I need help with a fingernail strengthener

last year

I have always had rather thin fingernails. For the last few years they have been peeling, which have made them even more frail. I've tried a few strengtheners, but haven't noticed any improvement. Every product I've looked at has glowing reviews, but I'm asking those of you who may have come across a product that has actually lived up to their claims to share the info, please.

Featured Answer

smiling

last year

last modified: last year

I used to have exactly the same problem, and my nail salon explained that I was trying to fix the issue after the nail had grown out and all the way across the finger tip. They said the only way to permanently fix is was in the nail-growth area itself (back where your cuticles and half-moons are located). Weak nails need more collagen, so they advised adding collagen proteins to my diet every day, and I would see real results. They were right. Now I use a marine collagen powder daily and I'm not kidding when I tell you I now have to file my nails back to the length I want since they now grow so fast. They are strong, and don't peel or split anymore. For me, fixing the issue from the inside, right from the growth area, has been a permanent solution.

There are many ways to consume collagen proteins, so you could experiment to find what works best for you. For me, one thing I have every single day is morning coffee, so I stir a scoop of the collagen powder into every cup every day. The collagen will probably make your nails grow faster than before, so you might see great results in just a few weeks.

There was also an unexpected cosmetic benefit. With age, I'd aslo developed the longitudinal ridges in my nails, and those are much improved, too, and still getting better month by month.

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Comments (14)

Mystical Manns
last year
I also have thin nails. I've found that I must have SOMETHING on them, or they'll break/split/tear throughout the day.

I use Biotin Ultimate Strength (turquoise bottle) from WalMart as a base coat. If I wanted, I could stop there and it would just look like I have a clear polish. (I don't know if a standard clear base coat would work as well).

Then I apply whatever color I'm in the mood for, whether it's a vivid or pastel. Minimum, two coats.

And finally, Sally Hanson Double Duty Base & Top Coat to protect the polish.

Yes, it's a real pain to put on four coats, but it's done wonders for my nails.

Friends who go to have their nails done, use a Gel type of polish which hardens using a UV light, I think. Cost = $50-ish, lasts more than two weeks. But as your nail grows, there's the "space" between polish and new nail that I personally can't stand. LOL But it's strong!
donna_loomis thanked Mystical Manns
eld6161
last year
I'm wondering if you should get a consultation with nutritionist or a dietician. You might be lacking in vitamins or fatty etc.

I have dry skin, hair and nails. I only have my nails polished for a special event. Polish makes them split.

I try to keep them filed short.
donna_loomis thanked eld6161
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Thanks for the good ideas. I think I'll start with Sally Hansen's strengthener in the gold bottle. I got my nails done because my nails start splitting or peeling after they get so long. I love having pretty nails but the cost is such a waste! If I could do it myself (have never tried) I'd do them every week or when needed. Sometimes my nails really looked weird when it got closer to the fill appt two weeks after the last fill. I found a Tweezerman buffer - got it at Bed Bath and Beyond with their 20% off coupon - and gently buffed my nails. They are quite shiny right now but I think the Sally Hansen will help. I also think I have the 7-Day nail grower stuff - or maybe it is up in my daughter's room. Thanks for all of the suggestions! One last question...where do you all buy OPI nail polish? I found a color I really like but when I wanted to buy it at my salon they didn't have any.
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Before I started giving my nails some much needed attention, they too were rough, and splitting and brittle. I've always heard that emery boards, if not used properly, can actually cause nail damage, particularly if the boards are a bit worn on the edges. I got a Sally Hansen Ahead of the Curve Sapphire Nail File at WM and really like it. I'm 'thinking' that Walmart also has Hair and Nail Vitamins, though I'm not sure of what they contain that would be beneficial to nails. I've found too, that keeping something on my nails most of the time, really helps them. Everything I use is pretty neutral colored, so when it gets some age on it (chipping), it isn't unsightly like chipped 'colored' nails look. Once you notice a nail snagging on things, it is important to see what is causing the problem, and get it smoothed/filed, and get a coating of hardener or clear polish on it, asap. I've found that if I ignore a rough or splitting nail, I almost always regret it as it will end up tearing off. Good luck...Hopefully in time you will have some nice nails and be showing them off by wearing some rings.
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Biotin is good for nails and hair. I have always had soft nails that broke or peeled easily and I could tell a difference when I started taking Biotin. Of course it takes a while to tell the difference while the nails grow out. I have also used Nail Tek II, It is for soft nails. It really makes my nails hard and easy to grow because of that. As for the ridges or "fault" lines. .you can lightly buff them out. Actually buffing makes any nail polish, especially the Nail Tek adhere to the nail better. With Nail Tek, you put a new coat on every day for several days, then you take it off and start over, it really does work great. It actuall looks like clear nail polish. You can get Nail Tek at Walgreens and a bottle lasts a very long time. I am not a nail tech. I don't work for Nail Tek. .haha. .Just a woman who has battle nail biting, soft, peeling nails for years and found some good answers. .Debbie
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Greetings, Arkansas Girl, I am sorry that you felt that my comment was directed at you, personally. I did not mean it that way, at all. I just wanted to suggest in general that I feel that we should always try to improve ourselves, as we travel this journey of life, including in our use of language. Some years ago when I was working as a supply teacher, I suggested to the students that they pay attention to the consumer issues, as they'd be dealing with them throughout life ... and to English (or whatever language they might be using), as it was important to express one's self (and I don`t remember correct usage for that) as clearly and precisely as possible. If they were able to move an idea from their mind into someone else`s, fully formed and exactly as it was in their mind, it would preclude some misunderstandings and facilitate activities going forward, whether of a business or casual nature. That capability would serve them well as they proceeded with their lives, I suggested. When I worked as a clergyperson, I wanted to present my ideas clearly, so that people would not misunderstand/misinterpret what I was trying to say. And later, when I worked as a financial advisor, I felt that precision of language was important, as well: misinterpretations could be costly! To the client, and only indirectly to me (if they became angry enough!). ole joyful
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rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
last year
last modified: last year
Donna, have you evaluated your nutritional intake? In my experience, fingernails and skin are the two most obvious beneficiaries of a diet that supports them, either by foods or supplements. Also, some medications can do a real number on our bones, nails, skin, and hair. An investigation into the miner negative side effects of any prescription drugs that you take might reveal some interesting things.
donna_loomis thanked rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
Kendrah
last year
I too have super thin nails that split all the time. As does my mom, as did my grandma. We also have ridges. It is hereditary. Following this to see if anyone has suggestions.

I’m allegic to the smell of nail polish and way too tom boyish to wear any. But would love to know if there is a non toxic clear something to be used.
donna_loomis thanked Kendrah
salonva
last year
I'm following along because I have always had weak, thin, peeling nails and I'm just used to it.

My skin is fine, and I have no other issues like that. Well, I have issues for sure but not nutrition related lol.

I have tried most products, and have been using the collagen proteins for a long while. I figure it doesn't hurt, but honestly NOTHING has helped.

I'd be happy with short, neat nails .
donna_loomis thanked salonva
dedtired
last year
I keep my nails short but I find a polish called Nailtiques helps keep them from breaking and splitting. One thumbnail splits once it gets past the nail bed..

Ive had both gel and dazzle dry manicures and while they look nice and last long, once the polish is off my nails are in even worse condition. I believe this is because the nail is smoothed during the process, making it even thinner.
donna_loomis thanked dedtired
palisades_
last year
If you get adequate nutrition from food or supplements but still have symptoms of weak nails then you may want to look into improving your gut health so the body can better absorb all nutrients and minerals needed for strong nail and hair growth. The one probiotic that works great for me is L. reuteri. You can read more about it online. A quick google search gives some info,

Mechanisms of Action:
- Gut-hair/nail connection:
  L. reuteri contributes to a healthy gut microbiome, which is linked to nutrient absorption, hormone regulation, and overall body health, all of which can impact hair and nail growth.
  Hormone regulation:
  L. reuteri can help regulate hormones like testosterone and estrogen, which play a role in hair growth cycles and can impact nail health.
- Reduced inflammation:
  Some strains of L. reuteri have anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial for both scalp and skin health, potentially improving hair follicle function and reducing nail inflammation.
- Increased nutrient absorption:
  A healthy gut microbiome can enhance the absorption of essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals, which are crucial for hair and nail growth.
donna_loomis thanked palisades_
donna_loomis
Original Author
last year
Thank you all for sharing what has and has not worked for you. I've been researching and I see there is still much more to look into!
colleenoz
last year
I knew someone years ago who had amazingly strong nails. She put it down to eating jello every day. That would fit in with smiling's collagen suggestion.
donna_loomis thanked colleenoz
Kendrah
last year
Interesting about collagen. I have ehlers danlos syndrome (EDS), which is a genetic connective tissue disease that impacts collagen production. Maybe this is why the women in my family who have this disease also have ridges and splitting nails. Unfortunately, taking collagen does not help mitigate the symptoms of EDS.

Just looked up Nailtiques. It contains formaldehyde. Not good for me. If anyone knows of a less chemically version of this, please post it!
donna_loomis thanked Kendrah
Jupidupi
last year
For about a month now, I've been on a probiotic kick to improve gut health. I've been eating kimchee or sauerkraut every day, starting with my morning coffee (not as bad as it sounds.) All of a sudden, my weak nails have gotten strong. Win / win!
donna_loomis thanked Jupidupi
Bluebell66
last year
last modified: last year
I have the same problem. I started using Hard as Hooves but can't stand the smell, so I quit that. My digestive system can't handle collagen. I may try kimchi or sauerkraut, as Jupidupi does. Seems easy enough to eat a little every day.

I just ordered the Mavala Scientifique nail hardener on this page the other day, but the sale price ends tonight: MAVALA SWITZERLAND

Mavala Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Dimethyl Urea, Alcohol, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Disodium Phosphate, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Allium Sativum (Garlic) Bulb Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil, Pistacia Lentiscus (Mastic) Gum, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Ammonium Hydroxide, Benzoic Acid, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Chloride, Blue 1 (CI 42090), Limonene, Citral.[F995/1]
donna_loomis thanked Bluebell66
donna_loomis
Original Author
last year
I take only one prescription (have been taking it for about a year), Chlorthalidone, for high blood pressure. I take potassium OTC, also for high blood pressure. I gave up salt and coffee for the same reason. I make masala chai ( I LOVE ginger) for my morning drink.

Smiling, thank you for the info about the collagen proteins. I ordered some today.

Truly, I appreciate all of the input from the group! Lots of good info and suggestions.

I need help with a fingernail strengthener

smiling

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Mystical Manns

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