Webmaster Wants To Know: I’ve stopped biting my nails and now I’m trying to grow them out. However, after they reach a certain length they would start to break. I’ve been using Sally Hansen Hard as Nails, but to no avail! Therefore, my question are: Are the ingredients in Sally Hansen more harmful than helpful to growing my nails and possible health? Are there any nail products that you could recommend that could promote stronger nails?
The Right Brain responds:
The idea that nail hardeners can help your nails grow longer is a myth; but here are four things you CAN do to help your nails:
1. Avoid nail polishes containing formaldehyde.
This chemical can cross link the keratin protein in your nails. While it does make the nails harder, it also makes them so stiff that they become brittle so they actually break MORE easily.
2. Dont bother with gelatin.
Many products claim that gelatin strengthens nails because it is made from protein, but there is no scientific evidence that gelatin has any benefit to nails.
3. Limit your use of polish removers.
These products contain alcohol and other solvents that dry nails out, making them more prone to breakage.
4. Use a good hand cream or cuticle cream.
Daily exposure to detergents and harsh chemicals dries out your nails and makes them break more easily. By moisturizing them often you can prevent loss of moisture and reduce the chance of breakage. Lotions with petrolatum or mineral oil are the best. You might try the Terra Naturals Nail Strengthener.
Source: American Academy of Dermatologists, 10/06
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Marcy Says:
What about taking B vitamins? I’ve heard those help strengthen your hair and nails.
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Deb Says:
What you can do is try the crystal or glass nail file. I saw someone posting on it under a similar topic…she got hers from Sephora, I got mine from ebay. It was about $20 for a set of three, one for your toes, one for your hands, and one for your purse.
I find the one for your toes worked best for me, even when you use it on the hands.
The benefit of this file is that you can go back and forth with it without damaging your nails, like emery boards or metal files will do. The edges of your nails after you file are pretty smooth, more like glass, and not rough like if you were to file with another type of file.
For me, it’s really helped my nails to grow out at least more uniformly. My nails will never be long becasue they just don’t look good, but even when I wanted just even and medium length nails, I had two nails that would break constantly. No cream or nail stregthner would work, and the edges of those nails would start to shred before they even go up past the quick.
But no more! Now these two nails are nice and even with the other nails. They are the thumb and pointer on my right hand, by the way, which gets the most wear and tear, but they continue to keep up with the other nails on my hand.
Try it, you’ll like it!
Michelle Says:
I have been doing my own nails FOR YEARS. The best Base Coat I found, is Sally Hansen Age Defying Base and Top Coat, in the PINK bottle. The best top coat is Sally Hansen ACRYLIC Top Coat, clear bottle. And I splurge on polish. I only use OPI. Mixing products has not caused any problems.
Michelle Says:
In regards to Marcy’s question about B vitamins for nails. I found them of no help. I still recommend the T.I.P.S. products from QVC.
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