That broken nail might be more that just an unfortunate turn of events, it may be a symptom
of a bigger problem.
We've tapped the experts to find out the real reason your nails keep breaking, and what
you can do to keep them healthy and strong.
"Get those nail breakers.
Get those nail breakers.
Get those nail breakers, get those nail breakers"
Tough as nails
If your nails are weak and brittle, it may be a sign that your body is lacking important
vitamins and minerals.
Dermatologist Dr. Christa Tomc says a daily vitamin may be the answer, adding,
"One study showed a 25 percent increase in nail thickness with daily supplementation
of biotin."
"Biotin is the big one, that's like the magical hair, nail supplement"
Biotin can also be found in foods like nuts, bananas and eggs.
"Put an egg on it, put an egg on it, put an egg on it…I need more eggs"
But biotin isn't the only vitamin deficiency that could be causing your nails to break.
According to Dr. Craig A. Maxwell, if your body is lacking iron or vitamins B, C, D,
or E, brittle nails may be a symptom.
Passing on the protein
There's also protein, which is good for more than just your muscles.
According to Dr. Tomc, not taking in enough protein can lead to breaking, brittle nails.
Foods high in protein provide the dietary nourishment needed to create keratin, the
protein that nails are made of.
"So my family's looking for beef that's all natural and hormone free."
"That's me, all natural"
Eat plenty of chicken, lean beef, poultry, eggs, beans, fish, and skim or low-fat dairy
to give your nails the boost they need.
Skipping the hydration
"What is this?"
"Water."
"It's horrible"
We all know our bodies take a hit if we're not drinking enough water, and your nails
are not immune.
In fact, dehydration is a major factor in many cases of brittle nails.
Get the hydration you need by drinking adequate amounts of water, which is about nine cups
a day for women, according to the Mayo Clinic.
But your nails don't just need moisture from the inside, they also need it from the outside.
The best way to do this is by moisturizing your hands frequently throughout the day,
according to dermatologist Dr. Arlo Miller.
Keep a hand lotion in your purse or car, and apply it whenever you think about it, but
especially after your hands have been wet.
Too much water?
"You guys give up?
Or are ya thirsty for more?"
Now, we're no longer talking about the water you drink, we're talking about the water that
comes in contact with your hands.
According to Creative Nail Design education ambassador, Kristina Saindon, having your
hands in the water frequently, whether it's doing dishes, laundry, or food prep, can take
a toll on your nails.
Miller Family Dermatology reports that solvents and soaps from cleaners also have a drying
effect on your nails.
A simple solution: wear gloves any time you're getting your hands into wet work.
Piling on the polish
"Pick a color."
"Oh, I'm just gonna use one of theirs."
"Well how ya gonna do touch-ups during the week?"
All that polish sure is pretty, but it might be doing your nails more harm than good.
Dr. Tomc says,
"Over time, treatments that abrade or dehydrate the nail plate can lead to micro trauma and
breakage."
But don't worry, you can still wear that polish you love, just don't wear it for more than
five days, and give your nails a few polish-free days to breathe between manicures.
Filing the wrong way
"Where did you get these done?"
"Actually I did em myself"
Filing your nails may seem second nature, but there's a good chance you've been doing
it all wrong, and causing your nails to break in the process.
According to Anita Zappacosta, executive director of OmegaLabs USA, the key is to file in just
one direction, since "sawing back and forth" causes breakage.
The shape of the nail makes a big difference, too.
Zappacosta adds,
"A square nail with a soft rounded corner is usually best for reducing the chances of
nail breakage, and a nice oval works well too."
"Claws up!"
"Claws up."
How to work your cuticles
Throw away that cuticle trimmer right now, Your cuticles aren't meant to be cut!
Dr. Tomc warns,
"The cuticle is the barrier between the tough keratinized portion of the nail and the nail
matrix."
Wait, there's a "nail matrix"?
It turns out, that's the portion of the nail that extends from the cuticle to the adjacent
knuckle.
And inflammation to this area can affect the health of your nails.
Zappacosta says,
"The cuticle should be softened with a warm soak (or cuticle cream or oil) and gently
pushed back.
[…] Softening the cuticle area and a gentle push is the perfect solution to keep nails
looking healthy and well maintained."
"Nailed it"