Cracking Fingernails? Here’s How To Improve Your Nail Health

Let’s face it: At best, damaged nails can be annoying, and at worst, they can be downright embarrassing. With the cracking, the ridges, the mysterious white spots, and the jagged edges from yet another surprise breakage, sometimes it’s easier to polish your nails and call it a day than it is to solve the actual problem. 

Finally ready to resolve your nail drama once and for all? Read on to find out how to get picture-perfect nails, even when totally au naturale. 

Typically, damaged or weak nails are either the result of lifestyle habits or nutrition. As a first line of defense against unsightly nails, pay attention to your habits. If your nails don’t improve by making some lifestyle changes, then it’s time to analyze your diet to make sure you’re getting enough nail-nourishing vitamins and nutrients. Still no luck? Then it’s time to seek out products that might help. 

Happy Nail Habits 

Before taking any drastic measures to improve your nail health, simply take a look at your daily habits. For starters, notice how often you get your nails wet. Too much water exposure can cause your nails to become soft and more susceptible to damage. Obviously, there’s no way to keep your hands out of water all the time – you have to wash them, after all. But if you’re experiencing brittle nails, be mindful of how often your fingers are submerged and consider making some changes. One easy hack is to wear gloves while doing dishes. And keeping your hands out of the water while taking a bath or swimming might also be worth a shot. 

If your toenails are the problem, consider your footwear. Do your toenails rub against your shoes as you walk? This could cause scratches on your nails, especially if you’re not wearing socks. Try opting for open-toed shoes for a period of time, or wear socks if your shoe choice allows.

Most importantly, it’s time to get real with your manicure habits. If you frequently get your nails done at a salon, chances are they use products that are harsh on your nails. And if you’ve ever had a gel manicure or acrylics, then you know firsthand the toll that these products can take – especially during the dreaded removal process. But constantly wearing traditional polish isn’t necessarily nail-friendly either because the paint prevents your nails from getting any external oxygen. To avoid discoloration and decreased strength, try going without polish at least every few weeks to allow your nails to “breathe.”