Hi
Apologies for a really girly posting but has anyone any tips on how to stop nails splitting?
(yes ok don't lay patios or put up shelves are obvious ones -Lol), but I am trying really hard to grow mine just a little bit, but as soon as the free edge emerges, it splits.
Is it all about diet or is there something I can apply to strengthen the nail a bit?
Thanks
Devon

It's all about not lifting a delicate finger, patios and shelves are for boys! xxx

I think if you look on the nail care shelves in Boots or Super Drug or your local supermarket you will find products that "strengthen" the nail. Always wear gloves when washing up and cleaning (scrubbing the floors?) is a good tip.

Pauline xx
This post was edited by Pauline Smith at July 27, 2014 10:49 AM BST

I prefer to have very long natural nails too, despite the comments I get when in male mode, and suffer the same problems as you.

Improved diet may help. I take multi-vitamins but there may be a specific vitamin that specifically helps nails. I use Malvala nail hardener (expensive but lasts for absolute ages - and read the instructions otherwise you will deaden your skin!) along with OPI Nail Envy strengthener, the matte version so they don't look shiny when I don't want them too (also expensive). These definitely help but do not cure.

Julie's not wrong, if you want nice nails you must protect them at all times. Wear gloves when gardening and doing other rough work, household gloves when washing up, be conscious of your nails at all times (it soon becomes automatic) and don't put them at unnecessary risk.

When a split or lamination occurs and I don't want to lose the nail (who does?) I will repair it. You can try fixing it with nail glue (will need filing down carefully afterwards with an ultra-fine smoother).

Finally there's 'the tea-bag trick'. Empty a tea-bag and cut one side of the bag into a shape to match the white of your nail and then varnish it to your nail (I use the OPI already mentioned). Rather tricky to do and takes loads of practice the first time. Done properly it's an invisible repair - unnoticeable! Then, when the nail is even longer, you can trim away the split bit and still have a bit of nail left. For particularly bad splits I've done the same with much stronger coffee filter paper but this is a bit more noticeable, but no more so than your lovely long nails.

Your problems, like mine, are probably due to poor nail formation below the cuticle and are something you have to live with if you want your own long nails.

Hope this helps.

Hugs, Trines x x
Beauty Consultant to the Nation.

shellac

Hi, I was told many years ago to drink milk (full cream) as it contains the calcium needed for bone and nail growth, not the done thing these days. With regard to splitting and breaking as already been posted by mor experienced ladies. One more thing is don't wear nail varnish all the time as it will kill the nail,( they go yellowy brown) they need some air and sunlight as the rest of our bodies do.
Hope this is of help also.
Gillian xx

Ladies, thank you all for your help. I've been shopping today, bought some marigold gloves (99p) and Mavala Nail Hardener (a bit more than 99p cough splutter!!). Hope it will be worth it. Devon xx