Brittle nails. Brittle, brittle nails

Like other parts of the body, it shows how healthy and well a person feels. Therefore, you need to pay attention to their condition and do the maximum in caring for them. After all, they can be thin, brittle, weak and cracked. And this is an indicator not only of cosmetic problems, but also of more serious and deeper ones. If you suffer from brittle nails, then most likely the reason lies in the cuticle, which not only covers the root, but also nourishes it and saturates it with microelements. It is worth noting that one glance at the nails is enough to diagnose more than 20 diseases. The complete structure of the nail is renewed only in three to four months. But sometimes they slow down in growth or, on the contrary, accelerate, which also depends on age, nutrition, and the release of hormones.

Why does brittle nails occur?

There are a number of reasons that can cause brittle nails, including the following:

• Since nails are a porous surface, they have the ability to absorb everything that hits them. Therefore, it is very important to choose varnishes good quality, which do not contain chemicals such as formaldehyde. Also avoid acetone. Because all this affects the dryness of the nail, makes it thinner and cracks appear on it;
• and peeling of the nail can occur due to contact with chemicals and household cleaning products. Therefore, try to always use gloves and have as little contact with water as possible. Because then we will also talk about the fact that beneficial substances and vitamins will be washed out from the surface, and harmful components, on the contrary, will be absorbed;
• Severe hypothermia or sudden temperature changes can also cause dry nails, so it is important to wear warm gloves and use a moisturizer;
• If you already suffer from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, then you should avoid tap water, because it contains a huge amount of chlorine, which will only worsen the general condition of the nails and the whole body;
• A common problem is also vitamin deficiencies, especially A, E, C, B. Therefore, review your diet and make sure that you have enough calcium, iron, and fluorine in your blood;
• Improper functioning of the thyroid gland, kidneys, liver, stomach, diabetes, frequent stress and dieting can affect the health of your nails and make them brittle and flaky. Even during the restructuring of a woman’s body, similar problems can arise;

How to treat fragility?

First of all, it is necessary to establish the cause and symptoms, and then begin to eliminate it. Otherwise no cosmetic procedures won't make any sense. The main thing is not to forget about proper care, and then fragility will not occur at all. It's best to never use polishes that dry out too quickly because they are incredibly toxic. If you use them all, then before applying a base protective coating.

Also be careful when removing cuticles. It's best to use essential oil to soften and then remove excess skin. wooden stick. If you are wary of doing this yourself, then contact a salon. After all, damage to the cuticle can not only lead to peeling and brittleness, but also stop the growth of the entire nail for several months.

Have a few rubber gloves at home for washing dishes, floors, and laundry. Because the chemical elements of cleaning products will dry out not only the skin, but also the nail. And, of course, rashes or irritation may even appear.

Very good remedy baths with salt or essential oils can be considered. After all, they contain a large number of fatty acids, iron, calcium. And this is exactly what the nail structure lacks. You can even add iodine to the bath, Castor oil and a couple of drops of lemon. Literally 10 minutes of this procedure once a week will allow you to always look great and forget about problems with fragility.

What vitamins are needed for fragility?

Pay attention to the following components that must be present in your diet if you want to achieve desired results and forget about brittle nails:

• Vitamin A not only strengthens the immune system, but also fights fungal infections, has protective properties, and most of all it is found in liver, tomatoes and carrots;
• Vitamin E responsible for the treatment of inflammation, the process of absorption of moisture and other vitamins;
• Vitamin C participates in construction nail plate and prevents earlier aging;
• Vitamin B responsible for good blood circulation and blood flow to the nail plate, which promotes its development and growth;
• Iron nourishes nails with oxygen;
• A calcium ensures normal growth and development of the nail;

ethnoscience

You don't have to spend a whole lot of money on nail salon and expensive products. Because everything you need is at hand. And we are talking about folk remedies that treat brittle nails no worse than vitamin complexes or bio-gels. If you are looking for an additional source of calcium, then simply take eggshells, dry it. Next, you need to crush it and add it to your food.

Beeswax is also good. You just need to melt it and apply it to the nail, as if rubbing it inside. After this, keep the composition on the nail for 15 minutes and remove with warm water. After this, you can polish your nails, which will become not only healthy, but also more shiny. The procedure must be carried out until the condition of the plate improves. It is also worth considering the fact that brittleness on the fingers has the same causes as brittleness of the nails on the toes. Therefore, the same treatment methods can be used. Even if the proposed options. They don’t help you, then you should consult a doctor and get a diagnosis. After all, the cause of fragility may lie much deeper than just a lack of vitamins and low-quality varnishes.

The main thing is that you do not start the problem and start treatment immediately. Because simple inattention and banal dislike for yourself can play a cruel joke on you. And ugly nails will be the least of your troubles. Love yourself and take care of your body and soul.

Conclusions:

Are you really happy with life with this disease? With its side effects? Are you ready to endure itching, hiding your feet from others, suffering from pain, losing your nails?

A thin nail plate is characterized by increased fragility and lamination. These characteristics can be supplemented dull color, tuberosity and slow growth. After analyzing everything possible reasons thinning of the plate, a person can independently formulate a nail treatment plan.

Causes of Soft and Thin Nails on Fingernails and Toenails

To establish the cause of soft fingernails, all their diversity should be differentiated in the following areas:

• Neglect of its basic rules, non-compliance with hygiene standards during implementation, as well as incorrect removal of material for nail extensions worsens the condition of the nail. The use of varnishes, gels and gel polishes with formaldehyde and nail polish removers with acetone negatively affects the structure of the plate. It can also be damaged by misuse files and tools for removing cuticles.
• Household factor. If you use alkaline and acidic products without rubber gloves, your fingernails will noticeably become thinner. Since a high concentration of alkali completely dissolves the plate, a low concentration in household chemical solutions makes the surface of the nail weaker and softer.
• Frequent exposure to the cold without gloves, as well as insufficient hydration with creams and oils in low humidity conditions makes the plates less nourished and brittle.
• They can be either accidental or inevitable, for example, when playing a guitar, the plate becomes noticeably deformed. This happens when carrying out many other works.
• It is the basis of strong plates. Brittle nails - no result balanced nutrition. With a sufficient amount of microelements and vitamins in the diet, nails become resistant to external influences.
• Diseases endocrine system, biliary tract, gastrointestinal tract or liver lead to changes in the plate due to metabolic disorders and, as a result, a negative change in the process of transporting trace elements. Anemia and various dermatological diseases, for example, fungus, hormonal disorders and intoxication heavy metals the reason why nails are soft and bend.

How to treat and what to do if your nails are thin, soft and brittle

Recommendations that will help strengthen soft nails are based on the reasons for their structural changes. It is almost impossible to make an existing plate thicker, but growing a healthy one is quite natural. To do this, you must follow the following rules:

1. Normalize nutrition. The basis of the nail plate is keratin - a protein, so it is necessary to calculate the individual amount of protein necessary for the normal functioning of the body. Protein contains meat, fish, legumes and dairy products. Since vitamins A, B, C, E, PP must be present in the diet for the beauty and health of nails, vegetables, fruits, berries, nuts and vegetable oils will help compensate for their deficiency.
2. Dietary supplements. During the period of vitamin deficiency, you should take a course of bioactive supplements for nails, skin and hair; they combine all the necessary microelements. Preference should be given to the manufacturer of natural vitamins, since synthetic ones are not absorbed by the body at all.

Because a thin nail plate is a consequence of improper nail care. Therefore, to restore them, you should use nourishing creams, olive, almond, campfire and other oils. You need to make baths with them. To do this, immerse your fingertips in a mixture of several oils for 15 minutes. The procedure must be repeated three times a week for two months.

Help for thin nails may involve the use of special wax. It will strengthen the nail and make it more durable. Should be applied a small amount of wax onto the plate and rub it in in a circular motion with a special nail file.

Those who are looking for an answer to the question of what to do if their nails are thin, soft and brittle should temporarily stop using polishes and gels and give preference pharmaceutical products for growth, strengthening and nutrition of the plate. You should not use quick-drying varnish; it will noticeably damage your nails. Before applying gel polish, it is necessary to apply a base; it protects the nail from harmful substances of the varnish.

The nail polish remover should contain oils to prevent it from drying out.

Treatment methods

Nails become brittle and thin not only on the hands, but also on the feet. When the reason why the toenails become thin is determined, you can move on to the treatment stage. It can be done by using it to thicken the nail. They contain vitamin B5. protects the plates from negative external influences.

If the base of the nail is soft, then it is necessary to carry out procedures to strengthen the plate. Folk remedies include iodine and sea salt. The first one is applied to the surface cotton swab, based on the second one, baths should be made. Her recipe is to dilute 4 tbsp. l. in one liter of water.

To strengthen your nails, you can also make a compress: add 5 g of alum and 25 g of glycerin to 70 g of water. The ingredients are mixed and applied to the nails. Fingers should be covered with compress paper and a warm cloth. You need to keep the compress for half an hour, then rinse with warm water.

Thus, to thicken the nail, it is necessary to clarify the cause of its thinning and eliminate it. However, for strong and healthy nails, you should always follow the rules of a balanced diet and manicure.

Neat, even nails are not only a sign that a person cares about his appearance. They talk about their health status. Unpleasant phenomena in the form of brittleness and separation of the nail plate sometimes require a visit to a doctor and a medical examination. Unhealthy looking nails can be an early sign of internal pathologies.

Causes of splitting and brittle nails

The nail is made up of tiny plates of keratin tightly pressed together. Between their layers there is water, which gives them plasticity. The growth of the nail plate begins in the hole - a white semicircle at the base where the germ cells are located. Healthy nails should be smooth, glossy, transparent and without pigmentation, and the plate should fit snugly to the nail bed. Delamination is a weakening of the connection between the horny plates, as a result of which cracks and cavities form in the thickness of the nail. It is usually accompanied by brittleness and surface roughness.

In dermatology, the general name for changes in the structure of the nail is used - onychodystrophy. Separation, complete detachment and brittleness of nails are only part of the symptom complex. These phenomena can be considered as independent diseases or be a sign of another pathology. Each of them has its own name.

In advanced cases of onycholysis, complete death of the nail is possible.

Onycholysis begins with partial detachment of the nail from one edge. Gradually, the area of ​​the lagging nail plate increases. In advanced cases, its complete death is possible. Signs of nail disease - the appearance of voids under the plate, loss of natural Pink colour and sensitivity of the nail bed. The cause is injury or infection.

Onychoschisis is called "pianist's nail." The free edge of the nail plate is split into two leaf-shaped parts. Usually the result of a traumatic event external factors. Often such nails occur in people suffering from constant stress and depression.

Onychorrhexis is a complete splitting of the nail in the longitudinal direction. There may be several cracks. The fingernails are usually affected. The causes are pathologies of internal organs.

External unfavorable factors

Hands are the most vulnerable place for external influences. We do laundry, wash dishes, and clean using aggressive household chemicals. One of the most common reasons in women - damage to nails with decorative varnishes containing formaldehyde, improper filing, or the use of a metal file that disrupts the structure of the free edge. Nails become flaky due to frequent extensions or the use of gel polishes, which are removed with liquids containing acetone.

A common cause of split nails is a poorly done manicure or extensions.

Cold and dry air lead to drying of the nail plate. Mechanical and chemical damage is another cause of brittleness and splitting of nails. For musicians or people who work with machines and mechanisms and are in constant contact with alkaline solutions, these are occupational injuries.

Defects in the nail plate on the toes are usually associated with trauma - improper pedicure, compression by tight shoes, bruise, from which the nail can completely peel off from the nail bed and gradually be replaced by a new one.

A common external cause of weakened nails in adults and children is an unbalanced diet with a deficiency of protein, vitamins and minerals.

The condition of nails is affected by strict diets for weight loss, addiction to alcohol, smoking and drug use. There are psychological reasons such as bad habit biting your nails or tapping them on a hard surface. Uncontrolled nail biting is called onychophagia.

Internal reasons

The nail is nourished from the epidermal layer of the nail bed and the quality of nutrition directly depends on the density of adhesion of the plate to the bed. Trophic changes can be the result of vitamin deficiency, lack of minerals, local metabolism disorders, internal diseases, stress, chronic fatigue.

Table: what is necessary for healthy nails

What health problems does splitting and brittle nails indicate:

• disorders of mineral metabolism associated with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• anemia caused by iron deficiency;
• diabetes;
• fungal infections;
• increased thyroid function;
• eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus;
• cardiac pathologies with impaired peripheral circulation;
• kidney disease;
• advanced varicose veins.

Brittle, peeling nails in children are most often a consequence of internal disorders. Mechanical damage occurs when children's delicate nails are injured while playing in the sandbox or due to tight shoes.

Children's nails are easily injured when playing with sand

To eliminate defects associated with internal reasons, external means are not enough. It is necessary to treat the underlying disease.

How to get rid of brittle and split nails

Eliminating external causes of brittle nails is not difficult, just follow some rules:

• when in contact with aggressive media, wear rubber gloves;
• do not soak your hands;
• wear comfortable shoes that do not put pressure on your toenails;
• give your nails a break from decorative manicure;
• in case of severe delamination, exclude acrylic or gel extensions;
• use the services of only a trusted nail design specialist;
• normalize nutrition;
• replenish the lack of nutrients with vitamin and mineral complexes;
• take care of your nails regularly.

If possible, regularly use salon and physiotherapy treatments.

Substances that are needed for health and flourishing appearance, we get from food. And first of all, this is the protein that makes up keratin plates, and vitamin B12, which we get only from meat. Refusal of animal foods can cause weakening nails.

A diet for healthy nails includes foods high in vitamins A, E and D, omega acids and minerals

What is necessary for nails will benefit both hair and skin. Try to create a diet so that it always contains the necessary products:

• dairy food;
• chicken eggs;
• cottage cheese and cheese;
• red meat;
• fish.

Don’t forget about plant foods - apples, rose hips, sea buckthorn, pumpkin, bell pepper, legumes, carrots, mushrooms, nuts, unrefined vegetable oil.

Vitamin complexes

It is not always possible to get rid of nail problems only with the help of nutritional correction. The modern pharmacological market offers special vitamin complexes. Well-known multivitamins have versions enhanced with phosphorus, iron, calcium, zinc and containing vitamins in the dosages necessary to strengthen nails:

• Duovit deserved it positive reviews for a low price and good effect;
• Alphabet Cosmetic has received approval as the most balanced drug that quickly eliminates split nails due to the presence of coenzyme Q10;
• Complivit D3 gives results within 10 days from the start of administration due to the increased content of vitamin D;
• Complivit Radiance additionally contains extract green tea and perfectly protects nails from the influence of bad ecology;
• Supradin has the optimal combination of price, quality and treatment period - after a month of use, the nails are completely restored.
• Lady's formula with zinc, vitamins B and H and gelatin has a complex effect on hair and nails;
• Vitrum Beauty Elite and Merz Beauty solve the problem of fragility of weakened and thinned nail plates, strengthening their structure.

The duration of treatment is determined individually, following the instructions and recommendations of the dermatologist. Folk remedies help to consolidate the effect of vitamins and salon care for nails.

Salon treatments

Cosmetic care and therapeutic procedures will help quickly restore the beauty and health of nails, even if brittleness and separation are caused by internal pathology.

Spa manicure

Spa manicure gives a good healing effect and brings a lot of pleasure. This is a combination of hygienic manicure and spa treatments for weakened, dull and flaking nails. Treatment includes peeling, nourishing masks, paraffin baths with collagen cream, hand massage with lotion enriched with vitamin E.

Spa manicure includes nourishing masks and baths

You can order masks made from natural ingredients - chocolate, sugar, honey or milk.

Sealing the nails

Sealing creates a protective layer on the nails. A special cream applied to the nail plate is rubbed in with a soft polishing file. The top layer of the nail is leveled and sealed thanks to special active components. The second stage is the same rubbing of nourishing oil. The procedure is completed by applying a protective coating.

Keratin complex

An ampoule containing a keratin complex is rubbed into the nail at the very base with circular massage movements. This method allows you to quickly eliminate the consequences of extensions. Additional nutrition will be provided by fortified cosmetic oil used for polishing nails.

After a hygienic untrimmed manicure, the master rubs jojoba oil into the nails and performs a water massage. Then mineral paste with pearl chips is applied and polished with a special leather block. In this case, the surface of the plate is leveled.

Mineral paste is rubbed into the nail with a special leather block.

Hot manicure

A hot manicure can be compared in effectiveness to physiotherapy for treating nails. It completely eliminates delamination and fragility, softens the cuticle, and accelerates the process of cell regeneration. For a hot manicure, a special heated bath is used, into which you pour nourishing oils, creams or lotions. The device maintains the desired temperature throughout the session. Heat allows beneficial substances to penetrate deeper into the skin and nails, increasing the effectiveness of their use.

Hot manicure has contraindications - fungal infections of the nail or skin and microtraumas.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy includes treatment of nails with paraffin or wax and ultraphoresis. Paraffin (wax) is heated until soft and applied to nails, fingertips and adjacent tissues for 20 minutes.

Ultraphoresis promotes deep penetration of vitamins into the nail plate. An application with oil solutions of vitamins A and E is applied to the nails. Electric current serves as a conductor.

Video: strengthening nails with gel

How to treat nails at home

Often the cause of splitting and brittle nails is their dryness. This problem can be easily dealt with at home. To cure your nails, you will need to repeat the procedure at least 5 times a week. Then it is enough to do maintenance baths and compresses 5-6 times a month. The duration of one session is 20–30 minutes.

Compresses

A compress of water (70 ml), alum (5 g) and glycerin (25 g) nourishes and strengthens the nail plate. Regular olive oil with a few drops lemon juice Perfectly strengthens weakened nails. Before going to bed, apply the oil to the nail plates, put on cotton gloves and leave until the morning.

Sea salt

Sea salt is extremely beneficial for nails. In terms of mineral composition, it cannot be compared with ordinary cooking water. For medicinal purposes, “sea” baths should be done daily for 15–20 days. For a glass of warm water, it is enough to take two tablespoons of salt. Be careful when purchasing - it should not contain artificial additives or flavors. After the procedure, the nails need to be treated with a nourishing cream. You can enrich a sea salt bath with a couple of drops of iodine, lemon juice and an oil solution of vitamin E (1 capsule).

Home care includes revitalizing baths, nourishing masks and compresses

Recipes with iodine

Iodine is necessary for nails along with iron. Together they provide enhanced nutrition. Effective recipes:

1. A bath of freshly squeezed orange juice and warm water (100 ml each) with the addition of three drops of iodine.
2. A bath of warm plantain infusion (1 tablespoon per glass of hot water) and five drops of iodine.
3. Grind a tablespoon of heated olive oil with three drops of iodine and lemon juice. Rub the mixture into your nails and leave for half an hour, then blot off the residue with a napkin.

Lemon

Lemon is a popular remedy for eliminating the most different problems with nails. It can be used alone or combined with other natural remedies:

1. Dissolve three tablespoons of honey in 100 ml of warm milk.
2. Add two teaspoons of fresh apple juice and juice of half a lemon.
3. Keep your hands in the bath for at least half an hour, warming it up periodically.

Essential oils

Baths with aromatic oils have a wonderful healing effect on dry skin. brittle nails. Take jojoba and wheat germ oils as a base (10 ml each) and add 2 drops each of incense, tea tree and rose esters. You can keep your hands in this bath for no more than 5 minutes.

Treatment of toenails

Toenails often suffer from hypothermia and loss of moisture. If your feet are cold, it is useful to take daily warm baths and wear socks or slippers. A compress based on red hot pepper is a good treatment. Its powder (1/2 teaspoon) is mixed with vegetable oil or foot cream. The composition is applied to the nails for a quarter of an hour and washed off with soap and water.

Foot baths warm and prevent nails from drying out

Nails peel when neglected varicose veins veins If the pathology is not treated, trophic changes begin due to circulatory disorders. To restore blood flow, you can do a light massage of the lower leg - from the knee down, then in the opposite direction. Treatment of venous insufficiency with medications is mandatory.

The cosmetic industry offers special strengthening varnishes. They prevent splitting and protect nails from damage. The Polish company Evelyn produces products from the Nail Therapy Professional series. It contains panthenol, natural vegetable oils, soy protein, paraffin and some additives. In addition to restoration, it increases the durability of decorative manicure.

Strengthening varnishes are used for treatment and as a base for decorative manicure.

Soft, easily bendable and brittle nails are strengthened and given elasticity by a product from the French company Lambre. The varnish contains natural silk proteins, citric acid and plasticizers. Its components nourish, protect and improve the regeneration of the nail plate.

Domestic manufacturer Trind produces a “Keratin Care” set. It includes two components - a restorative balm for weak and vulnerable nails and a protective varnish with vitamins.

Therapeutic varnishes are applied according to certain rules:

1. Degrease the nail plates with a special compound or nail polish remover (grease prevents the penetration of vitamins).
2. Using a buff - a square file with an abrasive of varying hardness - polish your nails, choosing the softest surface.
3. Apply a layer medicinal varnish and let it dry.
4. The following layers are applied 2-3 times a day, while the previous ones are not removed. This must be done for five days.
5. On the sixth day, all layers of varnish are removed with a liquid that does not contain acetone.
6. On the seventh day, the nails rest, then the cycle repeats.

The course of treatment is a month.

Features of nail restoration in children

It is not usually used to treat split nails in children. special means unless it is caused by an infection. Doctors usually advise adjusting the diet and “feeding” the child with vitamins. To help your nails recover, you can take baths with sea salt and rub in oils or nourishing cream.

If the cause of delamination is constant nail biting or finger sucking, you can try special children's varnishes (for example, “Nekusayka”), which have a bitter taste and wean the child off the bad habit. Sometimes this behavior is a manifestation of anxiety. In this case, it is better to show the child to a psychologist.

Prevention

You can prevent splitting nails proper care. Nail scissors should always be sharp. It is better to file your nails with a glass or ceramic file, moving it in one direction so as not to “tear” the free edge. Don't forget about gloves in winter, even if you don't severe frost. Use only high-quality varnishes and liquids to remove them. And, of course, stick to proper nutrition.

Video: what to do if your nails peel off

If cosmetical tools And salon treatments do not give desired result, which means a visit to the doctor is inevitable. Complete restoration of nails is possible with an integrated approach - treatment of the underlying disease, proper nutrition and ongoing care.

Depressing statistics from medical cosmetology tell us that every year the number of complaints about the deterioration of the condition and appearance of the nail plates on the hands and feet increases. Gradually, our nails become thinner, become so dry and brittle that it is almost impossible to grow long nails with the gel polish coating that is fashionable today. If no measures are taken in a timely manner, degenerative changes in thin and brittle nail plates will continue to progress. Over time, the homogeneous structure of the natural plate is disrupted by peeling and yellowed areas, and nail growth noticeably slows down.

But we hasten to please you! The problem of brittle and peeling nails can be solved quite quickly if you use a set of procedures to strengthen the plates and stimulate the growth zone of new layers of keratin in the matrix. In this material we will look at the causes of thinning and destruction of nail plates, and with the help of visual instructions and video lessons you will learn what you need to do to restore the health of your brittle nails at home.

But first we must eliminate all etiological factors that provoke deterioration in the appearance of the nail plates. First of all, review your diet, since a deficiency of vitamins A, B, C, E, as well as microelements (selenium, calcium, zinc, iodine, magnesium, iron, silicon, fluorine) makes it difficult to form dense layers of keratin with lipid layers in the growth zone matrix. Include dairy products, nuts, herbs (parsley, dill, sesame) in your daily menu, and eat more fresh vegetables and fruits.

♦ REASONS

Frequent extensions nails, violation of coating technique.
Especially nails extended with gel cover the natural plate quite tightly and thereby prevent natural air exchange. After removing artificial nails, let your nails rest for at least 2-3 weeks. By the way, incorrect cutting of the gel coating can also seriously damage the structure of the natural plate. If the coating (acrylic, airbrush paint) can be softened and removed special liquid, be sure to use this method so as not to injure your nails with files. Please note that the liquid does not contain formaldehyde and acetone.

And one more important point- always apply base coat under a decorative layer of varnish or gel polish. Strengthening biogel can be used as a base for very weak, thin nails;

Incorrect use of manicure tools.
Metal files can only be used for processing artificial nails. For grinding natural nails and to correct the shape of the free edge, use glass, ceramic, laser files, and it is best to polish the surface of the plates with a buff. When performing a hygienic manicure, leave at least a few millimeters of free edge and use sharp, well-sharpened scissors to trim your nails;

Lack of nutrients during pregnancy and lactation.
Brittle nails in pregnant women are quite common. Make sure your diet is varied, additionally take a complex of vitamins and microelements;

Poor diet.
For the growth and normal development of nail plates, all the necessary substances must be supplied to the matrix so that dense layers of keratin with fatty layers are formed. If your nails have become soft or, on the contrary, very thin and brittle, then be sure to include dairy products, seafood and fish, vegetables, fruits, and herbs in your diet;

Diseases.
The cause of thinning and brittle nail plates may be chronic illness(thyrotoxicosis and other problems with the thyroid gland, anemia, disruption of the gastrointestinal tract, diabetes);

Hormonal changes.
Often, nails split and become brittle in adolescents during puberty, as well as in women during menopause (menopause);

Hypothermia, frequent temperature changes.
In frosty, windy, chilly weather, be sure to wear mittens or warm gloves on your hands. During sudden temperature changes, rub a nourishing cream with protective properties into the skin of your hands and nail plates more often;

Constant contact with household chemicals, with hot water.
When cleaning house or washing dishes, wear special rubber gloves.

♦ A SET OF HOME PROCEDURES FOR RESTORING THE STRUCTURE OF BRITTLE NAILS

First of all, we need to restore the normal functioning of the matrix, since it is here that new layers with keratin and layers of fat are formed from the germ cells, pushing out the old nail plate. Oil bath will help saturate the matrix with all the necessary vitamins and microelements, which easily penetrate through the porous structure of the nail plate. Procedures using special masks, beeswax and an alcohol solution of iodine 5% help quickly strengthen very brittle and dry nails.

❶ Preparation.
Before starting treatment procedures, sand the nails with a fine nail file and give the free edge the desired shape. Then push back the cuticle a little with an orange stick and treat the surface of the plate with a remover to remove keratinized pterygium scales. Polish your nails with a buff and treat with an antiseptic;


❷ Oil bath to saturate the matrix with vitamins and microelements.
Combine in a bowl base oils: 2 teaspoons avocado, 1 tablespoon sweet almonds and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Heat a water bath to 40°C and heat the mixture of base oils in it.

Then add 6 drops of myrrh and lemon essential oils to the bowl (can be replaced with a combination of patchouli + lavender, grapefruit + bergamot or tea tree + eucalyptus). Dip your fingers into the bath for 10 minutes, and then wipe them dry with a napkin;

❸ Mask to strengthen thin and brittle nails.
Add 2 tablespoons of slightly warmed olive oil to the bowl, and then 2 teaspoons of sea salt.

Now add 1 teaspoon each of the following ground ingredients to the mixture - red pepper, ginger and cinnamon. Mix everything thoroughly, add 6-7 drops of liquid vitamins A and E.

Apply the mask to each nail plate and rub in with massage movements. Keep the mask on your nails for half an hour, and then wash off with warm running water and wipe your hands dry with a towel;

❹ Sealing nails with beeswax.
We apply beeswax (or cosmetic) to brittle nails, and then polish each nail plate in turn with a buff so that the wax is properly absorbed into all the keratinized layers. Sealing will help strengthen thin, dry nails, get rid of yellowness and dark spots on the surface of the plates;

❺ Iodine to restore the structure of dry and flaky nails and improve their protective properties.
Using a cotton swab, apply an alcohol solution of iodine 5% to each plate, trying not to get it on the cuticle, so as not to cause irritation and redness of thin skin. Perform this procedure before going to bed, since the iodine must be kept on the nails until the morning;

❻ Cuticle treatment.
To complete the set of procedures, apply to the cuticle of each nail. special oil with moisturizing and softening properties.

♦ PREVENTION

To ensure that your nails always remain healthy, elastic and shiny, perform home treatments 3-4 times a month to strengthen and nourish the natural plates.

♦ VIDEO LESSONS

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ALSO FIND OUT...

A beautiful manicure is impossible without healthy nails. But sometimes even girls who take care of themselves and are careful about their hands face such a problem as brittle nails. In fact, its causes may turn out to be much deeper than it seems at first glance, and indicate some problems in the body. Today we’ll talk about why women’s fingernails break.

Internal causes of brittle nails

Poor quality nails can be caused by a deficiency of certain vitamins and microelements in the body. Most often, the problem lies in a lack of calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, iodine, silicon, etc. So much of it useful substances comes through food, we advise you to reconsider your diet a little.

• Calcium

Found in dairy and fermented milk products, egg whites, spinach, sesame seeds, legumes, figs, broccoli, etc.

Essential for bones, connective tissue, a healthy nervous system, and muscle contraction.

• Silicon

Contained in radishes, carrot radishes, turnips, lettuce, mushrooms, and also in nettle leaves.

Necessary for the formation of cartilage, hair, nails, bones, connective tissue, blood capillaries.

• Magnesium

Found in whole wheat grains, cereals, rye bread, legumes, bananas, spinach and nuts.

Essential for hormonal stability, normal functionality of cardio-vascular system and DNA production.

If you are not sure what element your body is missing and whether brittle nails are related to this at all, just in case, diversify your diet, give up diets and global restrictions, and, if desired, get examined by a doctor. Ready-made vitamin complexes will also help restore useful elements in the body.

The causes of brittle nails may be hidden in the following diseases and abnormalities:

• Failure of metabolic processes;
• Experienced severe inflammatory diseases;
• Taking certain medications (antibiotics);
• Problems with the gastrointestinal tract;
• Reduced immunity;
• Overwork, severe or chronic stress;
• Psoriasis;
• Fungus.

External causes of thin fingernails

Regular mechanical damage to the nail plate can result in thin nails. We are talking about an incorrectly done manicure or extensions. To prevent thin nails from being filed, what to do:

• Use a glass or ceramic nail file (approximately 240 grit);
• Polish your nails only with a soft, non-scratching buff. For thin nails it can even be replaced with suede;
• File your nails only in one direction: for example, only from right to left.

Extensions and gel polish applied to nails should, in theory, not cause any harm to the nails. In fact, such cases are not at all uncommon. This is due to the unprofessionalism of the nail technician and the use of products containing harmful components, with improper removal of unnatural nails, with too frequent carrying out of this procedure - nails should take a break from heavy coatings for at least a week.

Another reason for brittle fingernails is regular contact with aggressive environments and cleaning liquids, including nail polish removers containing acetone and the varnishes themselves. Try to do all work that can harm your nails and skin with gloves, and after finishing the work, lubricate your hands with cream.

Impact low temperatures also has a detrimental effect on the condition of your nails, so do not forget to take care of them during the cold period.

Once you have figured out why your nails are breaking, you can move on to treating them. However, remember that if the reasons are hidden in the internal workings of the body, cosmetic treatment methods will not solve the problem.

Treatment of brittle nails

Home cosmetic procedures aimed at eliminating brittle nails are as follows:

• Baths

The simplest and effective remedy for brittle nails - take a small amount of warm water that is comfortable for your hands into a cup, add 1 tablespoon of sea salt or bath salts to it, lower your hands and take water procedures 20 minutes.

Remember how your nails began to strengthen and grow faster after visiting seaside resorts? The described recipe will give the same effect, but at much lower cost.

• Oils

Oils have a lot of beneficial substances that nails need. In addition, their use for nails is very simple and effective: apply the mixture to the cuticles, rubbing and massaging each finger, put on gloves and walk as long as possible until everything is absorbed.

By mixture we mean various combinations of oils: olive, sunflower, peach, jojoba, wheat germ, etc. And also adding liquid vitamins to them. They can be found in capsule form in almost any pharmacy at a very low price.

Vitamin A for nails can be rubbed either in pure form into the cuticle or in combination with vitamins E, D. Vitamins in capsules are also very convenient because they can be added to all your favorite cosmetics: creams, gels, shampoos, etc. .

Before using vitamins, it is necessary to carry out an allergy reaction: drop a couple of drops on back side palms or wrist, wait a couple of hours and evaluate the result: whether there is a rash, itching or other unpleasant sensations.

Now you know what to do with brittle fingernails, how to pre-assess your health based on them, and you can prevent the situation from getting worse.

Stay beautiful!