How To Control Nail Growth

If your nails split and crack before reaching your desired length, weak nails aren't always the problem. In some cases, nails may split or crack due to cold, dry weather or harsh detergents like dish soap. Sometimes, cracked, splitting nails may be because of a serious medical condition like a vitamin deficiency. If your doctor approves, you can strengthen your nails at home to keep them long and healthy and prevent your nails from breaking.

Step 1

Trim or file your nails short with square edges and slightly rounded on the top of the nail, recommends MayoClinic.com in the article "Nails: How to Keep Your Fingernails Healthy and Strong." Trim or file your nails immediately after taking a shower or bath because they have absorbed the most moisture and are less likely to break.

Step 2

Moisturize your nails several times a day with cooking oil to strengthen them says Herbert Luscombe, professor emeritus of dermatology at Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia in "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies." Place cooking oil in an empty nail polish bottle and brush the oil on your nails a few times a day, particularly after washing your hands or bathing.

Step 3

Take 300 micrograms of biotin once a day to keep nails hard and strong, recommends "Reader's Digest" in the article "14 Tips for Strong and Healthy Nails: Dainty Digits." Biotin is available over the counter at drugstores and health food stores.

Step 4

Paint your nails once a week with nail polish to keep moisture inside the nail and give nails an extra layer of protection. If you don't like the appearance of colorful nails, use clear nail polish.

Step 5

Brush a nail hardener over your nails once a week. Stay away from hardeners that contain formaldehyde or sulfonamide, which may irritate the skin, according to MayoClinic.com.

Tips and Warnings

To keep nails strong, limit your use of nail polish remover to once a week. Wear rubber gloves while washing the dishes to protect nails from harsh soaps.
Consult a doctor if your brittle, cracked nails are accompanied by any additional medical symptoms.