Hair and nails are windows to general health, so brittle hair and nails can indicate an underlying medical condition requiring prompt attention from a physician. When brittle hair and nails are caused by lack of nutrients or from over-treatment with harsh chemicals or hot curling irons, products rich in natural emollients and vitamins can help restore luster, strength and shine.
Biotin
Brittle fingernails are usually caused by over-exposure to hot water, detergents and chemical solvents such as nail polish remover. The best way to strengthen nails is to reducing their exposure to detrimental substances by wearing gloves when cleaning and washing dishes, or switching to less-harsh soaps and nail polish removers, according to the Langone Medical Center at New York University. Don't use nail polish remover more than once a week, the Mayo Clinic agrees, and use brands that do not contain acetone, if possible. If nails continue to split after making these changes, consider taking a biotin supplement. There is some scientific evidence that biotin, a form of Vitamin B, helps repair brittle nails, according to the Langone Medical Center. Take 2.5mg of biotin daily to thicken nails, advises the Mayo Clinic.
Nail Polish
Nail polish--both colors and clear nail hardeners--can provide a layer of protection to nails as well as help to seal in moisture, but avoid nail products with toluene, sulfonamide or formaldehyde on the ingredient list, advises the Mayo Clinic. Check the labels on individual products, but nail polishes and hardeners from OPI, Zoya, Rimmel, Nars, China Glaze and Sally Hansen, among others, are free of these damaging chemicals, according to Bella Sugar, an online source of information and product reviews for women's health and beauty. Butter London and Priti Polish, two luxury European brands, are also free of nail-damaging chemicals.
Hair Conditioner
Hair can become brittle due to over-use of dyes, chemical-based styling products, and hot dryers and curlers. Naturally curly or kinky hair is even more suspectible to damage, as it is harder for thick, curly hair to absorb moisturizer ingredients. Try skipping shampoo all together, advises Suzanne Schroeder, writing as CurlySuzy for Naturally Curly.com, a web resource for curly-haired women, or minimize shampoo use and stick to brands that do not contain sulfates. Repair damaged, brittle hair with a regular deep conditioning with a product like Jessicurl Weekly Deep Conditioning Treatment or DevaCurl Heaven in Hair, advises CurlySuzy. After every shampooing, treat hair with a daily conditioner containing natural essential oils, like Aubrey Organics Honeysuckle Rose Moisturizing Conditioner or Darcys Botanical Pumpkin Seed Moisturizing Conditioner. Seal in moisture with silicone-free, natural emollient like coconut oil, shea butter, or olive oil, CurlySuzy recommends.
References
- New York University Langone Medical Center: Disease, Condition and Injury Fact Sheet--Brittle Nails
- Naturally Curly: All About the No-Poo Routine
- Naturally Curly: Curly Suzy's Product Guide for Frizzy Hair Season
- Mayo Clinic: Nails--How to Keep Your Fingernails Healthy and Strong
- Bella Sugar: Formaldehyce, Tuluene and DBP Free Nail Polishes
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