Nails are very brittle.?

Question

If they get to a certain length, they tear. Any suggestions?

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

Mine have the same problem. Make sure you take a calcium supplement, plus biotin. They'll strengthen your nails AND your hair.

Also, if you're not into the supplements, use Nailtiques. It's a protein-building type polish that makes your nails MUCH stronger. You can find it at any drug store. It's pricy, but for strong nails, it's worth EVERY penny!

Answer 3

Vitamins and a good quality nail streghthener. Tip: when you file them, file the nail only one way, not back and forth (it open it up and creates tears in the nail) Hope this helps

Answer 4

NYC nail hardener is very cheap (a dollar) and quite effective.

Answer 5

soak ur nails in olive oil..this works...makes them strong and helps them grow