Help with Natural (Finger) Nails...?

Question

I'm trying to figure out why I can't seem to grow my finger nails on my middle fingers. The other 8 of my nails grow fine, healthy and strong, so it doesn't seem like it could be an issue with diet/nutrition. Yet, on the middle finger of each hand, I can barely get the nail past the edge of my finger. My best guess is that this is wear and tear, since that is the longest finger on the hand. Anyone have any suggestions on how to grow these nails?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Answer 1

My middle fingernails are the most prone to breakage too. In my case it is because the top joints of my fingers are slightly crooked and these nails are the broadest. To compensate I try to make sure to file away dry edges and do the following:

Do not use a nail clipper. Only use a nail file to shape and shorten them. Protect your nails with thicker moisturizers to protect them from exposure to water which dries them out & makes them brittle.

Try 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.

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.

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.

Some women swear by taking pre-natal vitamins.

Answer 2

Go the beauty supply store and buy some nail hardener. Paint it on the white of the fingernail for extra reinforcement, let dry, and then go over the whole nail. It could be wear and tear or it could be you have a weak spot on the side of the nail bed that you haven't noticed.