Nails Peeling - It seems that I've tried everything - what can I do to prevent this??

Question

I've finally been able to grow them out and they still peel!! Instead of splitting anywhere at the ends now they seem to split on each side - I polish them daily with a "protein no-splitting conditioner" and then a hard as nails top coat over that and nothing seems to be working.

It's really frustrating - any advice would be greatly appreicated!

Answer 1

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. Avoid filing down the sides of the nail.

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.

Nail care video demo: http://www.videojug.com/film/how-to-file-and-buff-your-nails

Answer 2

I haven't tried it yet because I don't trust myself at home and don't have the funds to go to the salon but my friend has great natrual nails that are hard as rock...her secret...she uses the acrylic fill (she buys at wal-mart) that is used when you have tips or acrylic nails put on - every two weeks she just paints the goo over her nails - she never removes the old stuff and they look better than any fake nail I've ever seen and they never need to be redone because it's her natrual nail. best part is they never split, crack, or break - good luck