Liam Carter
Fingernails are made of layers of keratin, a protein that is also found in hair. Healthy nails appear smooth and have consistent colouring. However, nails can become brittle and prone to splitting due to various factors, including age, exposure to water, and certain underlying illnesses. For instance, frequent wetting and drying of the hands can cause the nail plate to peel off in layers. Additionally, nail cosmetics, procedures, and exposure to chemicals can contribute to nail splitting. To prevent nail splits, it is recommended to maintain a good hygiene routine, keep nails trimmed, and avoid harsh nail products.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Aging, exposure to water, underlying illnesses, nutrient deficiencies, fungal infections, injury, and skin conditions like psoriasis |
| Prevention | Keep nails clean, short, and moisturized, avoid harsh nail products, wear gloves when exposing nails to water, use nail hardening products |
| Treatment | Cut away torn parts, file rough edges, use nail glue or clear nail polish, cover with petroleum jelly and a bandage, see a doctor for medication or supplements |
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What You'll Learn
Prevent moisture exposure
Preventing moisture exposure is key to maintaining nail health and avoiding splits. Nails that are exposed to excessive moisture can become weak and brittle, making them more prone to breaking, bending, or splitting. This can occur through everyday activities such as doing the dishes, washing hands frequently, or even the repeated use of nail polish. The condition caused by repeated wetting and drying of the nails is called onychoschizia, which results in horizontal splits across the width of the nail.
To prevent this, it is important to limit exposure to water and wet conditions. This can be achieved by wearing gloves when performing household chores that involve water, such as washing dishes or cleaning. Additionally, try to avoid keeping your hands or feet submerged in water for extended periods. If your job requires frequent hand washing or exposure to water, make sure to prioritize the use of gloves to create a protective barrier.
Another way to reduce moisture exposure is to be mindful of the products you use on your nails. Repeated nail polish use can contribute to excessive moisture, so it is advisable to give your nails a break from polish now and then. When removing nail polish, opt for non-acetone-based removers, as acetone can be drying and damaging to the nails.
Finally, maintaining overall nail health will help to reduce the negative impact of moisture. This includes keeping your nails clean and well-hydrated. Use a moisturizer on your nails and cuticles to prevent dryness and strengthen your nails. You can also consider using nail-hardening products to fortify your nails and make them more resilient against moisture-related damage.
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Use nail-hardening products
Nail-hardening products are a great way to prevent your nails from splitting. They are particularly useful if you have weak, brittle, or chipping nails. These products help fortify cuticles and harden nails, protecting them from peeling and breaking with regular use over time.
There are two main types of nail strengtheners: hardeners and treatments. Nail hardeners create a protective barrier on the nail, while treatments nourish the nail from the inside out. If you have a nail that has already split, you can cover the nail with petroleum jelly and place a bandage on top until it grows back. You should also soak the nail in saline water 2–3 times a day and reapply the bandage.
Nail hardeners are usually more effective in the short term, especially when a nail splits down the middle. They are also extremely helpful in preventing breakage when you are trying to grow out your nails. For example, a Good Housekeeping Beauty Award winner has a serum-like texture that absorbs quickly into nails without leaving any film or coating. It has been clinically shown to significantly improve the appearance, roughness, and thickness of nails in 28 days, when applied daily.
To use nail-hardening products correctly, clean the nail with antibacterial soap, wipe it with alcohol to balance the pH level, then apply the nail strengthener. You can also use lotions and oils designed to help with nail strength, applying them daily or multiple times a day.
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Avoid biting or picking nails
Biting or picking your nails can be a difficult habit to break, but it's important to stop as it can cause self-inflicted nail splits or breaks. Nail biting falls under a list of behaviours known as body-focused repetitive disorders (BFRDs), which are related to obsessive-compulsive disorders. While long-term damage from nail-biting is rare, it can cause short-term issues such as dental problems and stomach or intestinal infections.
To stop biting or picking your nails, try to identify your triggers. These could be physical triggers, such as hangnails, or emotional triggers, such as boredom, stress, or anxiety. Knowing your triggers can help you develop a plan to avoid nail-biting. For example, if you bite your nails when you're bored, you could try finding something else to do with your hands, like squeezing a stress ball or playing with a small fidget toy.
If you're triggered by the sight of your nails, keeping them trimmed and well-maintained can help reduce the temptation to bite or pick at them. You can also try painting your nails with regular polish or an anti-biting polish, which will leave a gross taste in your mouth if you start biting your nails. Alternatively, you can try a DIY version of this hack by dipping your nails in water and then coating them with salt.
If you're unable to break the habit on your own, you can try cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to address the psychological aspects of nail biting.
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Keep nails short and clean
Keeping your nails short and clean is a great way to prevent nail splitting. Nails that are too long can be more prone to splitting, so keeping them trimmed can help to reduce this risk.
Firstly, it is important to keep your nails clean and healthy. Regularly washing your hands with soap and water, and scrubbing your nails with a nail brush, can help to prevent a buildup of dirt under your fingernails, which can cause staining and discolouration. You can also try scraping your nails against a bar of soap before doing chores or activities that make wearing gloves difficult. This will push detergent into your nail beds and block dirt from settling.
Wearing gloves is an effective way to keep your nails clean and protect them from damage. When doing chores, wear gloves to keep your nails from coming into contact with water and harsh cleaning chemicals. This is especially important if your job involves frequent hand washing or exposure to water and wet conditions. Even when doing the dishes, it is a good idea to wear gloves to protect your nails from water and harsh soaps.
If you do get a buildup of dirt under your nails, use a nail brush to scrub them while washing your hands with soapy water. Keeping your nails short can also help to prevent dirt buildup, as there is less surface area for dirt to accumulate.
In addition to keeping your nails clean and wearing gloves, it is also important to avoid biting or picking your nails, as this can cause stress to the nail and result in splitting. Cutting your nails short can help to deter nail biting.
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Maintain a healthy diet
Maintaining a healthy diet is crucial for preventing nail splitting. While nail splitting is rarely caused by poor nutrition, a diet rich in vitamins and minerals can strengthen nails and promote their health. Vitamins A, B, C, and D are all essential for nail health, as are minerals like iron, zinc, and calcium.
Biotin, a B vitamin supplement, can be beneficial. It may help heal your nails and improve nail strength, although studies on its effectiveness are mixed. Biotin is found in various foods, including meat, eggs, fish, seeds, nuts, and vegetables such as sweet potatoes. You can also try collagen supplements, as collagen is a protein that strengthens nails and promotes nail growth.
In addition to supplements, eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables is advisable. A diet high in refined sugars and processed foods may not provide sufficient nutrients for nail health. Drinking plenty of water is also important, as it helps keep your body and nails hydrated and healthy.
If you are pregnant, your body requires extra vitamins and minerals due to the demands of a growing baby. Thyroid problems can also cause nail splitting, so ensuring adequate nutrient intake is vital if you have thyroid issues.
While diet is essential, other factors contribute to nail health. Avoiding harsh nail products, keeping nails trimmed, and wearing gloves during household chores or when hands are exposed to water for extended periods can all help prevent nail splitting.
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Frequently asked questions
To prevent your nails from splitting, avoid overexposure to moisture, refrain from biting or picking your nails, and keep your hands and nails moisturized.
Nails can split due to infections, injuries, nutrient deficiencies, and underlying conditions like nail psoriasis.
If you've split your nail, you can treat it at home by trimming the nail, covering the split with nail wraps, and using nail glue or clear nail polish.
A split nail can appear as a vertical or horizontal crack. In some cases, the nail plate may peel off in layers.
