How strong your fingernails are depends a lot on genetics, but even if you were born with soft or brittle nails that peel instead of growing, there is hope. Peeling fingernails are usually not a sign of anything serious, and there are many easy and effective ways to stop peeling nails. There are two main things to keep in mind when dealing with this problem—you must strengthen peeling nails as well as protect them.
Step 1
Apply a nail hardener to protect nails from everyday wear and tear. Choose a strengthener that is formaldehyde and toluene free as these can irritate the skin. Brush on one coat every day for one week, then remove the nail hardener with an acetone-free polish remover and start again. Nail strengtheners cannot actually make your nails stronger, but they do protect them from soaking up water and then drying out, which is a major cause of peeling.
Step 2
Wear cotton-lined rubber gloves every time you wash dishes or clean anything that requires hot water and any kind of chemical cleaner. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Nails need moisture just like your skin does.” Immersing your hands in hot water and exposing them to harsh chemicals can dry out your nails, which can lead to peeling.
Step 3
Use a hand cream every time you wash your hands, and whenever your hands are exposed to extreme heat, harsh sunlight or extreme cold. The more moist and supple you keep your nails, the less they should peel.
Step 4
Soak your fingernails in warm olive oil in a small bowl for 10 to 15 minutes once a week, or simply massage in a moisturizer specifically formulated for fingernails. Blot away any excess oil or moisturizer and put on plain white cotton gloves to sleep.
Step 5
Take biotin supplements. While there is no scientific evidence to confirm that changing a normal, healthy diet has any effect on fingernails, according to the Linus Pauling Institute, there is some evidence to prove that biotin supplements will improve nail strength.
Tips and Warnings
- Wipe your nails with a clean, dry cloth before applying nail hardener and it will adhere without interference from your natural skin oils.
- Never bite nails or pull away the part that is peeling, as you can damage your nails.
Things You'll Need
- Nail hardener
- Non-acetone polish remover
- Cotton balls or pads
- Cotton-lined rubber gloves
- Hand cream
- Olive oil
- Small bowl
- Nail moisturizer
- White cotton gloves
- Biotin supplements
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