Weak, brittle nails often lead to cracking, chipping, and breaking that can leave your nail beds screaming for hydration and a little bit of care. While there are numerous causes of brittle nails, stopping nails from splitting requires partaking in viable techniques proven to bring relief.
Continue reading for tips on how to stop nails from splitting so that you can have healthy, strong nails year-round.
Use oils
There are several botanical extracts and essential oils that nourish your nails from the inside out, stopping your nails from breaking any longer. Castor, argan, olive, or coconut oils are popular options for nourishing brittle nails. An essential oil blend could consist of six drops each of lavender, bay, and sandalwood in six ounces of carrier oil. Soak your nails in this mixture for 15 minutes once or twice a week.
Moisturize your hands
Especially with the dry weather, nail beds can become dehydrated, leading to ridged, brittle nails. As such, shea butter is a popular option for women searching for natural deep hydration not only for their nails, but also for their skin. Vaseline is also a viable option, or any other cream that seals in moisture. Apply at least once a day, preferably twice.
Avoid frequent manicures
Wearing nail polish too often can weaken nail beds, leading to dry, brittle nails. Whether performed in a salon or at home, evade the repeated use of nail polish and nail polish removers. If you feel like you must use some sort of nail coverage, apply a strengthening base coat once they have been rubbed with shea butter to stop nails breaking.
File in one direction
How to stop nails from splitting consists of having a proper filing technique. Women who file their nails back and forth may be doing more harm than good as this motion can cause unwanted splits or cracks. Instead, file the nail in one direction; start at the side and work your way in. It is recommended to cut nails to the desired length before filing them into the shape you desire.
Treat the underlying cause
The best way to stop splitting nails is to treat the underlying cause. For menopausal women, hormonal imbalance is generally the culprit as reproductive years come to an end. There are limitless natural brittle nail treatments available to promote endocrine system health. Many of them focus on lifestyle changes of an improved diet, wholesome habits, and regular exercise in addition to alternative medicine.
Key Takeaways
In sum, how to stop nails from splitting starts and ends with your initiative. Several tips to encourage optimal nail health include using oils, moisturizing your hands, avoiding frequent manicures, and filing in one direction. However, the most effective way to stop nails splitting is by treating the underlying cause. For women passing through the menopausal transition, this is usually hormonal imbalance. Take nail health into your own hands today.
Sources
- Marohn, S. (2001). Natural Medicine First Aid Remedies. Virginia: Hampton Roads Publishing Company, Inc. Available from Google Books.
- Newman, M. (2005). The Complete Nail Technician, Second Edition. London: Thomson Learning. Available from Google Books.
- Swain, A. & Jefford, J. (2006). The Encyclopedia of Nails, Second Edition. London: Thomson Learning. Available from Google Books.