Brittle nails are your worst enemy, once they grow to the perfect length – they are already on the verge of breaking again. There are several factors which effect this, from the food you eat to daily chores, your nails need constant care and attention especially during the cold snap.
Amanda Von Hagen, skin expert and International Educator at Glo Skin Beauty UK talks us through the top five reasons as to why your nails are breaking and how you can grow and maintain the perfect manicured set.
1.) Bad nail polish remover
Nail removers which are poorly made and cheap are not friendly to your nails. Not only will it require extra effort to remove the polish from your nails, but it also can make them become dry and reduce the moisture which results in brittle and weak nails. If you are using nail polish remover always be sure to invest in a trustworthy brand and not to use it excessively.
2.) Lack of iron
Weak nails can be caused by low levels of iron or anemia. Iron helps form hemoglobin, a molecule that shuttles red blood cells loaded with oxygen directly into your nail. Without this your nails will suffer from stunted growth. Its best to load up on foods which are rich in irons such as spinach, dark chocolate and white beans.
3.) Dehydration
If you’re not drinking enough water your entire body will suffer including your nails. Not drinking enough water is in fact a major factor in many cases of brittle nails so its best to drink the correct amount a day which is around 9 cups.
4.) Lack of moisturiser
Your nails not only need moisture from the inside but also from the outside. The best way to keep on top of this is to apply frequent moisturiser throughout the day. Keep it handy in your bag or desk at work and apply whenever you think about it but more so after your hands have been wet.
5.) Excessive water
By this we mean the water that meets your hands and not the water you drink. Doing the washing up for example can take a big toll on your nails as soaps and solvents from the liquid can have a drying effect on your nails. A simple solution to the household chore side effect is to pop on a pair of gloves which will protect your nails from the bad chemicals and keep them from drying out.
