Split Nails: Possible Reasons, Treatments and Prevention

Let's talk about something we hope to avoid forever. Split nails can turn your manicure or pedicure into a hot mess. Not only do they ruin your look, but they can also be painful and lead to infections if left untreated.

Onychoschizia is the medical term for split nails. They can happen to anyone at any time. Unfortunately, there are plenty of possible reasons for cracked nails. We’ll explain the most common ones in this article.

Moreover, we’ll go over treatments, both DIY and professional, to get split nails back in tip-top shape.

And finally, we’ll discuss prevention because nobody wants to deal with split nails on the regular. We'll share tried-and-true tips to keep your nails strong and resilient. Let’s make split nails a thing of the past and enjoy a beautiful, healthy future.

What are the Reasons Behind Split Nails?

First up, having your hands in water a lot is damaging to nails. It’s worse when you’re using detergent. Weirdly, soap dries out nails faster than it does skin. That’s one reason why we recommend wearing gloves when doing the dishes or cleaning.

Next, long nails are more prone to splitting. The same is true if you use nail enhancements that you switch often. The more they are exposed to acetone, filing, and drying chemicals, the more likely they are to break. If your nails feel thin or brittle, please keep them trimmed short or use products designed to reinforce them. (More on those solutions in a moment).

Biting nails will put them at risk of splitting. Saliva is designed to break down our food, so of course, it weakens the nail keratin. And it’s wise to keep an eye on any nails that have been injured in case they begin to split.

What’s more, just getting older is enough to cause nail splits. But health issues like psoriasis, fungal infections, nutritional deficiencies, thyroid disorders, and Reynaud’s syndrome can lead to cracked nails. Chemotherapy may also make nails brittle. So, what’s a person to do?

Treatments for Split Nails

When you need to fix a split nail, there are things you can do at home and services you can get at a salon or even at a doctor’s office. Let’s begin with home remedies for split nails.

DIY Fixes for Split Nails

1. Glue: Use a tiny drop amount of nail glue to reattach the split part of the nail. Don’t try this with superglue as it’s likely to cause an allergic reaction because it contains harsh chemicals. Let it cure, then buff it smooth.
2. Tea Bag: Cut a small piece from a dry tea bag and use it to patch the split area together using nail glue or polish. A clear top coat works well. Then buff it and paint it if desired.
3. Silk Wraps: These products come in nail repair kits you can find at a drugstore. They create a lightweight, protective layer over the nail and hold the split parts together while the nail grows out. In today’s world, they aren’t typically made of silk, but rather a sheer synthetic fabric that’s undetectable under polish. You can also visit a salon to have silk wraps applied.

Professional Treatments for Split Nails

While home remedies offer temporary relief, we recommend seeking professional treatment for severe or persistent cases of cracked nails.

1. Press-on nails or soft gels provide a more durable solution if the nail bed is not exposed.
2. Acrylic or hard gel overlays offer a durable reinforcement to the natural nail without adding excess length.
3. Medical treatment in case an underlying medical condition, such as psoriasis or a fungal infection, is contributing to split nails. When the problem is gone, the nail can grow back healthy.

Once the split nail is repaired, it’s time to prevent the same thing from happening in the future.

Soft Gel Tips

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Lavis Soft Gels are made for beginners and pros alike. Choose from the most fashionable styles that all come in 9 different sizes to fit every nail. These tips are lightweight and natural-looking, plus they are pre-shaped to save time.

Prevent Split Nails with These Tips

While treating split nails is foremost, the real key is to nip those pesky cracks in the bud with some proactive nail care!

One of the easiest ways is to simply use a nail hardener polish to give those brittle nails a much-needed reinforcement.

LDS Gel Strengthener

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Lavis Gel Strengthener is compatible with every brand of soak-off gel polish. Brush it on after applying the base coat and enjoy tougher nails with longer-lasting polish.

Next, coat and condition them, especially after washing and at bedtime. Apply cuticle oil and moisturizer often. Then, try nail slugging overnight. After massaging in hand cream and cuticle oil, seal them in with a layer of petroleum jelly or a similar occlusive product. Pop on some cotton gloves or socks and wake up to skin that’s softer than a baby's bottom.

LAVIS Organic Cuticle Oil

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This cuticle oil smells fabulous while it soothes your skin and nails with vitamins and moisture. The natural ingredients stay fresh thanks to the plant-based preservatives.

When possible, use acetone-free remover. And while you’re at it, take a break from acrylics and manicures that require excessive filing and soaking. Keep your nails short for a time and let them grow back strong. Boosting your intake of nutrients like biotin and protein might help strengthen them from the inside out.

LDS Nail Lacquer

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Don’t poison your nails with toxins. LDS Nail Lacquer is 9-free! It’s also vegan and not tested on animals. The breathable formula allows nails to stay hydrated and strong.

And finally, here’s when to see a doctor. While brittle nails are usually nothing to worry about, if you notice new horizontal grooves, redness or swelling around your nails, distorted or discolored nails, ingrown nails, or have pain, please get medical attention.

With a little TLC, we hope you'll soon be enjoying strong, healthy nails!

Conclusion

We wish you a quick solution for split nails. Even better, we hope you can avoid them altogether!

Find your new favorite colors and professional nail art supplies in our store. Check our home page for the latest deals.

Sources:

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/brittle-nails-causes-treatment

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326008#treatments-and-home-remedies

https://www.nailpro.com/technique/article/21158533/expert-tips-and-tricks-for-repairing-split-nails-with-wraps