Liam Carter
Brittle nails are a common issue, affecting about one in five people. Nails become fragile for many reasons, some controllable and others not. Controllable factors include nail biting, frequent hand washing, and the use of drying shampoos. Uncontrollable factors include aging, nutritional deficiencies, underlying conditions, and damage from household cleaning products. To protect thin, brittle nails and allow them to grow, you can try a variety of treatments, including applying a nail strengthener with nylon fibres, moisturising your hands and nails, wearing gloves while doing chores, eating a balanced diet, and limiting your use of nail polish and acrylic nails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Aging, nutritional deficiencies, underlying conditions, damage from household cleaning products, frequent handwashing, medical conditions, medications |
| Prevention | Wear gloves while doing household chores, keep nails short, use emery board to file nails, moisturize hands and nails, use a nail strengthener, avoid nail biting and picking, limit nail polish use, eat a balanced diet |
| Treatment | Prescription topical agents, nail hardeners, biotin supplement, drinking water, eating a nutrient-dense and high-protein diet, using nail lotions and oils, treating underlying conditions |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Wear gloves when doing chores or swimming to protect nails from water and chemicals
- Moisturise hands and nails regularly to prevent and treat dryness
- Take biotin supplements and ensure a nutrient-dense, high-protein diet
- Avoid nail biting and picking, and limit the use of nail polish and manicures
- Speak to a doctor if the issue persists to rule out underlying conditions
Wear gloves when doing chores or swimming to protect nails from water and chemicals
Wearing gloves is an effective way to protect your nails from water and chemicals when doing chores or swimming. Here are some tips to maximise the benefits of gloves and suggestions for types of gloves to wear:
Cotton-lined gloves
Cotton-lined gloves are ideal for wearing during chores as they keep your nails dry and protect them from harmful chemicals found in cleaning products. Wearing gloves while cleaning can prevent your nails from becoming brittle due to water exposure and chemical absorption.
Gloves for swimming
If you wish to protect your nails while swimming, it is recommended to wear gloves that are suitable for use in water, such as nitrile gloves. Although nitrile gloves are not completely waterproof, they can provide a protective barrier against water. To enhance this protection, you can apply oil to your nails before wearing the gloves, as oil protects your nails from water damage by preventing them from absorbing water.
Nitrile gloves
Nitrile gloves are a popular choice for protecting the hands and nails from chemicals. They are durable and resistant to many chemicals used in nail salons, such as nail polish remover, gel nail formulas, and acetone. They are also less likely to cause allergic reactions compared to latex gloves. However, it is important to note that nitrile gloves may struggle against certain concentrated chemicals, such as acetone. In such cases, latex or vinyl gloves are recommended.
Disposable gloves
Disposable gloves are commonly used in nail salons to protect against harmful chemicals and prevent skin irritation. They also guard against bloodborne diseases and infections. If you are using disposable gloves, it is important to choose powder-free gloves to avoid potential contamination of the nail bed or nail polish and to reduce the risk of allergic reactions.
Toe Nails: Why Do They Grow Outwards?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Moisturise hands and nails regularly to prevent and treat dryness
Moisturising your hands and nails is key to preventing and treating dryness. The nail is 1000 times more permeable to water than the skin, so everyday activities such as washing dishes or handwashing can weaken the nail's structure, compromising its ability to retain hydration. To combat this, it is recommended to wear gloves when doing chores or washing dishes, and to moisturise your hands and nails immediately after they are exposed to water.
You can use any type of hand cream or lotion on your nails, and oils are also a good option, especially those containing sunflower oil or Brazil nut oil, which are phospholipids that increase nail flexibility and combat dryness. You can also buy nail-specific creams, such as Londontown's Kur Restorative Nail Cream, which contains vitamin E to strengthen nails and prevent cracking.
Moisturising your hands and nails will not only improve their appearance but will also ensure the nail and surrounding skin stays healthy. It is recommended to moisturise your hands and nails several times a day, especially after water exposure and before bed.
If your hands are very dry, you may need to try a deep moisturising product, such as Bag Balm, which is designed to help heal the tough cracks of a cow's udders and can penetrate the skin to keep it moisturised. You can also carry a small bottle of lotion with you to reapply throughout the day, especially if your work conditions are causing your dry hands.
If your hands are not improving with home treatments, you should seek help from a medical professional, as your nails and skin may be suffering from underlying vitamin deficiencies or other health issues.
Strategies to Grow Nails Faster and Stronger
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Take biotin supplements and ensure a nutrient-dense, high-protein diet
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, coenzyme R, and vitamin H, is a B-complex vitamin that promotes healthy cell growth and aids in the metabolism of protein-building amino acids that are essential for nail growth. Studies show that taking 2.5 mg (2,500 mcg) of biotin daily may improve nail firmness, hardness, and thickness. Most people get enough biotin from their diet, with sources including fish and seeds. However, if you have brittle nails, you may benefit from extra biotin. Biotin supplements are generally safe, but they can interfere with the accuracy of certain lab tests.
To boost your biotin intake without supplements, you can eat biotin-rich foods, such as fish and seeds. Biotin-rich foods and supplements may help strengthen your brittle fingernails. A few small studies support biotin supplement use, and some people take extra biotin for their nail health.
In addition to taking biotin supplements, ensuring a nutrient-dense, high-protein diet is crucial for nail health. A lack of proper nutrition can lead to nail issues such as brittleness, discolouration, and slow growth. High sugar intake and processed foods can lead to inflammation and weaken nails. Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods, and include a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds in your diet, along with adequate protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Protein is vital for nail health because nails are primarily composed of keratin, a type of protein. Incorporating high-quality protein sources can help strengthen your nails and promote growth. Foods rich in protein include lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy products, beans, legumes, quinoa, tofu, and nuts.
In addition to biotin and a nutrient-dense, high-protein diet, staying hydrated is essential for nail health. Drinking enough water throughout the day helps maintain nail health, as dehydration can lead to dry, brittle nails that are more prone to breaking.
Does Nail Quick Damage Cause Permanent Nail Loss?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Avoid nail biting and picking, and limit the use of nail polish and manicures
Constant nail biting and picking can damage the tissue that makes nails grow, resulting in nails that look abnormal. To stop biting your nails, try to identify your triggers. You may bite your nails when you're bored, stressed, or anxious, or when you notice a hangnail. Once you've identified your triggers, try to avoid those situations in the future.
There are several methods you can use to stop biting your nails. You could try keeping your nails trimmed short, as having less nail provides less to bite and can be less tempting. You could also try painting your nails or getting a manicure, as you're less likely to bite your nails if they look nice. If you don't want to get a manicure, you can simply paint your nails with a bitter-tasting nail polish, which discourages nail biting with its awful taste. You can find these types of nail polishes at your local drug or grocery store.
If you don't want to paint your nails, you can cover them with tape or wear gloves to prevent biting. You could also try a DIY solution, such as dipping your nails in salt, which is meant to leave a gross taste in your mouth when you bite your nails. However, be careful not to rub your eyes with salt-covered fingers, as it can sting and hurt.
If you're tempted to put your fingers in your mouth, practicing mindfulness can help you make conscious decisions and choose healthy coping techniques instead. For example, you could keep a stress ball or fidget toy handy to keep your hands busy and away from your mouth.
While it may be tempting to hide your thin nails under a permanent gel or acrylic manicure, it's important to remember that your nails need to breathe. Constant use of nail polish, even non-toxic polish, can weaken the nail. If your nails have become especially fragile, give them a break from nail polish for a month to allow them to grow and strengthen. During this time, you can apply a keratin treatment, such as CND RescueRXx, to nourish your nails.
In addition to limiting nail polish and manicures, it's important to address the root cause of brittle nails. This could be due to nutritional deficiencies, chemical exposure, or chronic conditions. Strategies to strengthen your nails include taking a biotin supplement, drinking enough water, and eating a nutrient-dense diet that is high in protein.
How Nail Beds Grow: The Science Behind Nail Growth
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Speak to a doctor if the issue persists to rule out underlying conditions
While brittle nails are common, affecting around 27% of women, they can sometimes be a sign of an underlying health condition. If you've tried various remedies and nothing has helped, it's a good idea to speak to a doctor or dermatologist to rule out any underlying causes.
There are a number of reasons why your nails might be brittle, and some of these are related to your overall health. For example, a iron deficiency or anaemia could be a cause, and this can lead to extreme fatigue. A thyroid disorder could also be the culprit, causing your body to create too many or too few hormones, which affects the absorption of minerals. This can result in nails splitting away from their beds.
Other possible underlying health conditions that can cause brittle nails include Raynaud's syndrome, which causes circulation problems in the extremities, and hypothyroidism, which can cause hair loss, fatigue, weight gain, constipation, and depression.
In addition to these, certain medications, nutritional deficiencies, and chemical exposure could also be factors. For example, if you're using a shampoo that strips oils, this could be drying out your nails. Exposure to UV light from gel manicures could also be a risk factor, as well as the use of harsh chemicals to remove nail polish.
If you've tried different remedies and tips to strengthen your nails without success, it's important to consult a healthcare professional. They can help determine if there is an underlying condition causing your brittle nails and provide appropriate treatment.
Lemon Power: Growing Nails with Citrus
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Thin, brittle nails can be protected by moisturising your hands and nails regularly.
Some lifestyle changes that can help protect thin, brittle nails include wearing gloves while doing chores, eating a balanced diet, avoiding nail biting, and limiting the use of nail polish and acrylic nails.
Some medical treatments for thin, brittle nails include prescription topical agents such as Nuvail and Genadur, and prescription-strength nail treatments.
Some natural remedies for thin, brittle nails include using nail lotions and oils, taking biotin supplements, and drinking enough water throughout the day.
To prevent thin, brittle nails from becoming worse, avoid filing your nails back and forth like a saw. Instead, file them in one direction and avoid filing the sides too much as this can weaken the nails.
