What helps nail growth and stops them from splitting?

Question

My nails grow to a certain length and then start splitting at the ends and break! Does anyone know of a good nail hardener or any other tricks that can help? Thanks!

Answer 1

Pre-natal vitamins are good for hair and 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.

Answer 2

Nail Envy by O.P.I. is awesome. When my nails were in bad shape after removing acrylics I used Nail Envy and the results were great. Just be sure to follow the directions in order to acheive the best results.... a bit costly, but definitely worth every penny!

Answer 3

Hard as nails Works Wonders Keeps them long and Strong you can get any where form walmart , Walgreen's to any super market that sell nail polish also taking taking vitamin E doesn't hurt nether

Answer 4

Nail Hardener and if u do the dishes, try to put on a gloves.
Putting vaseline on your hands before bed also helps.!

Answer 5

Growth: Each night before going to sleep rub petrolium jelly into your cuticles and push them back. Splitting? This could be a sign of an underlying medical condition (anemia).

Answer 6

clear nail polish...they also sell certain types of nail polish to help your nails grow and get stronger

Answer 7

try Sally Hanson clear nail polish they have different types one is specifically for lengthening nails and i use it works great i use it as a base when i give myself a mani

Answer 8

Eat jello.
then get a nail harderner polish.

Answer 9

Rimmel do a good clear one. Just choose one from a well known cosmetics brand =)

Answer 10

like you said nail polish, vitamins especially kelp if you are not allergic to iodine. and file them often.