Fingernails Question

[jillybean]

I read some place that Cathe was a licensed nail technician, so maybe she (or any member of the 'educated crowd') could answer this for me:

I certainly get enough calories and calcium in a day, but my nails are still brittle, peeling, cracking, etc. all of the time! Should I bite the bullet and get acrylics? I lotion my cuticles, polish my nails, but because they look so horrible, I often hide my hands in my pockets, tuck them into my sleeves, etc. Can any one recommend a viatamin or supplement that helps nail strength? Thank you!

 

[Tammyspq]

Supplements (which I know are a tricky area for some) have made a tremendous difference in my nails. They are strong and grow so quickly I have to file them down 2-3 times a week. I still get manicures but not fakies.

 

[getnfit@38]

Hey Jillybean,
I've been taking Glucosamine-Chondroitin now for about 5 months, and I don't know whether it's from them or a cleaner diet, but my nails (which were brittle before), are not only stronger, but grow so fast I can't cut them back fast enough! So I don't know about other supplements, but either eating well balanced meals, or the Glucosamine are the reason for my "nails turnaround!"
Donna

 

[shaan]

I had a same problem until I used horsetail silica (by Flora). It's called FloraSil - extract of spring horsetail.

I finished a whole bottle and found damn good improvement in not only my nails but also my hair and skin.

I was warned however that I MUST MUST MUST take lots of water when using this product. Otherwise your hair/nail growth is strong but brittle.

I am sure your local nutrition house will have info on it. But I am sold on this product like I am on cathe's tapes!

Good luck!

 

[SandieA]

not a supplement, but...

I have been buying a product from the Beauty Supply store called NailTek (the weak/peeling formula--I think it's Forumla IV). This stuff has made a night and day difference in the texture and strength and appearance of my nails!!

And just for the record: I don't work for these folks!

 

[jillybean]

RE: not a supplement, but...

Just curiosu, how much does NailTek cost? I bought a nail growth polish once and it worked great, but it was .25 oz. and costed $20.00. I would rather buy a new Cathe tape! Thanks for the info! It sounds interesting...

 

[Connie1]

One more answer...

I think my nails got stronger, smoother and thicker when I increased the proportion of protein in my diet.
http://connie.freehosting.net/Cona.jpg

 

[Shaz]

I had the same problem. I've started using 'calcium gel' which is a clear nail varnish with nutrients. I'm not sure I understand the benefits of putting nutrients directly onto nails (surely they can't get absorbed?), but it has definately stopped my nails from splitting and breaking.

Sharon.

 

[SandieA]

jillybean...

I pay $10.00 for the NailTek and it comes in a regular nail-polish sized bottle (not sure of exact fluid amount off hand). The bottle lasts me quite a while (even with daily application of 1 coat) and is worth every penny to me!

 

[atgood]

I also recommend Nailtek. It's great for adding daily layers of protein directly to the nailbed. I've seen great improvement using it.

 

[donna]

RE: A Tip From A Country Girl

If you live near a Farm & Feed store, buy yourself a tub of hoof conditioner. This stuff comes in 5 pound containers and it has better conditioners in it than Revlon cuticle & nail conditioner. Put this on your nails and cuticles about three times a day and really pack it on at night. I would bet in less than a week your nails will become more resilient and less prone to break or split. After they are back in condition, try a couple coats of clear nail polish and keep conditioning the cuticles at night. Hoof conditioner is a very well kept secret!

That's my "external" fix for your nails.