Brittle, splitting and cracked nails are signs your nails are dry and possibly in contact with irritating substances, says the website Nail Doctors. Dry, brittle nails also may reveal a low supply of zinc, iron or possible thyroid problems. Approximately 20 percent of the population suffers from brittle nails. Brittle nails split both vertically and horizontally and can prevent the nail from continuing to grow normally. According to The Mayo Clinic, no nail care product alone resolves brittle nails. However, implementing a daily and weekly nail care regiment can transform brittle, short nails into healthy, long nails.
Step 1
Increase your intake of biotin, suggests natural living website Mother Nature. Consume cauliflower, which has large amounts of biotin. Snack on it raw or steam it as a side vegetable with dinner. Include whole grains, bananas and nuts in your diet---all sources of biotin. The water-soluble vitamin B is absorbed by the nail bed to create a harder, thicker nail, suggest some animal studies, though no conclusive medical evidence exists. New York University Langone Medical Center also suggests that taking a biotin supplement may aid in decreasing brittle nails.
Step 2
Avoid soaking nails in water for long periods of time. Wear rubber gloves when washing dishes. Thoroughly dry hands and feet with a towel after bathing. Clean underneath nails with manicure tools to remove any bacteria or fungi from growing. Moisturize hands and nails after washing or getting them wet by applying lotion containing urea or lactic acid. Rub the lotion onto your hands to increase blood flow and circulation to the fingertips and nails, which may increase nail growth. Wear cotton gloves at bedtime to increase moisture absorption.
Step 3
Cut nails in even horizontal clips. Use a nail file and remove any brittle or splitting areas on a regular basis. The Mayo Clinic suggests cutting and filing nails after bathing or a 15-minute soak in bath oil--when they are soft and most pliable.
Step 4
Massage natural oils into the nails to replenish moisture, suggests Mother Nature. Use vegetable oil or other natural oils, such as almond or avocado oil. Rub onto nails and surrounding skin as needed. Using natural oils helps you avoid applying harmful chemicals and fragrances, which further dry out the nail.
Step 5
Apply a coat of nail polish for additional protection and strength. Wear the coating for a week. Remove with a nail polish remover that does not contain acetone. Acetone severely dries out nails.
Tips and Warnings
- Seek medical advice to rule out potential health problems.
Things You'll Need
- Biotin-rich foods
- Biotin supplement
- Rubber gloves
- Clean towel
- Manicure tools
- Lotion containing urea or lactic acid
- Nail file
- Bath oil
- Natural oils--vegetable, almond or avocado
- Cotton gloves
- Nail polish
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