Have you ever wondered why your nails tend to break and crack easily? Or why they look weak and thin? Although there are many possible reasons, one of the main ones that can cause brittle nails is nail dehydration. Brittle nails not only look bad but can also become more prone to breaking if not cared for properly. However, if you want to know how to care for brittle nails then you’ve come to the right place! Here are some useful tips and tricks on how to care for brittle nails at home. The following article will discuss both the causes of brittle nails as well as the treatment options available.
Know The Enemy
One of the most common causes of brittle nails is drying out. If you wash your hands frequently or use soap on them, they can dry out quickly, causing your nails to become brittle. Nail polish remover can also cause a similar reaction if you’re not careful about what brand you buy and how often you use it. To help protect your fragile nails from breakage, look for cuticle creams that are rich in oils like olive oil or vitamin E.
Moisturize
Moisturizing your nails (or any other part of your body) improves hydration, which keeps skin healthy and less prone to breaking. Oftentimes, dry nails are brittle nails. And most moisturizers with SPF contain added benefits like sun protection, so it’s not just about hydration. Look for a product that doesn’t leave a greasy residue on your hands after use.
Avoid Overuse of Nail Polish
The most common causes of brittle nails are dehydration, overuse of polish remover, poor diet, excessive hand washing or exposure to chemicals. When you apply polish on top of dry nails, it’s like applying paint on cardboard—you need a sturdy surface in order for it to adhere properly. Brittle nails can also be an indicator that your body is dehydrated, so drink plenty of water throughout the day in order to keep them healthy.
Avoid Polish Remover
Removing nail polish can be harsh on your nails, causing them to become brittle. If you must remove nail polish, try soaking your hands in warm water for five minutes, and then use an orangewood stick (or wooden Q-tip) to gently pry off your nail polish. This will avoid harsh chemicals that may dry out your nails and cause split ends. Many solvents used in removers are designed specifically for nails and won’t harm other surfaces around you.
Stay Hydrated
One of, if not THE most important things you can do for your nails is keeping them hydrated. Yes, water does more than just quench your thirst – in fact, it does a lot for your body as a whole (and we’re guessing that you know that by now). Keeping your nails hydrated helps prevent dryness, which is one of nail-brittleness’s worst enemies. It can also help fight against ridges and breakage.
Give Your Hands A Break
Dry, brittle nails might be caused by a number of factors. Chances are you’re washing your hands too often—over-washing can strip natural oils from your skin. Similarly, frequent use of nail polish remover can damage your nails, causing them to dry out even more than usual. This damage will likely cause a fungal infection called onychomycosis, which in turn dries out nails even further.
Vitamin B12 Shots
Your nails are made of a protein called keratin, and B12 deficiency can lead to problems with your fingernails. Talk with your doctor about getting tested for vitamin B12 deficiency if you have brittle nails. If you do have a deficiency, talk with your doctor about taking a supplement that contains methylcobalamin. Methylcobalamin is often used in injection form (as a shot), which means it’s more easily absorbed into your system than through oral ingestion.
