If your nail is getting stuck in your hair, your clothes and in every other thing because they have broken or separated, then you are suffering from a condition known as split nails. Having your nails separate in two, and stick out at odd angles so that they scratch you and tear at things and obtain stuck in places is legit the worst feeling ever, which is why it is high time that we let you know how to treat split nails, so that you never have to deal with the problem again.
Split nails are a problem for several reasons. For one, they don't allow your hands to function as they should, because the nails are continually getting stuck in things and providing you with that awful tingly feeling down your spine. However, a more serious consequence of split nails may be the general health of your nails itself.
Split nails leave your nails vulnerable to disease and infection and the entrance of dirt and bacteria and other things. It also weakens your nails to a great extent, and makes them prone to other problems such as breakage, brittleness, weakness, etc.
If you don't know how to treat split nails, and you think the only solution is to either cut your nails or cover the split part with nail polish, then worry not, for we have the perfect solution for you. Here is everything you need to know about treating your split nails yourself.
Step 1: Prepping your nails
Before you begin treating your nails, you have to prep your nails so they are in the ideal condition to become treated. If you start treating your damaged nails, with nail polish and chipped nail enamel still intact, then your effect of the treatment is going to be completely lost, and you will suffer from the problem soon after.
To prep your nails, the first step is to remove any residual nail polish that you might have on. When you are removing it, ensure that none of the strands of cotton really go to town your nails. This is a prevalent problem that you have to deal with, when you are attempting to treat split nails. Cotton strands can further get cemented inside your nails and create problems for example infections. Clean your nails with an acetone-free remover, and cut out any extra bots of nail that might be sticking out.
Step 2: Identify the problem
The next thing of treating your split nails is understanding what the problem is. To do this, we first need to look at the causes of split nails. The most common causes include:
- Prolonged exposure to moisture and water
- Extreme temperatures
- Lack of nutrition
- External injury
- Hypothyroidism
- Chemicals (in household items, nail polish, etc.)
When you engage in certain activities, one or the above causes can lead to your nail splitting unexpectedly. For example, if you spend a lot of time in the kitchen area, then your hands are constantly exposed to moisture and water, which can dry out your nails and cause them to split. Also, if you are wearing nail polish and removing it all the time, then the chemicals during these products can also cause your nails to weaken, after which split.
Depending on the cause of the issue, which you have to identify yourself, you are able to preventive and precautionary measures. You can put on gloves, and reduce the frequency with which you change your nail paint, or take nutrient supplements after consulting with your doctor, in order to prevent your nails from splitting. However, should they have split already, then proceed to step 3, so that you know the best way to treat it.
Step 3: Trim your nails
This might sound like a very simplistic step, but it is in fact, the most practical step of. Trimming your nails, particularly the split part is one of the easiest ways to solve your problem. If you are a patient person, then you can wait for the split part of your nail to develop out completely, all the while trimming the area little by little without cutting off too much of your nail.
Step 4: Wear gloves
Working becomes a hassle when you have split nails. To protect your nails and also make working a less trying experience, you should cover your hands in whatever way you are able to. The easiest way to do this is by wearing gloves. Gloves protect both hands from chemicals and dirt, as well as protect your nails from moisture and contact with water all the time, so that the conditions doesn't worsen, as you are treating your nails.
Step 5: Make use of a nail strengthener
Nail strengtheners are a highly underrated nail product which everyone who suffers from any nail-related problem must own. They are fortified with essential Vitamins and compounds which help the keratin in your nails re-grow at a faster rate, and make your nails stronger.
Keratin is the protein that makes up your nails and is the primary constituent of your nails, which stops working due to a number of reasons (many of which are listed above). However, if you use a nail strengthener, you can either promote the growth of keratin in your nails or mimic the purpose of the compound, or it may act like a natural glue, which supports the surface of your nails together, in order that it doesn't split any further.
Step 6: Moisturize your nails
Using too many chemicals on your nails can dry them out. Surprisingly, exposing your nails to sinking can also break down the keratin bonds in your nails, and dry them out. To be able to reverse the damage that it causes, you need to moisturize your nails as well as your cuticles frequently. This also makes the base, and helps heal your split nails faster.
You can use store-bought moisturizers, which are especially designed for your nails and cuticles. You can also make your own with naturally moisturizing ingredients for example vegetable oils like olive oil, coconut oil, etc.
Step 7: Take Nutritional vitamin supplements
The deficiency of nutrients like calcium, protein and vitamins in your body can be one of the major reasons why your nails split. In fact, any nail-related condition is usually a telling manifestation of a much more serious problem in your system. In this instance, it is the lack of certain important nourishment, which you need to make up for, to be able to treat your split nails and stop them from occurring again.
The the easy way do this is by taking nutrition supplements, especially multi-vitamin supplements, for example Vitamin A and Vitamin E capsules, which can help your nails heal faster, and render you with overall a healthy body.
Home Remedies for Split Nails
The steps for treating split nails at home were outlined above, and you've got noticed, those were relatively uncomplicated. However, if despite following those steps you feel that you aren't doing enough to deal with your split nails, then you can check out some natural ingredients which you can use to cure the condition faster. Here are some things that you can find in your kitchen and pantry, ingredients that are loaded with healing properties so that you can treat your condition more effectively and emerge with healthy and intact nails.
1. Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is loaded with numerous minerals and vitamins which can help your nails heal faster. Additionally, it prevents your nails from developing infections and diseases throughout the healing process. Simply soaking your nails inside a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water is recognized as a highly effective treatment.
2. Sea salt
Sea salt has properties which can make your nails strong by making it with the missing minerals and vitamins, which is causing the problem in the first place. It's the ideal solution for broken and brittle nails, as it makes your nails strong, and shiny. Soak your hands in a bowl containing warm water with 2 tablespoons of sea salt dissolved inside it, and you will be able to get rid of your condition within a week.
3. Beer
Beer includes a number of good properties, because it contains phosphorus, selenium and biotin, all of which are needed by the nail for better growth along with a stronger buildup. To help your nails by utilizing beer as your home remedy, simply soak your nails in a solution containing a cup of beer, half a cup of olive oil and a cup of apple cider vinegar treatment. This should help your nails heal and re-grow at a considerably faster rate.
If you'd any doubts about how to treat split nails, this guide should have helped clear most of the questions you had regarding the problem. However, for those who have anything else that you need to know about taking care of your split nails condition aware of maximum effect; don't forget to ask us the questions you have in the comments section below!
