Having nails that break or tear isn’t just annoying - it can be downright painful. If you find yourself suffering from breaking nails (or are just trying to grow your healthy nails), there are a handful of lifestyle changes that can help get them back in tip-top shape.
One note before we jump in: breaking nails can be more than just a damper on your manicure routine - they could be signs of health issues that no amount of topical products can fix. As ever, it's important to check in with your GP ASAP if you have any concerns.
1. Consider going shorter
If you find your nails are cracking or breaking along the edges, it may be time to reconsider the length. Long nails are divas. An active daily routine is going to stress them out and you’ll get breaks. Keep your nails short and give them a chance to grow out stronger and healthier (and heck, maybe even longer) than before.
2. Eat a well-balanced diet
Your body builds, nourishes and maintains your nails via blood flow to the nail bed. A healthy diet leads to healthy, strong nails. Eat a well-balanced, plant-based diet full of colourful vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, seeds and nuts. You’ll start to see the difference in one to two months, as your nails grow out.
3. Keep your nails moisturised
Hand washing. Sanitising. Dishwashing. Showers. You know, daily activities. They’re basically nail enemies. They strip out the natural oils and leave your nails prone to breakage, splitting, peeling and cracking. Using a quality cuticle oil like Self Love Oil will easily replace the natural oils and moisture you lose on the daily.
4. Avoid harsh chemicals
Harsh detergents strip your nails. Daily activities, like cleaning and gardening, put them in serious risk of breakage. Before you give up cleaning your house, try wearing gloves. Similarly, standard nail polish contains some seriously harsh chemicals. Look for the 12-free label on your nail polishes. This means they are free of the 12 most toxic chemicals found in normal nail polish.
