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Nail Issues: brittle nails
Nails that are brittle will split, peel and break easily. This brittleness can be caused either by excessive dryness or excessive softness of the nail plate.
To combat excessive dryness, apply a moisturizer to your nails and cuticles every day.
To combat softness, avoid contact with harsh chemicals and acidic foods, such as lemons and oranges. Also avoid immersing your nails in hot water for prolonged periods. Wear protective gloves if necessary.
Some studies have found that if you take regular daily doses of the vitamin biotin, your nails may grow thicker and harder and have less chance of splitting.
For healthy people, a balanced diet of fresh foods is sufficient to ensure nail health. If your nails are weak, however, you could try either a biotin supplement or increasing your intake of foods rich in vitamin B, such as carrots and bananas.
Some remedies for brittle nails that do not work include
- eating gelatin
- eating calcium
- soaking your nails in gelatin
Read more about treatments for fingernail and toenails in ‘Beauty: The Ultimate Cosmetic Makeover Guide. Book 2: Body, Teeth & Hair‘.
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