Nails that break all the time can be seriously annoying; just when you’re considering a French manicure after finally managing to grow them – snap! – and they’re gone.
Many people believe that their nails are naturally weak, but actually, it’s normally exterior factors that make them break, rather than any innate fragility.
MORE: THE BEST HAND CREAMS FOR DRY AND CRACKED HANDS
According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD), if your fingernails often split, but your toenails are strong, then it’s an external factor causing your problem, rather than an internal disease or vitamin deficiency.
So what’s the most common cause of splitting nails?
Well, the AOCD explains that ‘repeated wetting and drying of the fingernails’ can make them dry and brittle, meaning your nails are prone to breakage.
MORE: BEST FOUNDATION FOR DRY SKIN
Of course for most of us, this means housework, particularly chores such as washing up and cleaning, where your nails are constantly exposed to water and various chemicals.
The AOCD recommends wearing cotton-lined gloves to perform household chores, and applying lotions containing alpha-hydroxy acids or lanolin to soothe the nails.
It also provides some tips on nail care, saying we should use a ‘very fine file’ to round the corners and remove any snags, which can lead to further breakage.
MORE: TRIED AND TESTED - THE BEST NAIL VARNISHES
‘Avoid metal instruments on the nail surface to push back the cuticle’ says the AOCD. ‘If the nails are "buffed" do this in the same direction as the nail grows and not in a "back and forth" motion because this can cause nail splitting.’
Of course another option would be just to give up washing up and cleaning completely – if only, eh?!
(Images: Getty)
Like this? Subscribe to the Good Housekeeping newsletter.
