6 Causes of Your Brittle Nails
You have probably struggled with brittle nails once in your life, but have you ever asked yourself; why are your nails brittle? There aren’t that many women who can say that they are blessed with naturally thick, durable and strong nails. But unfortunately, both women and men, are struggling with this problem. But for women, it is a little different since we tend to ruin ours on purpose by going to the nail salons and exposing ourselves to God knows what. Those UV lamps that we are always exposed to, as well as nail glues, are really not helping us at all. So, if you want to know more about this nail catastrophe, as well as how to prevent it, then keep on reading.
So, What Causes Brittle Nails?
In order to understand how brittle nails happen, you should first know about the nail growing process. Our fingernails, as well as toenails, grow from their roots, and not the tips. Those roots are underneath our skin and they are called Lunula, aka the growing part of the nail. Lunula produces keratin which is the main ingredient of our nails and hair. So, in case you are eating right and not biting off your nails, you should have a healthy and proper nail growth. But in case you are dealing with brittle and cracked nails that may be because you are not eating healthy. Ugly nails are often an indication that you are throwing off keratin production, and that can be seen through your hair as well.
#1: Unhealthy Lifestyle
Brittle nails will be an unknown term to you if you’ve been leading a healthy lifestyle your whole life, as well as if you have good genes. Women can tell that their nails are going to a ”crisis” if they notice that they are feeling a lot easier and faster than normal, as well as if a slight discoloration of the nails starts to happen.
#2: Hormonal Changes
Besides some hormonal changes, unhealthy nails can happen if you have anemia or even poor blood circulation. Since you are not aware of these body changes, you should have your regular doctor check-ups. Your doctor will run a series of test and will figure out what is wrong with you. But if you are feeling healthy and don’t think that you should see your family doctor, then you may be facing some other problems. Many times you are probably just lacking vitamins, and that is slowing down the growth of your nails. Your body and your nails depend on calcium, iron, protein and fat, in order to grow. If you’ve been not getting enough of them you should definitely catch up.
#3: Bad Food Habit
If you are someone who believes that brittle nails can be cured through a healthy diet, then this solution is for you. You can intake eggs, fruits, vegetables, liver and dairy since all of those have biotin in them. Almonds and spinach have calcium in them, and they can restore your nail health. Our advice is that you first start off with a proper diet in order to restore your nails general health. If that doesn’t work, then move on to the physical activities.
#4: Lack of Physical Activities
Besides being completely healthy and a smart eater, you could also find your solution at the gym. Actually, just some simple workouts should be enough for you to start feeling better and healthier. Especially if you are dealing with a lot of stress, it may be time to release it up somewhere. Yoga can be your go-to option since it reduces stress.
#5: DIY Horsetail Solution
If you are about to make a small visit to the kitchen, you just might be able to find your solutions up in there. Horsetail contains high amounts of silica and it can help you with your brittle nails, and also those persistent white spots.
How To Make It?
- You will need to add two spoons of a dried down horsetail herb to a cup which is filled with warm water.
- Cover your cup with a lid and steep the horsetail for 10 minutes.
- After it cools down you can put your nails or feet in that mixture for 20 minutes.
- Later dry down your nails and apply any cream or oil you have.
- Leave it on overnight and let the cream hydrate your skin. If you want to you can even wear any type of gloves just so it soaks up the cream better and faster.
- It would be the best if you repeat this at least 3 times per week.
#6: Lack of Minerals
Sea salt is your kitchen buddy as well, so let’s get it! It can help you out with your brittle nails since it has a lot of minerals which will help with the strengthening of the nails. The best part? Everyone has got this at their home.
How To Make It?
- Grab two spoons of your sea salt and place it in a bowl which is filled with water half way up.
- Apply 2 drops of any oil you have, and specifically lemon oil.
- Soak your nails for 10 to 15 minutes in that mixture.
- Rinse it off with warm water and apply (as always) a hand cream.
- Try to repeat this two times per week.
Tip Top Hands to Toe – Try These Toenail
In order to get rid of brittle nails, one must first learn a lot about them. We feel like you could make such a difference in literally just five to six steps. Make sure to give these home remedies a chance, because they have known to work on a lot of women before. Besides, it won’t cost you a lot, since none of these methods is too demanding or pricey.
