The problem of brittle nails is a common one. For women especially, this gets apocalyptic dimensions. And that’s because, as you know, nails have, nowadays, an aesthetics function more than a protective one.
Brittle nails: the causes
Brittle nails can sometimes betray nutritional deficiencies, for example anemia, or worse, thyroid problems. But in these cases, it would not be the only symptom.
If your nails exfoliate, but otherwise, your general condition is good, most likely the cause is another. Nails react very quickly to external aggressions. Hand washing, watering repeatedly the nails, soaps, acetone and other chemicals affect your nails more than you think. In addition, they suffer small traumas whenever you use them to scratch something, for example to peel off a label. All this leads to brittle nails and you’ve probably noticed that the most affected nails are those used more often, for example the index and the thumb.
If you think you may have a health problem, like anemia, hypothyroidism or an infection of the nails, the only solution is to consult a doctor for treatment. Otherwise, as many nail polishes and solutions you would use, your nails will not look better.
Brittle nails: the treatment
If you know you’re healthy and yet your nails exfoliate, all you have to do is to have more care of them. Use the following natural remedies to get rid of brittle nails:
- Mix equal parts of vitamin A and vitamin E with one tablespoon of castor oil and one tablespoon of olive oil, heat slightly and keep your nails in this solution for half an hour. Repeat the procedure every night, for two weeks, during which your nails regenerate. In the evening, before bedtime, you can apply oily vitamin E on the nails, massage and leave it until the morning when you can wash your hands. The effects are visible in a very short time.
- Mix in a bowl a tablespoon of honey, two egg yolks and three tablespoons of warm milk, until you get a smooth mixture. Soak your nails in the obtained composition for 15-20 minutes, after which rinse with warm water. These ingredients moisturize and nourish the nails, making them stronger and healthier.
- Mix one tablespoon of olive oil with the juice of half a lemon. Preheat the composition to a simmer, then soak you nails in it until it cools. Repeat the treatment every night for two weeks. Be careful not to put your fingers in, if the composition is too hot!
Tip: Try to use as little polish remover and always choose one without acetone.
