When you hair and nails are brittle, they are more prone to breakage and damage. Causes of brittle nails and hair include nutritional deficiencies, chemical exposure, styling tools and environmental conditions. Preventative measures can stop the damage caused by weak nails and hair, and most cases of brittle nails and hair can be treated at home. However, if you have any other symptoms, consult your doctor. Certain medical conditions, such as anemia and thyroid disease, may cause dry hair and brittle nails.
Brittle Nails
Step 1
Keep your hands dry. According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, brittle and dry nails are most often caused by frequent hand wetting and drying. When you do wash the hands, use a mild soap without any fragrance or harsh chemicals.
Step 2
Wear gloves. When you perform any type of household chore, protect your hands from chemical exposure with gloves.
Step 3
Apply a coat of clear nail polish. Nail polish protects the nails, and there are brands available that contain hardening ingredients.
Step 4
Trim the nails. Remove any breakage with a nail trimmer and file down the nail into a rounded curve.
Dry Hair
Step 1
Wash the hair less frequently. If you have brittle hair, avoid washing the hair daily. Skipping a shampooing permits oils to add moisture to the hair.
Step 2
Saturate the hair with a moisture-rich conditioner. Use a conditioner after shampooing, and deep-condition your hair on a weekly basis. A conditioner provides brittle hair with moisture.
Step 3
Limit the application of heat-based styling tools. Heat strips the hair of moisture and can lead to brittleness. Avoid blow dryers, curling irons, hot rollers and flat irons.
Tips and Warnings
- Remember to eat a well-balanced diet if you suffer from dry hair and brittle nails. Include foods high in iron, protein, calcium and vitamin E. Food sources include beans, fish, poultry, milk, citrus fruits and green leafy vegetables. Biotin supplement may also prove helpful, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.
Member Comments