Caleb Foster
Split nails can be caused by a variety of factors, including nail injury, frequent exposure to moisture, and underlying medical conditions such as vitamin deficiencies or psoriasis. While there is no quick fix for split nails, there are several treatments and preventive measures you can explore to encourage nail growth and reduce the occurrence of splitting. This includes home remedies, lifestyle changes, and medical treatments.
How to Make Split Nails Grow
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Causes of nail splits | Injury, frequent wetting and drying of hands, nail cosmetics, occupational exposure to chemicals, skin conditions like psoriasis, vitamin deficiencies, fungal infections, yeast infections, bacterial infections, medication, underlying medical conditions |
| Prevention | Keep nails clean, perform gentle manicures, avoid long periods with hands/feet in water, moisturize nails and cuticles, use nail hardening products, avoid nail biting or picking, avoid acetone-based nail polish remover, wear gloves for household chores, avoid ripping or pulling hangnails |
| Treatment | Home remedies (nail glue, tea bag application, gel and silk wrap), medical treatment (stitches, glue, antifungal medication, topical corticosteroids, retinoids, vitamin D derivatives, biologic medication), trim and cover with nail wraps and polish, use nail hardeners or strengtheners, apply nail polish with nylon fiber, maintain a healthy diet |
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What You'll Learn
Prevent split nails by keeping them clean and healthy
Preventing split nails involves keeping them clean and healthy. Nails are made of several layers of keratin pressed together, and when a nail splits, these layers separate.
Firstly, it's important to avoid nail injuries, which can cause horizontal splitting. Even a minor injury, such as stubbing your toe or crushing your nail tip, can result in a split nail. Nails become more fragile with age, so older individuals should be extra cautious.
Secondly, avoid frequent wetting and drying of your nails. This can cause brittle nails, which are more prone to splitting. If your job involves water, wear gloves to protect your nails. Similarly, avoid keeping your hands or feet in water for long periods.
Thirdly, avoid biting your nails or picking at them, as this can cause stress to the nail and lead to splits. Use cuticle oil to moisturize your nails and cuticles, and keep them healthy. You can also use special tools to gently push back your cuticles, but avoid cutting them, as this increases the risk of infection.
Finally, avoid harsh nail treatments and cosmetics, such as nail polish, gel acrylics, and nail polish removers, as these can weaken your nails over time and make them more susceptible to splitting. Instead, opt for nail hardening products if you need to strengthen your nails.
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Avoid nail polish and harsh removers that weaken nails
While nail polish can be a fun way to express yourself, it's important to be mindful of the potential impact on your nail health. Frequent use of nail polish can weaken nails, making them more prone to splitting. This is especially true for gel polishes, which can cause severe brittleness and dryness due to the harsh removal process. The removal process typically involves soaking nails in acetone, aggressive buffing, scraping, and peeling, all of which can injure the nail plate and cuticle. Additionally, gel polishes may cause allergic reactions and increase the risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging due to UV exposure during the curing process.
To minimise the negative effects of nail polish and removers, it is recommended to take breaks between manicures and allow your nails to recover. Give your nails some time to regrow fully without polish, which can take about six months for fingernails and 12 to 18 months for toenails. During this break, examine your nails for any changes, such as staining or white patches, and address them accordingly. If you do choose to paint your nails, consider applying a clear base coat first to prevent staining and massaging moisturiser onto your nails and cuticles to keep them hydrated.
When it comes to nail polish removers, opt for more gentle options. Avoid acetone-based removers as acetone can be harsh, drying, and damaging to your nails, skin, and cuticles. Instead, look for "five-free" nail polishes and removers, which do not contain five specific ingredients known to be potentially harmful: formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde resin, and camphor.
Remember, while split nails can be unsightly and frustrating, they often heal with time as your nails grow out. In the meantime, you can maintain nail health by keeping your nails clean, moisturised, and protected from excessive moisture and harsh chemicals.
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Treat a split nail with glue or a tea bag
While there is little that can be done to fix a split nail, there are several home remedies that can help mend the nail and improve its appearance until the break grows out. One such method involves using nail glue to reattach the nail. To do this, apply a small amount of adhesive to the nail and use gentle pressure to push the nail back together. Once the glue has set, you can paint over the nail if desired.
Another home remedy involves using a tea bag. First, cut a nail-sized portion from an ordinary tea bag. Next, apply a thin layer of base coat to the nail and place the tea bag piece over the split while the base coat is still wet. Smooth out the tea bag with your finger or a cuticle stick to ensure there are no air bubbles. Once the base coat is dry, trim off any excess tea bag material. Finally, buff the nail and apply nail polish if desired.
If your nail split is more severe, cover the nail with petroleum jelly and place a bandage on top until it grows back. Soak the nail in saline water 2–3 times a day and reapply the bandage. In cases of severe nail splits, constant pain, or signs of infection, it is important to seek medical attention to address any underlying issues.
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Take biotin supplements to promote nail growth
While there are home remedies and lifestyle changes to prevent nail damage, taking biotin supplements may also promote nail growth. Biotin is a B vitamin that helps your body perform several important functions, such as converting food into energy. Although most people obtain enough biotin through their diet, including foods like fish and seeds, some choose to take supplements for stronger nails.
Biotin supplements are widely popular for nail growth, but scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness is limited. Nevertheless, studies indicate that consuming 2.5 mg (2,500 mcg) of biotin daily may enhance nail firmness, hardness, and thickness. This is especially beneficial for individuals with brittle nails, as biotin can fortify soft, torn nails and prevent peeling and breaking.
It is important to consult a doctor before taking biotin supplements, as they can interfere with the accuracy of certain lab tests. Additionally, biotin supplements may be unnecessary for individuals with adequate biotin levels, as studies suggest that biotin only promotes hair growth in individuals with a biotin deficiency.
Biotin supplements are available in various forms, such as nail polishes, oils, and capsules, to cater to different preferences. When considering biotin supplements, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist or a trusted healthcare professional to determine the best treatment plan for your specific needs.
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Wear gloves to protect nails from water and chemicals
Wearing gloves is an effective way to protect your nails from water and chemicals. This is especially important if your job involves frequent exposure to water, as nails that are constantly wet are more prone to splitting, cracking, and discolouration. Gloves act as a barrier, preventing water from reaching your nails and causing damage.
Similarly, wearing gloves while handling harsh chemicals can protect your nails and skin from potential harm. Chemicals such as pure acetone, nail polish removers, and glues used for applying gel nails and acrylics can be harmful if absorbed through the skin. Therefore, wearing gloves while using these products or performing household chores is recommended. Nitrile gloves are a popular choice as they are durable, resistant to many chemicals, and less likely to cause allergic reactions compared to latex gloves.
To further protect your nails from water damage, you can apply oil to your fingertips and cuticles before putting on gloves. This creates a barrier, making your nails less able to soak up water. Additionally, consider using glove liners underneath your gloves, especially if you plan to wear them for an extended period.
By taking these precautions and wearing gloves when appropriate, you can effectively safeguard your nails from water and chemical damage, promoting their health and growth.
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