Sunday, February 7, 2010

Brittle nails?

No matter what type of nail product I have used my nails are splitting down to almost the middle and breaking. Is there anything I can use to make them stronger?Brittle nails?
Exposure to water (frequent hand washing, doing dishes, etc.) will dry out nails and cause brittleness (peeling, breaking, splitting). The water rinses away natural oils and the nail absorbs some water causing the nail layers to expand. As the water evaporates, the nail layers contract leading to peeling, etc. (like paint exposed to the elements)





My nails used to peel constantly so I stopped using a nail clipper and only use a nail file to shape and shorten them. I also started protecting my nails with thicker moisturizers.





I read somewhere that nail clippers can cause the layers of the nail to separate and filing is the best way to go.





I started with Revlon's disposable files made for weak nails. File in one direction only. Start on one side and file towards the middle, then go to the other side and file towards the middle of your nail. Smooth the nail into a squoval that mirrors you cuticle or the shape of the white part of your nail bed.





Finish the edges of the nail with a hindo stone, a smooth ceramic/stone nail file or the finest grit nail file you can find. You want to make the edges really smooth.





Revlon makes a tool that should work. It is a pink half moon shape and you can run it under/across the nail from side to middle.





(I have an old hindo stone but haven't been able to find a replacement at a local store. The Revlon tool might be easier for you to find.)





Also, avoid using metal nail files. I recommend using disposable nail files and changing them frequently. The fresher the grit, the less the drag which leads to tearing and peeling.





Some people swear by glass nail files but they can shatter if dropped.





I also use a cuticle balm or nail oil to moisturize my nails and protect them from water since I wash my hands frequently.


(ex. Solar Oil, OPI Avoplex)





Vit E oil, jojoba oil, Aquaphor Healing Ointment, Vaseline or plain Chapstick will work too.





Avoid products w/ formaldehyde or toluene, they are very hard on nails.Brittle nails?
try using sally hansens healthy nails line or neutrogena.
I would suggest either eating Jello or soak your fingers in the no taste gelatin. It make them stronger and healthier . You might also add some calcium vitamins to your life the not only strengthen the bones but it works on fingers as well.
foods with gelatin in them --jello---and they will be ok

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