Peeling fingernails?

Question

Whenever my fingernails get to a certain length, a layer starts peeling off of them. After that layer comes off they're very thin and break so easily. I've tried nail hardener and it doesn't help. What can I do to make it so they don't peel?

Answer 1

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

Your nails are basically like windows to your body's health and peeling nails usually mean that your body is lacking protein and/or calcium. Putting more of these vitamins in your diet along with moisturizing your hands and drinking water will help. Also try and lessen your use of nail polish and removers, those tend to dry out the nail bed.

Answer 3

Your nails are not very healthy. I had this problem about couple weeks ago. You need something that will strenght your nails. Nail harder would not do the trick. You should use calicum that is nail calcium. You can get it at walmart or k-mart which ever one you prefer, its going to do the trick.

Answer 4

for some reason human beings advise that its to do with eating adequate fruit and veg- and that they are desirable. I even have particularly long nails yet each and every so often whilst im not eating adequate my nails do a similar and crack. besides the shown fact that eating the main appropriate issues will help they wont help them to get better in the bestest way. utilising cream for the cuticles and cream for the nails will help lots. you will desire to purchase those products from customary shops (recomend boots) whilst finding glam returned you will sense lots extra advantageous and in case you maintain pampering them each and every now and then with products that'l help. additionally shop attempting distinctive issues concaining vit and minutes.

Answer 5

use a clear top coat that should keep it from peeling for a while and maybe use a better nail polish not the cheap stuff that you get at the drugstore maybe something they sell at macy's

Answer 6

Sally Hansen products are the best. Also look at your diet - do you need more protein?

Answer 7

eat more protein, take vitamins