Strengthening nails

There_Goes_Trouble

I have got very weak nails that split and peel really badly. I've looked through the threads about nails on here and have written down a list of tips and products to try, but wondered how long I should try something before deciding if it works or not?

For example, I bought both the peeling and brittleness solver and 24k gold strength from Avon (both half price at the time!), I use the first one as a base and the gold one on top and have been doing this since 14th Feb. So far I've not seen much improvement, but I know it can take up to 3 months to grow a complete new nail. Should I keep using a product until all the old nail is gone? Or do products work more quickly than that if they're going to work for me at all? Is it time to ditch the Avon and try something else or should I keep going with it a while longer yet?

I'm keeping my nails filed as short as possible to try and stop the peeling as it tends to be the tips that are bad, is that the right thing to do?

nikki2804

Try massaging almond oil into your cuticles (or any oil really). The nail needs to be healthy in the matrix (below cuticle) to enable the full nail to be string and healthy.

Do you wear gloves when cleaning and doing the dishes etc? If not then start doing this.

When you file your nails make sure you only go in one direction - no see saw action.

Make sure your eating a healthy diet - this effects the nails too.

Fuzzy_Duck

I had a similar problem and tried Sally Hansen nail strengthener. It was fairly cheap from Boots and you can choose a pinky colour which will make your nails look prettier as they grow.

It must be said though, the second I got a dishwasher my nails miraculously improved and they're the longest they've ever been (and I always wear marigolds!)

I'd also recommend a biotin supplement every day.

There_Goes_Trouble

Thanks for those, sorry I didn't mean to start a thread and not come back, but I'm having problems with my home internet and only get sporadic use at work.

I've bought the Sally Hansen stuff today, They had loads of different ones and I got a bit confused but have ended up with the 'Miracle cure problem nail strengthener' because it said it was for peeling, breaking, splitting nails. Only had it in clear though and I was too impatient to wait and buy it another time!! It can be used as a base coat though so I can still add colour if I want.

I hope it works, it was almost nine quid!!

I don't have a dishwasher, I do try and use gloves when I wash up but sometimes if it's just one or two things or if I'm doing the dog bowls I don't bother. I also wash my hands a fair bit as I have animals. Also I work outdoors so my hands are exposed to the elements, and I am very clumsy and seem to be forever stubbing my fingers on something or other!

My diet has been crap recently as I have had a pretty emotional time and just ate what I felt like eating, when I felt like it (lost half a stone in ten days so didn't worry about fatty foods etc) but I'm getting back into a routine now and getting my diet back on track so I guess that will help.

I have got some vit E oil which I have started to use for the cuticles so hopefully things will start to improve soon.

What's a biotin supplement?