How to Fix Brittle Nails?
If you're dealing with brittle nails, it can be so frustrating! Brittleness can be caused by a variety of factors, including exposure to harsh chemicals, frequent use of nail polish remover, and nutritional deficiencies. Fortunately, there are many ways to fix brittle nails at home without having to visit the salon. In this article, we'll look at simple steps you can take to help strengthen your nails and restore their natural shine. With the right nail care regimen and a little patience, you'll soon have strong and healthy nails again!
Can Brittle Nails Be Healed?
Yes, brittle nails can recover. However, if you notice that your nails are thinner, crumbling, or have ridges, pits, or dents, then it’s time to look at what’s causing these problems. Brittle nails may indicate a lack of vitamins and minerals in the body, as well as other medical conditions such as thyroid disease or anemia. They may also be caused by certain medications or treatments like chemotherapy. The condition could also be caused by aging or frequent exposure to water and harsh chemicals.
If you notice changes in your nails’ texture or color, it is important to talk to your doctor about the possible causes. They will help you determine if any underlying health issues need to be addressed and provide treatment options if necessary. Then, as your body recovers, so will your nails.
Remember, it takes about six months for fingernails to grow out and about a year for toenails. Be patient as the recovery might be slow.
How Can I Fix Brittle Nails at Home?
With consistent and proper nail care, you can improve the appearance of your nails. They will become healthier with the right treatment.
10 Easy Steps for Healthier Nails
Here’s the TL;DR summary: Protect your nails from damage and keep them trimmed and hydrated.
Now for the details:
- The first thing to do is to keep the nails trimmed. When they’re brittle, they are fragile and prone to breaking. A bad break can be quite painful!
- Before you do your next manicure, sanitize the tools in your manicure kit to avoid infections. This is crucial if you’re dealing with nail fungus.
- Remember to apply cuticle oil and hand cream morning and night. Hydrated nails are more flexible and less prone to breaking, peeling, and cracking.
- Keep yourself from biting your nails. Saliva weakens the keratin and constant exposure will make the nails brittle.
- When you file your nails, work in one direction from the edge to the center. Don't saw back and forth because that can weaken the nail fibers. Also, use a fine-grit file to reduce splitting and breaking.
- If you want to buff your nails to make them smoother and shinier, be gentle. Move the buffer in the same direction that the nail grows toward the tip. Don’t move it back and forth. Moreover, don’t try to make them look perfect the first time. Buffing makes the nail thinner and that doesn’t help with brittleness.
- Instead of buffing the nail surface, apply a nail hardener. It's a special kind of nail polish that makes the nails stronger and gives them a pretty shine and a smooth texture.
- When it’s time to remove the nail hardener polish, use a non-acetone polish remover. Too much exposure to acetone and rubbing alcohol will dehydrate the nails and make them more fragile.
- When you wash dishes, do gardening, or use household cleaners, wear gloves. Protect your nails from physical damage and exposure to chemicals.
- Take care of your general health with good nutrition and plenty of water. Your nails need vitamins and moisture to be strong and attractive.
What Are the Best Treatments for Brittle Nails?
You don’t need to spend a lot of money to fix brittle nails. It doesn’t require a big investment of time, either. A couple minutes each day is enough to help your nails improve.
Moisturizers
Just like hair, your nails are made of protein fibers. When your hair is dry, you use conditioner. Your nails need similar treatment when they are dry and brittle. Be sure to apply cuticle oil and hand cream often, especially after washing.
24k Gold Nail & Cuticle Oil
We love this cuticle oil! It smells so nice with different scents like honeysuckle, orange, or lavender. Plus, it absorbs quickly and leaves the nails looking better immediately. That’s not surprising as it’s packed with nutrients and moisturizers like hyaluronic acid.
Avry Beauty Shea Glove
Give your skin and nails an instant dose of hydration when you wear these spa gloves for fifteen minutes. They contain a serum with shea butter, collagen, and natural extracts that are safe for sensitive skin.
Supplements
If your nails are brittle from a vitamin or mineral deficiency, your doctor will likely prescribe supplements. You might also consider biotin as it's a building block of healthy nails. But be careful how much you take because too much may cause other problems. Instead, try to eat fewer processed foods and more fresh vegetables, fruits, and grains.
Treat Nail Fungus
If your nails are brittle from a fungal infection, it will take a while to treat. Nevertheless, applying an antifungal nail polish twice a day will help clear up the problem. Also, dry your nails completely before applying moisturizer or cuticle oil. Damp skin and nails make nail fungus thrive.
Use Nail Hardener
Another type of polish that can help nails is a nail strengthener. OPI’s nail hardener delivers calcium for stronger nails. At the same time, it reinforces the nails with hydrolyzed wheat protein. What’s nice is that you can wear it alone as clear nail polish or use it as a base coat under a colored polish. It makes the nails look shinier and feel smoother while it hardens them.
You’ll need to apply two coats the first time you use it. Then if you don’t use any other polish on top, brush on another coat every other day for a week. Lastly, remove the lacquer with a non-acetone polish remover and start over. Repeat this weekly until the nails have recovered.
Conclusion
We hope these tips help you fix brittle nails as quickly as possible. With patience and care, you’ll soon see improvement.
Please see a doctor if you’re concerned about sudden changes in their appearance or texture. The health of your nails is a reliable indicator of your overall well-being.
