Brittle and split nails look unsightly, interfere with normal functioning, and often cause discomfort. It is worth remembering that the nail is a kind of “shield” that protects the delicate skin of the fingertip and facilitates our daily activities. The most common causes of their damage are mechanical factors. But there are many other reasons for splitting nails:
– weakening of the general condition of the body,
– deficiency of vitamins (mainly B vitamins, vitamins A and E) or minerals (magnesium, potassium, iron, chromium, zinc, calcium) as well as omega-3 and omega -6,
– detergent – very often the nail plate is weakened and damaged by chemicals that affect the skin and nails during cleaning, so it’s always worth putting on rubber protective gloves,
– improper hand care can lead to thinning, hydrolipid coat and weakening of the nail plate structure,
– no care,
– freezing of hands – in winter, the skin of the hands and nails are exposed to low temperatures. This causes tissue hypoxia, dryness, weakness, then the nails become less resistant to chemical and atmospheric factors,
– a poor diet affects the functioning of the whole body, including the appearance of the skin, hair and nails,
– insufficient hydration,
– nail biting ,
– long wet hands,
– rapid temperature changes (e.g. air conditioning).
Split nails can also have disease causes, such as:
– dehydration,
– avitaminosis,
– hormonal disorders e.g. associated with diseases of the thyroid gland, ovaries, adrenal glands,
– fungal or bacterial infection,
– metabolism disorders,
– anemia,
– inflammation of the body,
– exhaustion of the body,
– psoriasis,
– AD: atopic dermatitis.
A way for split nails
We should take care of the good condition of the skin, hair and nails every day. Depending on the reason for the splitting of nails, you can reach for different methods of care and treatment.
Conditioner for splitting nails – in drugstores, specialty stores and some pharmacies, you can buy appropriate products dedicated to splitting nails. It is worth paying attention to what active substances are included in the preparation. It’s best to choose nutrients based on natural ingredients. Avoid products containing formaldehyde. Despite the fact that it is banned in all EU countries, we can still find him in many nutrients.
Hand protection – putting on protective rubber gloves for cleaning, in winter and autumn warm gloves before going outside.
Appropriate hydration – moisturizing the nails will give them flexibility, but also resistance to damage. Vegetable oils: linseed oil, castor oil, avocado oil, olive oil, coconut butter will work great in this role. Rub not only into the hands, but also massage into the nails and cuticles.
Getting rid of bad habits that weaken and destroy nails: biting, cutting the skin hard and often, picking, playing with nails, opening metal cans.
Use of a good file – it is recommended to use paper or glass files, while metal ones are discouraged.
Sawing the nail in one direction – thanks to this the plate will not delaminate. Files should be replaced every 2-3 months. An old, blunt file will tug at the plate.
Prophylactic breaks between making hybrid, acrylic, titanium or gel nails. Between subsequent treatments of this kind, give your nails time to recover – 2-5 weeks (depending on the thickness of the nail plate and the number of manicures done in a row).
How to treat split nails?
The causes of split nails can be different, therefore the prevention and treatment should be either multidirectional or strictly determined by the doctor (if it concerns a serious illness).
Treatment may consist of:
– medical consultation, appropriate diagnostic tests (extended morphology, dermatological consultations; optional consultation with an endocrinologist, gynecologist, gastroenterologist),
– changes to a more valuable and balanced diet,
– proper hand care,
– if there is such a need – supplementation,
– take advantage of a professional procedure that nourishes your hands and nails: Japanese manicure, IBX System, nutritional treatment with paraffin.
What about split nails?
– Nail conditioner or serum
– Vegetable oil for greasing cuticles and nails,
-In case of diagnosed systemic diseases or hormonal disorders – appropriate drugs,
-Balanced diet, rich in micro- and macroelements,
– Herbal products e.g. nettle, ginseng, horsetail,
– professional treatments in a beauty salon.
What is Japanese manicure?
Japanese manicure was used by Japanese aristocrats to improve the condition and appearance of the nail 400 years ago. It is a treatment based entirely on natural ingredients:
– keratin – is the basic protein-building material of the nail,
– bee pollen – a source of cysteine. Eliminates the problem of brittle and fragile nails, gives them flexibility,
– vitamins H, A, E and B5 – support the proper growth and keratinization of cells,
– silica from the Sea of Japan – nourishes and facilitates the penetration of vitamins into the plate, oxygenates the skin.
For whom?
Japanese manicure is designed for people struggling with the problem of brittle, fragile, split nails and thick growing cuticles. It allows you to smooth and regenerate chopped and striated plates. Already after the first treatment it gives it a healthy look and an amazing glow, softens the skin.
If the nail plate is not too thin and damaged, this type of manicure can be a perfect regeneration after hybrid, gel or acrylic. As you know, such stylizations require a short break from time to time due to overdrying, hypoxia and weakening of the plaque. And in the case when the remains of the gel or hybrids were broken, the nails require strong and quick regeneration. Japanese manicure will speed up the process. Intensively nourishes and moisturizes the plate, so that after a short time you will be able to return to the hybrid or gel manicure.
Everything you need to know about the IBX System
Operation and effects of use
IBX System is a revolutionary product that allows you to protect your nails from the inside. This is the only such procedure, which, unlike other products, strengthens the plate from the inside, penetrating inside the nail.
IBX System is a two-part procedure. The first product works by bonding the upper layers of the plate, which prevents splitting, crushing and flaking. Nails grow stronger and longer, have a healthy shine. The second preparation creates a special protective coating. It can be used as a base for gel or hybrid manicure.
How to properly care for your nails?
In addition to the use of specialized repair and regenerative products, such as the IBX System or Japanese manicure, daily nail care is necessary. To ensure that your skin and nails stay healthy and beautiful for as long as possible, you need to moisturize them regularly – preferably after each contact with water or detergent, apply a greasy nourishing cream. For people who often make hybrid, gel or acrylic nails, it is necessary to take breaks for regeneration between subsequent treatments. During such breaks, it is best not to use classic varnishes and only use conditioners, serums and oils.