Nail care is relatively simple if you think of it - clean, apply polish, and get done with it.
But unfortunately, it's not enough to ward off any problems that could occur to your nails, like splitting.
Splitting nails can be a real headache, especially if they keep cracking down the middle and spoiling your plans of elaborate nail art.
So, if you have been worrying about how to stop splitting nails, then it is time for you to act on it!
Splitting nails could be because of simple reasons, but in rare cases, they can be an indicator of some other health issue too.
Keen on knowing more? Then, read ahead and find the remedies for splitting nails!
Splitting Nails - What Does it Mean
Before we get into the case of splitting nails, let us clear up a few things first. Nails are made of layers of keratin, the same protein of which hair is made.
Nails, like skin, act as an indicator of your overall health, so a smooth and consistent texture on your nails indicates good health.
Known as Onychoschizia in the medical community, this is a common problem found especially in women.
Onychoschizia is a broad term that refers to the cases of splitting, cracking, and thin nails.
Splitting nails can include a crack right in the middle of your nails, a few cracks, or fractured tips and nails.
It could be vertical, or it could be split into two. Sometimes, nails become frail eventually and break down.
There are several cures for splitting nails, but before we jump on to that, you have to know what might be causing your nails to crack.
Splitting Nails - What are the Causes?
In the most common case, splitting nails are caused by either excess moisture, or due to age. Here is a list of a few causes that might be the culprit behind your brittle nails.
How to Stop Splitting Nails?
Stopping splitting nails obviously means finding a way of prevention, and here are a few things you can do to prevent your nails from splitting.
1. Healthy Nail Care
Your nail health begins to take a positive turn when you opt for a proper nail care routine.
Keep your nails clean so that no dirt is accumulated under your nails. Make sure to apply your moisturiser too!
Another important aspect of following a nail care routine is that you need to do it gently.
Opt for nail care tools that are not too harsh on your nails.
2. Avoid too much moisture
If you have the habit of keeping your hands wet for a long time, it's time for you to stop it.
Too much moisture makes your nails go wobbly, which eventually leads to breakage.
While washing dishes, or performing chores that involve getting your hands soaked, make sure to wear a pair of gloves - this is a great solution for you if you have been wondering what to do for brittle nails.
3. Stay away from chemicals
Chemicals in detergents, cleaning liquids, and acetone-induced nail polish removers can be a great foe for your nail's strength.
Give your nails a break from the nail polish once a week.
4. Stop biting and picking on your nails
Nail-biting is a problem that many of us seem to harbour, and the worst part is you feel like you cannot stop once you have started.
But if you are eager to grow healthy, strong nails, then it is time for you to give up biting on your nails.
Enough of torturing those poor things, which also means that you need to stop picking at the peeling ends.
5. Try nail hardening products
Nail hardening products are known to produce good results in case of proper usage.
These hardeners help your natural nails to grow stronger, as they are enriched with proteins, and they help by boosting your nails' building process.
6. Biotin Supplements could help
Biotin is a protein that plays a crucial role in the building of nails.
So, if you are worried about brittle nails, then you can try taking biotin supplements to support the natural strength of your nails.
If you suspect that your brittle nails are an indicator of some skin condition like psoriasis, then it is better if you visit a dermatologist.
Also, if the slit in your nail is too deep and painful, consult a doctor immediately.
Home Remedies to Repair Splitting Nails
Home remedies for splitting nails are usually all about holding the nail together till it grows out normally. Take a look at these tricks on how to repair splitting nails.
Use adhesive to glue back the peeling part of the nail. You can wear plaster around your nail, or apply polish to hide the break.
You can try and use a tea bag or a gel pack to fill in the portion of your broken nail, and then wrap it.
Opt for fake nails when none of these work. This is a great way to mask your broken nail and give it time to repair.
If all fails, visit a doctor.
Here are a few remedies for splitting nails that can help you in curing your brittle nail and making them naturally strong.
The Bottom Line
Splitting nails are just another thing to take care of, but they can also be easily prevented.
Plan an inclusive diet, increase your intake of vitamins and minerals, and make sure to follow the precautions we have suggested!
After all, why go searching for how to stop splitting nails when you can keep your nails healthy and strong?
