Does anyone know of any fingernail strengthening product that really works? All my life I've had pathetic weak, short nails and it seems like I've tried everything but nothing really works so I can grow nice nails of my own. If there's anything out there that works, I'd love to know about it. Thanks to all.
This is one of the best nail products even better than OPI I think the problem was years of silk wraps I highly recommend the Nail Tek line well worth it you should use the oil they sell and the ridge filler next followed by whatever clear coat meets your nails needs. You can get them at the Christmas Tree stores now the product has helped my nails and I have turned the product on to many girls at work none of them reported any problems.
I had the same problem. I apply finger nail polish to them. The "hard as nails" kind,clear or colored. It helps protect the nails so they want break & etc. It's worth the money, good luck.
My Dermatologist recently (4/21/09) recommended Appearex for my brittle nail problem. Most active ingredient is 2.5mg pharmacceutical grade Biotin. This is available over the counter no prescription necessary. Suppose to take 6-7 mos for nails to improve. :-( I figured if Biotin was the most active ingredient and I could obtain it in a liquid form (vs pill form) perhaps I could apply it directly to my nails and get results sooner. I came across this site this a.m (4/28/09) during my search for liquid Biotin -https://shop.askcosmetics.com/us/index.php - the product is Tips Nail Conditioner - it's a coating that's applied directly to nail(s). Although Tips does not contain Biotin I liked the testimonials and the company's been around for 11 years. - I ordered some today to try it out. Another thing, the info on Appearex also indicated that one should take 1 pill a day...like forever! No thanks don't need another pill to take for the rest of my life. Hope this helps someone. Good Luck! P.S. If this works...I'll really be ticked off at my dermatologist...like why doesn't HE know about this? Surely part of the Dr. and Giant-Pharma conspiracy to keep us hooked on pills! :-)
My wife and I started drinking green tea and dramatically reducing the carbohydrates in our diets (no potatoes, rice, less bread, less sugar) a couple of months ago. We both experienced a totally unexpected result - that our fingernails became substantially thicker and stronger. was it the tea or the diet change? - don't know. Also, rubbing oil (olive, vaseline, etc) into the nails (at bedtime is best) will moisturize your nails making them look teriffic and also making them more flexible.
I have been biting my nails for the longest time and finally I stopped but my nails always seemed flimsy and broke very easy! My grandma always had strong nails and I asked her how to get my nails that strong and her answer was simply and really inexpensive... GARLIC! She told me to stab my nails in the garlic and rub them on the top of my nails and to be honest... It really works! No lie. Only one set back, the smell!
Ii bought the White Iodine yesterday. It has a strong smell but I decided to put it on before I go to bed so I won't have to concentrate on the smell. I was wondering if i can use this on top of nail polish? This is the first time in 31 years that I see my natural nails long. I'm so excited to keep the length but I want them to be strong at the same time.
I have weak damaged nails from long time acrylic & nail biting habit. Recently I came across a book called, "Uncommon Cures for Everyday Ailments" from the Editors of Bottom Line/Health. It says, "For stronger, longer nails spread Castor oil into nails & cuticles every night before bed to reduce cracking & breaking. For flexible nails use Vaseline or Crisco before bed rubbing into nails & cuticles.
Also to rub Retin A or Renova a little bit on nails for cell regeneration OR if nails grow slowly, try rubbing them with Comfrey oil (a cell re generator, it can help speed up the growth process giving you longer, stronger nails.)"
I like someone's quote above to try Suave extreme strength leave in treatment because she's right. Hair & nails are made from the same stuff. This article in the book also recommends to use latex gloves while washing dishes & working with chemicals BECAUSE water & chemicals damage the fingernails. I've tried the castor oil as moisturizer, it has been healing the nail bed damage from years of acrylic use. Thank you for all your suggestions. I will try them to. Lots of Luck to All of You.
I have the very same problem. I went to the dr. and he told me to take zinc daily. This was only about 2 weeks ago. As of today I can't tell a difference yet! Good luck.
WARNING, WARNING, WARNING, PLEASE NEVER USE NAIL TEK!
I have very thin and weak nails too. And after years of silk wraps and nail treatments, the lady that does my nails put Nail Tek on them. Everyone agreed that it was the best thing they had ever tried. I should have looked at their nails first (they all had pretty normal nails to begin with). After about 3-4 minutes, my nails felt really hot. Then came the throbbing pain. It truly felt like someone was continuously taking a hammer to my fingers. This pain lasted a little more than a hour (even though they took off the product when i complained it felt hot). The only relief I got was when I literally PASSED OUT form the pain!
PLEASE, IF YOU TRULY HAVE THIN NAILS THAT CAN FLEX EASILY, NEVER USE NAIL TEK!
I am palak 21 yrs. I have been trying to grow my nails for the past 4 years but have completely failed. I just wanna know some easy homemade remedies to grow nails quickly!
Soak them in olive oil for 10- 30 mins. It works! I'm no professional but I tell you I know so much about beauty tips ever since Ive been reading and applying everything I read on here! This sounds silly put sometimes I will stop some random person with nice nails, hair, makeup, and etc. A lot of people call me a "Beauty Freak" but I wouldn't say so! Lol!
For my weak, peeling nails, I soak them in Extra Virgin Olive Oil for just a couple of minutes once or twice a week and it really works to help strengthen them. No expensive cuticle creams required! And you'll probably find it in your kitchen cupboard!
I have found that cuticle massage cream does a great job at both strengthening nails AND getting them to grow with a consistent application of 2 times per day. Apply not only to your cuticles, but also your nails!
And it doesn't take much....... this .4oz has lasted me several months! At a cost of only $2. Look for sales!
You can dip your fingernails in Glycerin for 10 min everyday before going to bed. You can also dip your nails in extra virgin Olive Oil for 15 min everyday before going to bed. it'll really strengthen your nails. For more natural beauty tips please visit my blog- http://mynaturalbeautytips.blogspot.com/
I buy the suave extreme strength for your hair, its a leave in treatment ( that's around 2.50 a bottle) and I rub it onto my fingernails every day. Its for strengthening weak hair, but hair and nails are made up of the same thing, and I find that it works tremendously. I can even use my fingernails to open soda cans now. It is definitely a product I will always keep on hand.
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Request: Remedies for Thin Fingernails
Archived on 07/17/2007
I have very thin nails and growing them naturally is out of the question because as they grow passed the finger tips they'll bend back and forth, break or tear (Very painful). I had acrylic nails for a few years, but found that to be too expensive because my nails grow so fast, I would have to go in every nine days to have them redone. Does anyone know of a home remedy that will make my nails thicker and stronger, or am I doomed to have these thin nails all my life?
Crystal from Arvada, CO
Answers:
RE: Remedies for Thin Fingernails
When I had my acrylic nails removed, the person who did my nails recommended something called "Nail Tek" (Not Naitique)- it's like a clear polish. You can usually find it in nail salons or those freestanding cosmetics stores you find in strip malls. About Ten Bucks a bottle, but it lasts me many months. The directions say use it daily, but I apply it about twice a week and it seems to help. (08/17/2006)
By Claudia-MD
RE: Remedies for Thin Fingernails
A few years ago my Doctor looked at my throat and said he could tell by my tongue that I was deficient in some vitamin/s. Told me to start taking Centrum Silver and never stop.
A few months later I realized it had affected my nails, they are much stronger, seldom split. Since that was the only change I think it must be the Centrum Silver. (08/17/2006)
By Beverly
RE: Remedies for Thin Fingernails
I found that a very positive side effect from taking glucosimine chondroitin is that I am able to grow long, hard fingernails. (08/17/2006)
By Elizabeth
RE: Remedies for Thin Fingernails
i have the same problem. but my nails also peeled off in layers in addition to bending like paper. the best product i've ever used (and will only use from now on) is a Sally Hanson's brand nail hardener that comes in the gold opaque bottle. it's a nail hardener/thickener treatment. you apply it once a week like clear nail polish. you can polish over it with color. it really works, makes your nails really hard. in the hopes of being able to grow my nails past the ends of my fingertips like my mom and sis, i've wasted a fortune on trying other nail harders/treatments too numerous to count (including some other Sally Hanson products)which did not work. this is by far the best. i'll never switch (unless they stop making it.) it isn't cheap, but it is cheaper than manicures or artificial nails. i usually buy mine at chain drugstores for about $5 per bottle, but watch the ads for sales and coupons. it doesn't stay on our shelves long. incidentally, i too used to wear artificial nails, adn when i removed them i found my real nail beds were seriously damaged for at least the next 6 months (or until the entire nail surface grew out). hope this works for you too. good luck! (08/17/2006)
By debbie in sc
RE: Remedies for Thin Fingernails
I, too, have thin, flimsy nails and I have found that Biotin helps strengthen them. I was taking 1000 mcg/day, but I'm going to start on 3000/day to see if it will work faster. (08/17/2006)
White iodine, purchased or can be ordered at most pharmacies. It is called white, but is actually clear. Put on nail bed daily for a week and then a couple of times a week. It will bond with the protein. I've used it for years. My late husband was a pharmacist. (08/17/2006)
By Nolasandy
RE: Remedies for Thin Fingernails
I have heard, though never tried it, that gelatine helps strengthen fingernails. You drink it, not paint it on the nails! you dissolve gelatine in hot water then drink the solution, sorry I can't be more specific.
(08/17/2006)
By Ellie..
RE: Remedies for Thin Fingernails
Try Prenatal Vitamins. Works on thin hair also.
Same idea as Centrum Silver. Drugstores have sales on them periodically. (08/17/2006)
Get "The Hoof Maker" from a store that sells products for horses. Massage into your nails and cuticles. You can even use it over nail polish. It softens the cuticles and hardens your nails. It's not expensive, (08/18/2006)
By ShellyE
RE: Remedies for Thin Fingernails
My fingernails were very thin and sounded a lot like yours. Apple cider vinegar is my remedy. I drink 2 teas. in the morning before breakfast. It takes some getting used to, but put some water with it and swallow it fast. Maybe the vinegar pills would be easier to swallow.:) Be sure to brush your teeth after you drink it. (08/18/2006)
By Monita Paulson
RE: Remedies for Thin Fingernails
you need to go to the dr. there is a syndrome that i just got told i have and i have the same problem it is (EDS) it is a long name and i can say it just not spell it. i hate it but there is not much that can be done and one of it's many different types can kill you. it causes thin skin lumpy feel to your skin when you rub it, it causes joint pain and "Double jointedness. you can't heal well, thin nails, and a rudderness to your skin it is very streachy. it is worth finding out about. (08/19/2006)
I find that somehow BioZinc by Soloray, supplements
make my nails grow, stop toothaches overnight, and
generally help my immune system. I take 50 mg. overnight if they get weak or thin, or if my tooth begins to ache. Don't know why it works, but it does.
I don't take it daily, however, just for about a few
days to relieve the problems. Also, my cousin told
me to switch dishwashing liquid to Ultra Dawn FOR MY NAILS TO GROW, which WORKS!!! It doesn't help them to grow, just doesn't damage nails as other chemicals and dishsoaps do. I wear gloves when using bleach or bath cleansers. I wash my hands all day long and find that if I dare buy/use anything ELSE, I regret it and have to go back to the Ultra Dawn (blue). God bless. (08/19/2006)
By Lynda
RE: Remedies for Thin Fingernails
My nails are very strong and I hardly ever brake a nail. I do take vitamins reguarly but also I use a product by Vaseline Intensive Care called "Healthy Hand & Nail" It hydrates hands & strengthens nails and has alpha hydroxy w/keratin and vitamin E. I've been using it for years. Just keep it somewhere handy and use a couple times a day. Your hands and nails should start to look better and you also will have great cuticles that you never have to push back....I just rub into my hands well and put extra on ea nail, making sure to rub into the cuticles.
I probably have the opposite problem....nails that grow fast and I seem to have to cut them often. I used to love to let them grow and keep them nice and usually painted but since adopting two children, I am too busy for that and have my hands in water too much so I keep them relatively short.
The vitamins I take are calcium, a good multi, Vit E, Vit C, magnesium and a fiber capsule. I would imagine that the vitamins help my nails but this hand lotion really helps a lot too and I think the skin on my hands looks better and younger too!
Good luck! (08/20/2006)
Exact same problem! I use Burts Bees Lemon Cuticle Creme, but vitamin E works WONDERS!!!! (08/20/2006)
By moneymiss.blogspot.com
RE: Remedies for Thin Fingernails
I also have very thin (paper thin) fingernails. I have to be very careful if i scratch an itch because my fingernails will cut my skin. my skin is also very thin . could i have a vitamin deficiency? (08/24/2006)
By Cathy in Ca.
RE: Remedies for Thin Fingernails
Try eating a jelly cube each day or jelly babies. (09/02/2006)
By Lizzie
RE: Remedies for Thin Fingernails
Try Sally Hansen's Nail Miracle. You can get it at any drugstore. It comes in a gold bottle and it really is a miracle! Good luck. (09/05/2006)
By Bee
RE: Remedies for Thin Fingernails
I had my thyroid taken out 3 years ago. Since then, on different occasions, I've been deficient in Vit. B-12 and on Calcium. My diabetes medication deletes my intake of Vit. B-12. Also, for some reason my body won't absorb the calcium that my body takes in, for this the Dr. put me on Calcitrol. The Calcitrol plus finding Vit. B-12 + Folic Acid cherry flavored lozenges to hold under my tongue after meals has helped tremendously with my nails. (09/15/2006)
Hi. I can certainly relate to most all of these fingernail issues! I've been trying to grow my nails since I was (believe it or not...) 12 years old! I'm now 38 and still on the mission to long, thick, healthy nails.
Wow, I thought I've tried everything but after reading this post, I'm going out to get the vinegar, the vasaline Intensive Care, the Biozine, the Hoofmaker, and the white iodine! I'll try ANYTHING!
I've been experimenting with all kinds of vitamins and herbs for the past 7 months; what works for me, what doesn't.
I will be writing a blog on my experiences in the future (if or when I succeed) to hopefully reach the people who don't want to wear acrylic nails or wraps.
I refuse to be doomed through heredity... somewhere out there is the answer!
At the present time, I'm taking Biotin, prenatal vitamins, calcium vitamin, magnesium, Horsetail, Silica, Borage oil, Omega-3, Gluclosamine and Nutra Nail's Green Tea Oil. It's too early to tell yet if they're working.
These supplements are just a piece of the second trial of my experiment and I also want to mention that I give myself a healthy manicure every 15 days with 2 coats of polish.
I did the Knox Geletin religiously for 4 months... IT DID NOT WORK. I have no health problems, yet my nails are still paper thin, soft, brittle, peel like an onion. When they break, the crack begins about 1/4 of the way down from the top of my finger (my nails don't usually grow past that point) and it's very discouraging.
I know that there are more people out there like me and I really want to help someone if I am able to find a solution on my own; there is not a lot of help on this issue over the Internet that isn't promoting the latest and greatest nail product.
If there is anyone out there who has healthy, thick nails like horse hooves, please feel free to share with us.
Thank you, everyone, for your time!!
Shari in Michigan (12/29/2006)
I have been taking a 5000 mg. Biotin capsule (not tablets) a day that I purchase from Wal-mart (120 capsules for about $10.00). I started taking Biotin for my nails and notice an immediate improvement. Most likely the nail bed since nails take four mos. to grow out. I always had very fine hair that wouldn't stay comb. My hair has improved dramatically, although it is still problem hair. My skin looks a lot better as well. Hope this helps my fine hair sisters (12/29/2006)
I have had Thin nails for a while, I was tested and had a Vitamin B-12 dificiency, I investigated that and discovered my colon cancer. I had that removed and my nails got better for a while, but it is hard to maintain the B-12 I had gotten injections of the B12 which comes from the 2 feet of colon I have left. It can take a long time for the body to recover. My hair was breaking too. CHECK YOU B 12 please everyone. (03/14/2007)