Here is a quick guide to some of the common types of natural nail problems and how to avoid them with a little common sense and a bit of TLC!

Brittle Nails

Brittle nails can be caused by sun exposure, a poor diet or dehydration.

• Avoid the use of Nail Polishes and Hardeners containing Formaldehyde, not only causes numerous health problems, but has a drying and damaging effect on your nails.

• The B-vitamin biotin has been shown to help weak, brittle nails.

• Try using a nail strengthener such as Revitanail or CND Rescue Rxx (available in-salon). Also apply a small amount of CND Solar Oil (available in-salon) daily into the nail plate will keep natural nails hydrated.

• Consider having regular Paraffin Treatments for intense hydration.

Hangnails

Picking at your cuticles is a definite no no! The cuticle is like the grout around your bathtub. It prevents water from seeping in and is an important protective structure. 

If your cuticles are out of control don’t pick and tear at them, instead book in to have a Manicure and get a professional to properly treat your overgrown cuticles.

Nail Ridges

Ridges on the nail are unfortunately, mostly genetic. Though you can’t change heredity, you can smooth the ridged surface with a buffing block or by applying ridge filler before applying nail polish.

• Ridges may also be caused by dehydration so be sure to drink at least eight glasses of water each day! More in the hot weather or if you are physically active.

• When grooming your nails, always be gentle with them. Applying too much pressure during filing may damage the nail, resulting in further ridges.

Weak Nails

If you have weak nails, avoid overexposure to water. Constantly submerging your nails in water can, paradoxically, dry out your nails so try to wear gloves where possible.

• Weak, bendable nails can be a sign of Silica deficiency. Best sources of Silica are peppers, cucumbers and bean sprouts. You can also invest in a Hair, Skin Nails formula from your local Health Food Shop.

• File your nails gently. Sawing your nails back and forth with a nail file causes damage to the nails. When you’re shaping, only file in one direction and don’t use too much pressure.

• Weak nails need TLC, we recommend using a strengthening formula like CND Rescue Rxx to help, its keratin formulation will help to strengthen your nails from the inside out.

White Spots

The old saying that a lack of calcium causes White Spots is just a wives tale. White spots on the nail are actually a sign of Zinc deficiency.

The best sources of Zinc are lean red meats, soy, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, brazil nuts, pecan nuts, green peas, turnips and wheatgerm.

White spots can also be caused by damage to the nail or applying too much pressure during nail filing.

Yellow Nails

Yellowing of the nails could be caused by not using a base coat underneath your nail polish, or it could be a more serious nail infection that needs to be treated by your local GP.

Try bleaching discoloured nails with a whitening scrub containing a mild abrasive like toothpaste, or try soaking them in good old fashioned lemon juice to bleach out the yellow stains, if stains persist see your Doctor.

Important Information:

When purchasing nail polishes and nail hardeners please read your labels to make sure that they DO NOT contain any of these 3 toxins:

• Dibytyl phthalate (DBP):which keeps polish from becoming brittle, also can cause reproductive harm. Known to trigger asthma attacks. Linked to breast cancer, birth defects and disruptive to the Endocrine system causes changes in hormone levels.

• Formaldehyde: a nail hardener also used in a wide variety of products including air fresheners and some hair straightening products. Considered a human carcinogen by U.S. health agencies, it is an irritating chemical that causes people to have allergic reactions. Don’t be fooled if it’s listed as formalin on the label.

• Toluene: the aromatic solvent can irritate the eyes, throat and lungs. Known to cause dizziness and short term intoxication as well as damage the nervous system and potentially harm an unborn child. It is a solvent that is found in petrol.

Extra tips:

• Antibiotics, such as tetracycline, affect the health of the nails and should be taken into consideration as a possible source of problems.

• Surgery,  a virus or illness from a few months ago can still affect the nails as they grow out, and the effects won’t show up until months later.

• Use hand care and nail care products right after showering or washing your hands. Do it as often as possible to prevent them drying out.

• Wear gloves when gardening or exposing hands to water for extended periods of time.

If all else fails invest in a bottle of CND Rescue RXx & Solar Oil (both available in-salon) which are both designed for problematic nails. 

Always treat your nails with care. Treat them as jewels not tools!