I’ve had my dry and brittle nails for most of my life. I guess, since I was no more than a toddler, when I noticed they were bleeding all the time and didn’t grow at all, I went through the stages of denial, isolation, panic, pain, and finally acceptance.
I’ve since learned to recognize the signs of nail disease: your nail grows slowly, it discolors and grows all over, if it’s bleeding, you know it’s painful, and it starts to crack. Now, after years of using over-the-counter topical treatments and an array of home remedies, I’m left wondering if I can maintain healthy nails in the future.
Do I even have to worry about it anymore? You be the judge.
1. Experts blame hormonal changes, sun exposure, and poor habits for a growing number of dry and brittle nails.
Multiple nail doctors have told POPSUGAR that changes in hormone levels and sun exposure (specifically lack of vitamin D) can contribute to a range of issues that leave nails needing to be replaced.
Read more about how to avoid the seven nail damage causes here.
2. The (actual) word on dry, brittle nails: “Cooling techniques, aloe vera and cortisone are good ways to encourage growth.”
This sounds fairly straightforward, but prior to undergoing a five-centimeter custom-made paraben-free nail file that was crafted from gold-plated pewter, I have always trusted the masses to help me treat my nails every time. The truth is, for the most part, mainstream nail cleaners like the ones found at the drugstore can actually hurt your nails if not used correctly. During the process of applying treatments, especially for pedicures, lots of acetone can irritate your nails and leave them more susceptible to tiny punctures and further damage.
Instead, try dryer treatments like Nails Addiction’s Ceramic Balm ($25) for an at-home de-dampening treatment that will help rehydrate your nail beds.
3. Adding heat to dry and brittle nails is ineffective and not recommended.
Unlike at home, the salons that I’ve frequented in the past offer a range of techniques for dry and brittle nails, including argan oil, pumpkin kernel oil, apricot kernel oil, vegetable protein-based oils, and silicone, but as far as I can tell, nothing actually works.
I once had a friend who saw results by brushing with charcoal ash twice a day (basically the result of rubbing an ashtray brush through your nails), but it just made them worse, not better. Instead, a metal iron tool is the recommended treatment for those in need of an even and more precise hand to cut the nails.
4. There are different types of manicures to treat dry, brittle nails — and many at-home options.
To get your nails healthy, you have to do some research. I used to think I could remove the surface layer of nail with nail polishes or even an alcohol-based talcum powder. Turns out, both are just not effective. From there, alternatives might include glue to stretch the nail, a little cotton balm or finger tape to keep the nail in place, or frozen slices of cheese or bread to keep them frozen, paraffin, or wax. The truth is, there are many methods for healthy, healthy nails, so go with whatever works for you.
5. Sometimes it doesn’t hurt (the most painful part) to receive a pedicure.
Pedicures can help heal brittle and dry nails, allowing them to thrive again. Another option is to receive a nail fungus treatment, which heals fine nail fungus and other problematic nail diseases such as polish chip, bacterial infection, and fungal infection.
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