that you are not getting enough biotin in your diet, you can speak to a healthcare provider, who can advise you on any necessary dietary changes or recommend appropriate supplements.
It's important to note that taking biotin supplements may not show immediate results. It takes time for nails to grow and regenerate, so it could take several months of consistent biotin supplementation to see noticeable improvements in nail health. Additionally, biotin supplements may have mild side effects, such as an upset stomach, so it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional and carefully read the supplement packaging before starting supplementation.
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Wear gloves when cleaning
Wearing gloves while cleaning is an effective way to protect your nails from damage and promote healthy nail growth. Many household cleaning products, including antibacterial sprays, furniture polishes, and cleaning wipes, contain chemicals that can irritate and weaken your nails. By wearing gloves, you create a protective barrier that prevents direct contact between these corrosive substances and your nails.
Latex or heavy plastic gloves are ideal for this purpose. They provide a durable layer of protection while allowing you to maintain dexterity for various cleaning tasks. It is especially important to wear gloves when doing the dishes, as even overexposure to dish soap can contribute to weaker nails over time.
The type of shampoo you use can also impact your nail health. Shampoos designed for oily hair often contain ingredients that strip away natural oils, which can lead to dry and brittle nails. Consider switching to a milder shampoo for a few weeks to see if it makes a difference in the condition of your nails.
In addition to wearing gloves, opting for gentler, natural, or non-irritating cleaning products can further reduce the risk of nail damage. When shopping for cleaning supplies, avoid products containing harsh chemicals such as ammonia, hydrochloric acid, sodium hypochlorite, or lye. Making these simple changes can help create a more nail-friendly environment during your cleaning routine.
By taking these precautions and being mindful of the products you use, you can effectively protect your nails from the damaging effects of certain household chemicals. This, in turn, will support the growth of stronger and healthier nails. Remember, even small changes in your daily routine can have a significant impact on your nail health.
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Be patient
Growing and healing damaged nails requires a lot of patience. Nails don't heal overnight, and it can take anywhere from four to six months for your nails to fully recover. During this time, it is important to resist the urge to speed up the process with aggressive treatments, as they can do more harm than good.
While you wait for your nails to heal, there are several things you can do to support the process. One of the most important things is to keep your nails and the surrounding skin hydrated. This can be done by using a cuticle oil or a rich hand cream. You can also try a face moisturizer or serum with an AHA, like glycolic or lactic acid. Additionally, when removing nail polish, use an oil-based remover to avoid dehydrating your nails.
Another way to support your nail health is to protect your nails from further damage. This includes wearing gloves when doing household chores or cleaning to prevent exposure to corrosive elements in cleaning products and dish soap. You should also try to avoid picking or biting your nails, as this can easily cause damage.
In addition to external care, you can support your nail health from within by ensuring proper nutrition. This includes drinking enough water throughout the day and eating a nutrient-dense diet that is also high in protein. You may also consider taking a biotin supplement, also known as vitamin H or vitamin B7, which has been recommended by dermatologists to encourage strong and healthy nail growth. However, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider before taking any supplements, especially if you have a chronic condition or are taking medication.
Finally, while you wait for your nails to heal, you can distract yourself by wearing fun rings or bracelets that will make your hands look pretty and take your focus off your nails.
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Frequently asked questions
Give your nails some time to heal and grow out. In the meantime, you can keep them trimmed short and moisturize them regularly to prevent bacteria and fungus from building up. You can also try using a nail strengthener, such as OPI's Repair Mode, or a nail treatment like Dr. Stern's Dr. Dana Renewal System.
There are many potential causes of nail damage, including nutritional deficiencies, chemical exposure, and chronic conditions. Daily activities such as hand washing, bathing, and cleaning can also weaken nails, as can the use of certain shampoos and nail polishes. In addition, the improper application or removal of artificial nails, gel polish, or acrylic nails can cause damage to natural nails.
To prevent nail damage, wear gloves when cleaning or doing other manual tasks to avoid exposure to corrosive chemicals. Choose natural or non-irritating cleaning products that do not contain ammonia, hydrochloric acid, sodium hypochlorite, or lye. Avoid nail polishes and shampoos that are drying or meant for oily hair. If you get manicures, go to a reputable technician who focuses on healthy natural nails and will advise you on the best products for your nails.
