why are my nails so bad?

Question

I eat a relatively balanced diet, but also take a multivitamin as well as a hair and nails vitamin. I also use this special nail treatment from Sally Hansen that has calcium in it. However, my nails are still cracking and not that good. I work out a lot, but I would think that by taking those vitamins this would resupply me with everything I need. I have been following the above regimen for a month. Why would my nails still be so gross after I do all these things?

Answer 1

Exposure to water (frequent hand washing, doing dishes, etc.) will dry out nails and cause peeling. 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. (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.)

(photo of hindo stone http://www.enailsupply.com/browseproduct...

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.

Answer 2

Nails grow pretty slowly, so it will take more than a few weeks for the efforts you are making to have a seeable effect. In the meantime, use a nail strengthener and lots of polish - this helps keep them in one piece. Also, weak nails can be inherited ( in which case there's not much you can do).
Jx

Answer 3

you could have a fungus infection or need a different type of vitamin. talk to your regular doctor about this condition.

Answer 4

try drinking more milk or it could be ur job or chemicals that u use in cleaning products or etc..

Answer 5

Possibly you need more milk.

Answer 6

might be fungus. . .
see a doc