From dehydration to splitting, we‘ve got the solutions for all your nail problems.
5 Nail Problems And How You Can Treat Them
Whatever the season, it’s always important to look after your body inside and out with a balanced diet and staying hydrated. If you’ve taken a break or haven’t been keeping up, you might notice some changes in your nails: Cracked skin. Discolouration. Brittleness. While easy to ignore, these and more can indicate underlying health conditions that need to be treated. If you don’t know where to start, we’ve got the solutions for you!
Whether it’s dryness, splits or spots, be sure to read more these about five common nail issues and the care treatments that will keep them strong and smooth all year round!
#1 Dry Nails
Dry nails appear dull and may have vertical ridges with dry cuticles. They can peel and flake easily around the edges, but some may appear thicker than normal due to a keratin build-up around the nail plates. Dry nails can be caused by the following:
- Using strong chemical liquids i.e. detergents and bleaches, without protective gloves
- Cold weather
- Illness
- A lack of fatty acids
Dry nails can be worsened if you use nail polish remover too much as the high alcohol content can cause them to become brittle.
How can I treat dry nails?
Regularly moisturising your nails with oils such as the ASP Manicure Cuticle Conditioning Oil will massively benefit to your nail care routine. When rubbed gently into your skin and cuticles, its light formula containing vitamins, sunflower oil and sugarcane will send nutrients straight to your nails and leave them protected.
Another option is asking your local nail salon if they can provide a wax bath at your next appointment. Using a therapeutic mix of paraffin wax and essential oils, this treatment will heal your hands no matter how dry or cracked they are. Not only will it soothe your nails in the moment, but it will also leave them looking fresh & feeling soft long after your appointment.
#2 Brittle Nails
Brittle nails are hard and appear slightly thicker than normal nails, meaning they’re prone to breaking easily. However, they can still grow long and may end up curved or at an odd angle. Overusing products containing harsh chemicals such as nail polish removers & strengtheners are often the cause, so you need to be extra careful when handling them. Remember that nail strengtheners should be used until your nails feel stronger.
How can I treat brittle nails?
If you often manicure your nails, try using an alcohol-free nail polish remover. Unlike acetone-based removers, they won’t dry your nails out and are much gentler if you have sensitive skin. If you want to look after your body while also fighting brittleness, taking vitamins C, D and E will prevent your nails from thickening and becoming discoloured.
Try this!
Brittle nails need to be treated with oil and water based products so they can stay moisturised. Try the OPI ProSpa range, which includes protective cuticle oils, gentle massage creams and softening gloves. Rich in anti-oxidants and containing 9 essential fatty acids, this range provides a unique yet professional quality for your hands once only found in facial skincare.
SHOP NOW
#3 Dehydrated Nails
Dehydrated nails tend to look dull and can peel easily. Mature nails can be prone to this as our supply of hormones, nutrients and proteins in the blood lessens as we get older. Poor circulation in the hands and feet can also lead to dehydration while also making them appear yellow or blue.
How can I treat dehydrated nails?
Dehydrated nails need more care than other nail types, so it’s vital to follow a regular routine to keep them healthy and moisturised. Use products from Skintruth’s manicure range such as their comforting hand creams, replenishing hand masks and exfoliating hand scrubs, which will brighten your skin while removing dead cells. Try using them when performing soothing hand and nail massages, which will increase blood circulation and improve your moo according to psychologists.
The golden rule to keep your nails hydrated will always be drinking your H20 on the regular. However, vitamins such as B2, B7 and B12 will also help as they’re key for iron absorption and supplying fatty acids. What does this mean? Consistently soft, strong and supple nails!
#4 Splitting Nails
Split nails are often caused by dryness and external injury. If they split regularly, it’s possibly due to damage within the matrix, the area where your fingernails grow. As your nail grows up the plate, there will be a weak spot which splits the nail when it reaches the free edge.
How can I treat splitting nails?
Try using the Skintruth Manicure Cuticle Massage Cream, which will nourish and condition your nails while also strengthening them. Another product that will help your prevent your nails from splitting is a strengthening base. Containing proteins and calcium, these will help bind the nail surface together while making them healthier and more durable.
SHOP NOW
#5 Ridged Nails
Ridged nails are normally caused by vitamin deficiencies, anaemia or some form of external injury. Sometimes they can also be caused by taking strong medications like antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs and retinoid can also cause your nail surface to become uneven. However, your nails should return to normal once you’ve stopped taking them.
How can I treat ridged nails?
Try the China Glaze Ridge Filler Base Coat, which will give your nails a smoother appearance for all your manicures. Before doing your manicure, use a nail buffer to increase the circulation around your matrix and. However, don’t do this too often or hard as this can thin your nail down and increase the risk of irreparable damage.
SHOP NOW
Whatever your nail problem, there’s a solution for each one. Which of these treatments will help you? Do you have any other treatments to recommend? Join the conversation now at @SallyBeautyUK or read more nail advice with nails by you.