What Causes Fingernails To Split

You used to have beautiful nails. They were healthy. You know this for sure. Now they just started splitting and you don't know what to do anymore. Well, first you have to know this is a common problem and that it affects more women than men. What causes fingernails to split?

Split nails or onychoschizia is the result of an excessive moisturizing of the nail plate. When the nail dries it contracts, and the repeated drying and swelling leads to splitting. As years pass by, a person's body produces less moisture and oil, so the nails become split, brittle and peeling. Experts say that going through menopause may be another cause. Nail splitting occurs, for instance, after a longer contact with water, such as dish washing or even tub bath. Nail polish remover can also harm your nail. Usually this isn't a sign for lack of vitamins or health problems, but its causes are nails chemical exposure physical stress. Cold weather is also a well known enemy, so to protect your hands don't forget your gloves a home.

Here are some tips for you to prevent nail splitting:

-a short shower is always better that a long tub bath

-wear household gloves when working with harsh chemicals. You can buy cotton lined rubber gloves in almost every store.

-buy nail polish remover that doesn't contain acetone. Use it as rare as you can, no more than twice a week

-do not scrape or peel off nail polish

-nail polishes, especially those containing nylon fibers, protect the nail

-when you shape your nails, do it with a very fine file. Avoid metal instruments when pushing down cuticles, you will scrap off the protective cells on the nail surface

-moisturize your hands after washing them or using nail polish remover. There is a great variety of cuticle oils on the market. The best are those containing jojoba oil and vitamin E. The first of them is well known for it can penetrate the nail's layers. A moisture containing Vitamin E will be if great help and has great anti aging results. Rose hip oil is also very effective in making nails stronger and grow faster. Every night, before going to bed, you can apply on your hand caster oil. You will soon see the results.

-do not use nail hardeners

-keep your nails trimmed and smooth. Cut them in a gentle curve.

-buff and file your nails only from one direction

-experts say that if you take 2.5 mg of biotin daily it will have good results

-vitamins and minerals will also make your nails grow healthier and faster.

-repair your split nails with clear nail polish or with glue

-don't use your nails to open things. There are special tools for this job

-drink water. If dehydrated, your nails will split.

-eat fish at least twice a week. Fish oil has surprising results in treating splitting nails.

Now you know what causes fingernails to split and you know what to do in order to make them healthy again!