Thread: My fingernails are horrible

I used to have the toughest nails in all the land. Had to cut 'em with toenail clippers, even. But no longer!

My nails chip, the layers split apart, they break easily... I have to keep cutting them down to nothing. Has anyone found a supplement, lotion, or potion to strengthen their nails that you'd recommend? thanks!!

i used these products when my nails were recovering from acrylics and gels. worked well for me:
nailtiques - nothing else even comes close

When I was younger, I used to bite my nails; Never even aware of it, except that my mom would gracefully mention it or take my hand away from my face.......eventually, I stopped by simply getting manicures; something about having a little polish on them, I took better care, didn't chew on them, I don't know, but it worked.

Have you tried just getting a plain manicure, and putting on some nail polish? it's not damage from acrylics or something is it?

whatever it is, you'll figure it out. the Bhuzzers are very helpful!

It might be a nutrition issue? Do you have a job that's rough on them, do anything that keeps them in water for extended periods of time? Something that helps my nails is that I cut them pretty square and never file them, I think it keeps them stronger.

I like to use Vitamin E cuticle oil on my nails and cuticles... when I remember to use it they get into great condition! Same with all skin, particularly cuts. For whatever reason, the Vitamin E just seems to work wonders for me.

When my nails are crap, which is usually during the cold winter months, I like to use a nail hardener and a cuticle cream. My faves are Sally Hansen Nail Protex and Burt's Bees Cuticle Cream, which smells like lemon merengue pie ..g.:

And I agree with the poster who suggested a possible deficiency - if you think this might be the cause, there are some hair & nail supplements that contain silica and biotin at the health food store.

Originally Posted by SatinWorship19

and Burt's Bees Cuticle Cream, which smells like lemon merengue pie ..g.:

I just got some for Christmas! It's lovely! ..l;,

thanks for your other suggestions too!

Originally Posted by Michelle_A

It might be a nutrition issue? Do you have a job that's rough on them, do anything that keeps them in water for extended periods of time? Something that helps my nails is that I cut them pretty square and never file them, I think it keeps them stronger.

I mostly do a lot of computer work. There is all the hand dye work I do, but I pretty much wear waterproof gloves for that -- although... my hands do get sweaty inside the gloves! Oh shoot, I'm sure that's it! DRAT!

Originally Posted by sabrinabellydancer

i used these products when my nails were recovering from acrylics and gels. worked well for me:
nailtiques - nothing else even comes close

Hey, this stuff looks really interesting! Thank you!

Originally Posted by Salena

Have you tried just getting a plain manicure, and putting on some nail polish? it's not damage from acrylics or something is it?

whatever it is, you'll figure it out. the Bhuzzers are very helpful!

When I want to know anything about dance, fitness, or beauty I ask the Bhuzzers. We have a great community here (despite our occasional battles!).

Unfortunately my husband has kind of a revulsion to nail polish. It creeps him out, so I don't wear it. (Incidentally, he is a big fan of Pepe the King Prawn so I will have to tell him your quotation!)

If you don't wear nail polish, would a good top coat be acceptable? The other thing which works for me, especially in dry weather, is lots of hand cream. As in every time I wash my hands, etc. Invest in a god one, and if you can, shea butter at night and with cotton gloves a couple of time a week.

{{{HUGS}}}

I've tried lots of different nutritional supplements over the years, and I've also tried lots of different base coats, top coats, and other chemicals.

ONE thing, and ONE THING ONLY, worked for me: drinking milk. I need to average 2-3 glasses of it per day. If I can get myself to do that faithfully for 90 days, my body rewards me with strong, healthy nails. But if I average less than that, I have the problem of soft, easily breaking nails.

When I worked in retail I would use that little pink tub of gliserin (sp?) on my left bag opening hand after about a month the nails on that hand were thick, long and strong. After I stopped using it my nails went right back to
thin and flakky.