The weakness of the nails is a problem that many women face and can be caused by several reasons. Many have tried all known practices, but still have brittle nails.
Finding the reason for the weakness is the first step in treating it . The cause can range from constant use of chemicals (such as detergents or nail polish ) to eating problems (such as a lack of vitamins).
The main signs of this problem are thin and flaky nails , have porous spots, irregular appearance and characteristics, and are more vulnerable to fungal attack. If you notice these symptoms, see a dermatologist to determine the diagnosis.
Index
What weakens the nails?
- Ketones or removers and excess nail polish dry them out and make them brittle, dull and with white spots on the surface.
- A diet deficient in nutrients and vitamins, to remedy see our 19 tips for a Healthy Eating
- Chemicals like detergents.
- Fungi or bacteria that settle on the nails.
- Anemia, hypothyroidism, and poor absorption of nutrients are also common causes of weak or flaky nails.
What can be done to improve nail health?
The reasons for the weakening of the nails can range from deficiencies in the diet to the constant use of chemicals.
Good nutrition
Nails are made of protein and can be damaged if your body is out of balance, something that happens when the diet is poor or of poor quality. In this case, you should adopt a varied diet rich in calcium , iron ( dark green vegetables , red meat, eggs and soy), B vitamins and zinc (nuts, oysters and crabs).
Leave your nails without polish
At least for a short period of time, it is important not to paint them to regain their hydration. There are capsules on the market that contain nutrients to strengthen nails and improve their appearance. When the problem is external, you can opt for bases with keratin and 2% formaldehyde that are sold in pharmacies or the internet.
Wear gloves to wash dishes
The detergent causes dehydration of the nails, which are basically composed of keratin, if you can avoid it, it is better to use the dishwasher, which will also save much more water than washing by hand.
Do not abuse acetone to remove nail polish
Acetone dries nails and leaves dull, white patches on the surface. When removing polish with either acetone or a remover, wash your hands and rub a moisturizer over your nails. It is extremely important that you do not leave the same polish on your nails for a long time. When you see that it begins to peel, remove it.
Use nail bases before polish
The base serves as a protection for the nails because it prevents the components of the polish from coming into direct contact with the outer surface. In addition, people with weak nails should use bases that contain derivatives of calcium carbonate and quinine.
Don’t remove cuticles
The cuticle protects the base of the nail against the entry of bacteria and fungi and therefore should not be removed. However, for cosmetic purposes, it has become routine to cut it during manicure.
It is best to remove only the excess and make sure that the tools are sterilized. Be careful if you choose to use a putty knife to push it, you can cause trauma to your nail if you don’t handle it carefully.
Check out our article to learn how to learn to take care of your cuticles .
Moisturizes nails
A dehydrated nail flakes easily. To combat the problem, nothing better than a good moisturizer. Its use promotes greater malleability of protein fibers, preventing nails from breaking easily.
Home nail treatments
Recipe 1
- Olive oil
- 5 drops of lemon juice
Gently mix the ingredients. Work this mixture around the cuticles, above and below the nails, and along the fingers. Repeat for 7 days.
Recipe 2
- A colorless (transparent) base
- ½ minced garlic
- A clove (the spice)
You just have to put everything on the nail base, mixing with your own brush and that’s it! New base made. It is so simple that it seems the only effect it will have is the smell of garlic, but you can be sure that the aroma will not stick to the nail.
Apply this base on your nails for two weeks. More information here . You can also put 3 drops of clove essential oil and 3 drops of copaiba essential oil in your colorless base.
Products to help strengthen weak nails
The easiest and fastest way to solve the problem of weak and brittle nails is to use special bases and oils to strengthen them. Nail strengtheners promote nail growth, eliminate yellowing and reduce whitish spots. Check in this link all the products that are in the online market and also here are some suggestions about this type of products that help combat weak and brittle nails.
- Grow Stronger Essie Nail Strengthener
- Nu Nale-Strengthening Nail Cream – 30 ml
- Revive 100% natural and organic nail and cuticle conditioner 30ml
- GlamLac Nail Strengthening Base (LED Base / UV Shield) 15 ml
- Cuccio Naturale Nail Strengthener 15 ml, Forte Horsetail Herb
- Nubar Nu Nail growth and strengthening formula for peeling and cracking Nails 15ml
- Mavala Mavaderma Nail Strengthening Oil – 10 ml
- Ultra Nails, Nail Strengthener, 1/4 fl oz (7.4 ml) – Nature’s Plus
- Alessandro Nail Spa for brittle nails nail strengthening cream 15ml
- Manhattan Strengthener, 1st Pack (1 x 10 ml)
Kathie Sand always saw the world of beauty as the terrain on which to build her professional career, a goal that was clear to her when she was only 15 years old. Her great concern to expand knowledge led her to settle in Paris where she studied hand in hand with the best beauty professionals and with the most advanced techniques for skin care.
