Split nails, otherwise called onychoschizia, is a common problem that includes brittle, soft, thin or splitting nails, according to the American Osteopathic Collage of Dermatology, or AOCD. In some cases, split nails may be due to an iron deficiency or internal disease, but the cause is usually too much wear and tear, says the AOCD. Make some changes to your nail care routine in order to prevent future nail splitting.
Step 1
Keep your nails as dry as possible. The usual cause of split nails is repeated wetting and drying, particularly in low humidity and during the winter, according to the AOCD. Don cotton-lined rubber gloves when you clean the house, use harsh chemicals or wash the dishes, and reduce the amount of time you spend in the shower and tub to reduce this kind of damage, says MayoClinic.com.
Step 2
Trim and moisturize your nails regularly. Round your fingernails into a gentle curve with nail clippers and use a fine file to shape them, advises the AOCD. Filing down snags and irregularities can help prevent further splitting and damage. Rub a moisturizer on your nails regularly, particularly after your nails have been exposed to water or nail polish remover, says MayoClinic.com.
Step 3
Apply a lotion that contains alpha-hydroxy acids or lanolin, suggests the AOCD. For the best results, soak your nails in water for five minutes before you treat them.
Step 4
Protect your nails from harsh nail products. Limit the amount of manicures you get in order to reduce damage to your nails. Between manicures, touch up your polish whenever necessary, but don't remove it, says MayoClinic.com. If you must apply a nail polish remover, MayoClinic.com recommends avoiding the kind that contains acetone.
Step 5
Repair splits; never pick at them. You risk aggravating nail splits if you don't immediately use a clear nail polish or nail glue to cover up or repair them, according to MayoClinic.com.
Step 6
Ask your doctor about supplements. Gelatin, colloidal minerals and calcium are all thought to help repair split nails, but the vitamin biotin is thought to be the most effective in strengthening brittle or split nails, according to the AOCD. Some people, including pregnant women, shouldn't take biotin, but if your doctor approves your decision to take biotin, follow the label directions carefully. The AOCD says that you may need to take the supplement for at least six months before you notice any difference.
Things You'll Need
- Moisturizing lotion
- Cotton-lined rubber gloves
- Fine nail file
- Nail clippers
- Nail glue or clear nail polish
- Nail strengthening supplement
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