Just like skin, fingernails say a lot about your health. Brittle and fragile nails are more common than we think. Sometimes they are a normal result of aging, but they can also be caused by certain diseases and conditions.
According to Lisa Quintana, a dermatologist, when brittle nails are accompanied by headaches, dizziness, or weakness in the body, it can be a symptom of diseases such as anemia, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal disorders, anemia, or thyroid disorders. Therefore, when these symptoms occur, before looking for products to strengthen nails, it is best to consult a doctor.
Causes of brittle nails
“Onychoschizia – the name given to weak and brittle nails – is characterized by the constant fragmentation of the nail. This is due to factors that prevent or hinder the cohesive formation of the nail plate – the hard and translucent part of the nail” explains Quintana.
Among the main causes of brittle nails we can mention:
Nail biting: The habit of biting your nails or frequently keeping your fingers in your mouth can weaken your nails.
Aging: As we get older, due to the physiological process of aging, nails become more fragile and have vertical striations, small lines that extend from the cuticle to the tip of the nail.
Dehydration: If we have rough hands, likely, our nails are likely weak. This can be due to constantly washing our hands, especially with hot water, or by exposing our hands to hot air sources for long periods. All of the above causes dehydration of the skin and nails.
A diet lacking in vitamins: Nutritional deficiencies can lead to weak nails, especially when low amounts of foods rich in iron, vitamin D, zinc, selenium, and vitamin B are consumed. These nutrients are found in meat and eggs, for example. They are also responsible for maintaining healthy hair and nails.
Use of cleaning products: Constant use of cleaning products without protection on the hands, such as gloves, can dry out the area and leave the nails more fragile. In addition to these products, frequent use of acetone to remove nail polish can also cause stains and weakening.
Dermatological diseases: when you have nail fungus, in addition to weakening your nails, their appearance changes to a scaly one. In these cases, it is best to go to a dermatologist for a diagnosis and treatment.
Vitamins for nails
Since poor nutrition affects nails, it is advisable to eat a balanced diet, which includes meat, dairy products, cereals, and eggs, because these contain nutrients that help the growth and strengthening of nails. Also consume products that provide iron, calcium, zinc, and vitamin D.
Nail Treatments
There are various treatments to strengthen nails. The ideal is to adopt certain precautions, such as using a protective base for the nails before applying polish, removing the polish with natural oils, and wearing gloves when using cleaning products that contain chemicals, for example, when washing dishes.
For Claudia Aguilar, a manicure and pedicure expert, it is important to apply a moisturizing cream to your hands and nails after washing your hands. Ideally, it should contain natural active ingredients that moisturize the skin, and you should give your nails a gentle massage when applying it. You can also apply a nail strengthener or hardener with ingredients that help rebuild the keratin in the nail.
“Let’s not forget to do a manicure once a week, to avoid dehydration. In addition, we can use home remedies that are very helpful and inexpensive. The key is to do them constantly, even when we already feel our nails are strong. This way, it will be used as a preventative measure,” says Aguilar.
Home treatments
Olive oil is a good choice for nourishing your nails. Put half a cup of oil in a bowl and soak your nails in it for 20 minutes. Then, wash your hands thoroughly and dry them.
The mixture of almond oil and egg, due to the antioxidants and vitamins, gives good results. Mix a tablespoon of the yolk of a raw egg with half a teaspoon of almond oil. Soak your nails in this mixture for 25 minutes.
Castor oil provides nourishment to your hands and nails. Dip a piece of cotton in half a cup of this oil and apply it to the surface of your nails, massaging gently.
Garlic nail polish, although it is also known to prevent nail biting, due to its nutrients and antioxidants, prevents the appearance of fungus and strengthens nails. Use two cloves of garlic, finely chopped and crushed until you get a paste. Then, add it to a clear nail polish and apply a layer every day for a week.