All of us wish to have strong and beautiful nails, but brittle textured fingernails can hamper nail health. Brittle nails or onychoschizia is a common condition categorised by soft, thin and splitting nails and it is more common among women than men. The nails are hard covering on the tips of the fingers and toes which are made up of layers of a protein called alpha keratin, offering protection to the fingers and toes. Keratin also makes up the cells in the hair and skin and functions to shield the nails from damage. The most common cause of brittle nails can be the result of an underlying health condition.
There are two types of brittle nails: dry and brittle or soft and brittle. Dry and brittle nails are the result of very less moisture which is commonly caused by repeated washing and drying of nails. Soft and brittle nails are caused by excess moisture which is due to overuse of detergents, dishwashers containing harsh chemicals and nail polish remover.
Other Underlying Causes Of Brittle Nails Include:
Age
Age can affect the strength of nails and naturally decrease in strength over time becoming dull, thinner and more brittle.
Anaemia
Brittle nails are one of the common signs of anaemia, where the body does not get adequate iron which results in low haemoglobin levels. Also Read: Anemia: 5 Awesome Natural Remedies To Boost Your Iron Levels
Hypothyroidism
Brittle nails, hair loss, fatigue, weight gain and depression are some of the common symptoms associated with low thyroid levels.
Raynaud’s Syndrome
It is a condition characterised by improper blood circulation in the extremities which affects nail health making it brittle and dry.
Other health conditions that are associated with brittle nails include lung disorder, psoriasis, lichen, alopecia, areta, eczema, fungal infections and endocrine disorders.
Brittle nails can be caused by internal or external environmental factors. Generally, if the fingernails split, but the toenails are strong, then an external factor is a cause.
Brittle nails can be easily treated by trying some of these simple and effective home remedies which support making your nails look strong and beautiful.
Amazing Home Remedies To Cure Brittle Nails:
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil bestowed with healthy fatty acids works as an amazing natural moisturiser which helps to nurture and strengthen weak and brittle nails. It makes the cuticles strong and lessens dryness and peeling. Besides this, it also fortifies the nail beds, and nails and promotes their growth.
How To Do
Take 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil, warm it mildly and apply on each nail while massaging gently for 4-6 minutes. This will enhance blood circulation and retain moisture in the nails. Repeat this thrice daily for the best result.
Apple Cider Vinegar
The vast reserves of essential nutrients such as potassium, iron, magnesium, calcium and vitamins in apple cider vinegar support to keep nails strong and healthy. Apart from this richness of malic acid and acetic acid exhibits potent antiseptic and antifungal properties that help to ward off nail infections.
How To Do
Take equal amounts of apple cider vinegar and water in a bowl, soak nails in this mixture for a few minutes and gently push down the cuticles. Do this once daily and after a week nails will become stronger and firmer.
Tea Tree Oil
The strong antiseptic properties of tea tree oil help to cure brittle nails caused by fungal infections. It also works wonders to treat discoloured nails and aids in repairing and strengthen damaged nails. Other essential oils which have nail healing and strengthening properties include lavender oil, jojoba oil, lemon and frankincense oil.
How To Do
Take a few drops of tea tree oil and add one and a half teaspoon of vitamin E oil, mix well apply this solution on nails and massage gently for a few minutes. Allow it to stay for 20 minutes and rinse well with water, dry well and apply a moisturising cream. Do this twice daily for a month for the best results.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice imbued with vitamin C and antioxidants works well to nourish and fortify brittle nails. Moreover, it facilitates brightening nails, removes stains and makes them look whiter than ever.
How To Do
Take one tablespoon of lemon juice and add three tablespoons of olive oil in a mixing bowl, heat it for a few seconds until warm. Apply this solution on nails using a clean cotton swab before going to bed wear gloves and let it stay overnight. Do this once daily for two weeks for better results.
Sea Salt
Sea salt is loaded with essential minerals that are valuable in fortifying brittle nails, softening cuticles and adding shine to nails.
How To Do
In a mixing bowl add two tablespoons of sea salts, add a few drops of lemon essential oil and wheat germ oil, mix well and immerse nails in this mixture for 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water, pat dry and apply hand cream. Do this simple remedy three times a week for best results.
How To Cure Onychoschizia?
Brittle nails can be treated with some medications and topical applications. Talk to your dermatologist for medicines and to understand the reason behind them. However, try these simple yet effective home remedies to get rid of brittle nails and strengthen them.
Additional Remedies
Citric Juices:
Juices from citric-rich fruits like lemon and orange are loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants that can strengthen weak and brittle nails. Rub these juices on the nails with a cotton ball to remove stains and restore the natural colour.
Turmeric:
Turmeric is imbued with potent antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral traits. This natural wonder is your one-stop remedy for painful nails on your hands and toes. Rub in some turmeric paste and let it dry. Wash it with plain water and dab. Do it regularly to heal naturally.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How to Cure Onychoschizia?
Onychoschizia, or split nails, can be treated with the following remedies:
Apply a thick moisturizer or a nail-specific product with ingredients like lanolin or urea to keep nails hydrated.
Too much water can weaken nails. Use gloves when washing dishes or doing household chores to protect your nails from harsh ingredients.
Minimize the use of nail polish removers with acetone, which can dry nails and lead to splitting.
Biotin (vitamin B7) can strengthen nails and taking a supplement or increasing biotin-rich foods, like eggs and nuts, may help improve nail strength.
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How Do You Cure Onycholysis Fast?
Onycholysis, or nail separation, usually requires time to heal, but these steps can speed up recovery:
To prevent further infection, make sure the affected area is clean and dry.
Refrain from wearing tight shoes or putting pressure on the nails, which can worsen separation.
To treat fungal infections, use an antifungal cream recommended by a healthcare provider.
Ensure adequate iron and zinc intake, as deficiencies can lead to nail issues like onycholysis.
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What Home Remedies Works for Nail Repair?
Try some of these home remedies:
Soak nails in warm olive or coconut oil for 10-15 minutes. This helps nourish and strengthen nails.
Aloe vera has potent soothing and healing properties that can benefit nails. Apply aloe gel to nails daily to promote repair.
Mix a few drops of lemon juice with honey and apply to nails. The lemon helps lighten discolouration, and honey moisturizes and strengthens nails.
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How to Cure Brittle Nails at Home?
To strengthen brittle nails at home:
Regularly massage nails with jojoba or argan oil to improve flexibility and reduce breakage.
Give nails breaks from polish and use acetone-free removers when needed.
Have a diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E and minerals like zinc and iron, which can help strengthen nails from within.
Safeguard nails from water and chemicals by wearing gloves when cleaning or working in the kitchen.
(This article is reviewed by Soumita Basu, Ayurveda Pharma Expert)
Author Profile:
M Sowmya Binu:
With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specializing in tailoring personalized diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.
References:
Treatment of brittle fingernails and onychoschizia with biotin: Scanning electron microscopy
Author links open overlay panel
Victor E. Colombo PhD, Françoise Gerber , Max Bronhofer PhD , George L. Floersheim MD b
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/019096229070345I
https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(23)00769-7/abstract
