Remedies for Weak and Thin Fingernails

Remedies for Thin Fingernails

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

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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)

By tedsmom

RE: Remedies for Thin Fingernails

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)

By Momma2

RE: Remedies for Thin Fingernails

Thank you all for your suggestions! (08/17/2006)

By Crystal Ball

RE: Remedies for Thin Fingernails

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)

By tlcdsfit

RE: Remedies for Thin Fingernails

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)

By Debbie52

RE: Remedies for Thin Fingernails

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)

By badwater

RE: Remedies for Thin Fingernails

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)

By ebizdisplays.com

RE: Remedies for Thin Fingernails

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)

By Jorita

RE: Remedies for Thin Fingernails

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)

By Karen

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Remedies for Weak and Thin Fingernails

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.

Bonnie from Tuckerton, NJ

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RE: Remedies for Weak and Thin Fingernails

I buy the suave extreme strength for your hair. It's a leave in treatment (that's around 2.50 a bottle), and I rub it onto my fingernails every day. It's 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. (07/17/2007)

By Verybella

RE: Remedies for Weak and Thin Fingernails

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. (07/18/2007)

By lifeisbeautiful

RE: Remedies for Weak and Thin Fingernails

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 4 oz. container has lasted me several months, at a cost of only $2. Look for the sales. (07/28/2007)

By Kiki

RE: Remedies for Weak and Thin Fingernails

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! (09/01/2007)

By Anonymous101

RE: Remedies for Weak and Thin Fingernails

Try taking coral calcium (has to be coral). Takes about 3 mos., but taking 1-2 a day will give you long, strong fingers. (03/14/2008)

By Boo

RE: Remedies for Weak and Thin Fingernails

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 an 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 from the pain!

Please, if you truly have thin nails that can flex easily, never use Nail Tek! (07/28/2008)

By Lindsay

RE: Remedies for Weak and Thin Fingernails

I have weak damaged nails from long time acrylic and a 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 and cuticles every night before bed to reduce cracking and breaking. For flexible nails use Vaseline or Crisco before bed rubbing into nails and cuticles.

Also, it says 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 that's right. Hair and nails are made from the same stuff. This article in the book also recommends to use latex gloves while washing dishes and working with chemicals, because water and 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 too. Lots of luck to all of you. (09/29/2008)

By Michelle

RE: Remedies for Weak and Thin Fingernails

I 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. (12/28/2008)

By alex.

RE: Remedies for Thin Fingernails

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 simple 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! (02/04/2009)

By Former Nail Bitter

RE: Remedies for Weak and Thin Fingernails

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? We don't know. Also, rubbing oil (olive, Vaseline, etc.) into the nails (at bedtime is best) will moisturize your nails, resulting in making them look terrific and also making them more flexible. (02/16/2009)

By Robert

RE: Remedies for Weak and Thin Fingernails

I had the same problem. I apply finger nail polish to them. The "Hard as Nails" kind by Sally Hansen, clear or colored. It helps protect the nails so they want break. It's worth the money. (06/08/2009)

By kffrmw88

RE: Remedies for Weak and Thin Fingernails

Regarding the post that says "Please never use Nail Tek!":

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, as it's well worth it. You should use the oil they sell and the ridge filler next, followed by whatever clear coat meets your nail's 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. (11/20/2009)

By wine44

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Remedies for Weak and Thin Fingernails

I have a really bad habit of biting my nails. They are really thin and don't grow at all. Does anyone know some home remedies to get my nails to grow and be the healthy, beautiful nails that I have never had?

By Ashley from Philadelphia, PA

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RE: Remedies for Weak and Thin Fingernails

Been there, done that. I picked up the nasty, dirty habit from my mother. She bit her fingernails all her life. Being the little girl that I was, I mimicked her.

I'm now in my 60's and I've made it a point to stop biting my nails. I keep my hands busy crocheting or either knitting something so I'm not tempted to bite them.

Here's a website that I think will help you.

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/brittle-fingernails-causes.html (12/08/2009)

By MCW

RE: Remedies for Weak and Thin Fingernails

Keep "Hard as nails "polish on them and take your 1 a day vitamin at least 2 times a week, or more if you can. They make my head hurt if I take more. Good luck. (12/08/2009)

By kffrmw88

RE: Remedies for Weak and Thin Fingernails

I found that adding fiber to my diet really helped my brittle, peeling fingernails. They look good now. I take a glass of Metamucil every day too. (12/10/2009)

By catastrofy

RE: Remedies for Weak and Thin Fingernails

I am 57 and it wasn't until recently that my nails became much more hard and not brittle. It's from not having enough stomach acid to dissolve the minerals in your food, so it can get into your system. There are probably other things going on, cause it effects every part of the body, from your skin, all the way to your marrow. Do some research on the net. (12/10/2009)

By c t

RE: Remedies for Weak and Thin Fingernails

My nails split, peeled and were thin, then my doctor suggested I take a One-a-day vitamin in the morning and 1 in the evening. The vitamins were for another purpose, but they did wonders for my nails. (12/10/2009)

By antique person

RE: Remedies for Weak and Thin Fingernails

I had an overactive thyroid. When I had that taken care of, the nails then got very strong. Have your thyroid checked. Also, calcium helps. (12/11/2009)

By Mary C.

RE: Remedies for Weak and Thin Fingernails

My hair stylist was giving me advice on growing out my hair. He said to take a biotin supplement (I found it at the drug store). He told me I would notice a difference in my nails first. I have been taking it for about a month and my nails do seem to be growing a little faster than normal. (12/12/2009)

By jj007

RE: Remedies for Weak and Thin Fingernails

Garlic! My dad finally got me to use it so I would stop biting my nails and it works! Been using it for years. Get one clove and press your nails in it. If your nails are not long enough, make a little slit on it so that the juice gets on your nails. Get the garlic juice all over your nails. Leave on for at least 10 minutes, but I would leave it on for longer so that you don't bite them. I do this about once a week now that my nails are strong, but for starters I would do it every day for at least 2 weeks. I also use clear garlic nail polish, about $2 in the beauty supply store. Hope this helps. (12/27/2009)

By yessy1019

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Remedies for Weak and Thin Fingernails

My nails are so soft that they bend. I've never been able to grow them long because they just wear away. They don't even have enough strength to break or chip.

I've tried gelatin, dozens of nail hardeners, gloves, supplements for cartilage, nails, hair, teeth, etc., but to no avail. In desperation once, I applied Tarzan Grip (glue) to the tips to give them strength. I also tried acrylic overlays, and apart from having no thickness to the nail when roughing it up, I developed a really bad fungal infection and I lost a nail.

It took me almost 12 months to recover and the resulting damage to the nail bed hasn't helped matters. I guess I just drew the short straw. Any suggestions?

By Rebecca from Gold Coast, Australia

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RE: Remedies for Weak and Thin Fingernails

I had the same problem. A friend told me about Hard as Nails polish. It works if you keep it on your nails, good luck. (01/21/2010)

By kffrmw88

RE: Remedies for Weak and Thin Fingernails

I don't have much advice as I have problem nails, too. What is your occupation? Maybe that affects your nails. Last resort would be to see your doctor for a check-up. I believe an underactive thyroid contributes to weak nails. (01/21/2010)

By OliveOyl

RE: Remedies for Weak and Thin Fingernails

I'm sorry to tell you that the only thing you can do to make your fingernails stronger is to eat a healthy diet and to take a good multivitamin supplement. A quality calcium supplement like calcium citrate (which is easily absorbed in the body) can also help. Gelatin protein doesn't work, that was just an old wives tale from the 1970s!

The worst thing for nails is to cover them with acrylic nails or nail polish. Nails need to breath and covering them will only make them more brittle, turn yellow, and crack more. Leave your nails bare for a couple of months and see if that helps.

Be thankful if your nails are a bit thin, because if they are too hard, then won't bend and can chip and snap off more easily when you accidentally hit something with them.

If your nails are really, really thin and unhealthy, that usually signifies something is going on with your body and you should be checked out by a doctor. (01/21/2010)

By Cyinda

RE: Remedies for Weak and Thin Fingernails

Here's a link that explains soft and brittle nail causes and offers suggestions how to correct. http://www.nailpro.com/archives/nailclinic/npo0109clinic.pdf (01/21/2010)

By Lorelei

RE: Remedies for Weak and Thin Fingernails

One thing that works for me (if I stick with it) is to use a light emery board on your nails, on the top of the nail as well as the ends. This will also get rid of ridges. It seems to stimulate the nail somehow and encourage it to grow. There is a type of "rubberized" nail board to use afterwards which will make your nails shine. (01/23/2010)

By grandypost

RE: Remedies for Weak and Thin Fingernails

I use Nutra Nail5 to 7 Day Growth Calcium Formula. I get it on drugstore.com (a fantastic site); not sure where else you can find it. I see instant results, as in, less than a week. I bought it because I eat healthily and take vitamins and still have always had thin nails. I also use Burt's Bees cuticle conditioner, so that the new found hardness does not become brittle. I think any conditioning agent would work for that though. The combination has resulted in gorgeous new nails in a total of 3 weeks. Not bad. (01/28/2010)

By NWgirl

RE: Remedies for Weak and Thin Fingernails

You can easily get your fingernails health back, massage your nails daily with sunflower oil, also soak in sunflower oil daily for about 15 min. (02/14/2010)

By ameljor

RE: Remedies for Weak and Thin Fingernails

Calcium! After nearly three years of peeling nails. I had almost no nail left after clipping away the peeling ends, nothing even to the ends of my fingers. I realized I was not getting enough calcium of high quality. I don't do dairy. I did some web research and began taking a high dose of better quality calcium, stopped putting anything on my nails (I faithfully tried every brand of strengthener), and now I have strong nails. A good buffing brings a lovely shine. No extras needed, except keeping nails moisturized 3-4 times daily. (08/05/2010)

By digby

Re: Remedies for Weak and Thin Fingernails

Honestly, I have the exact same problem. I am 22 and have not ever been able to grow my nails. Oh I have tried everything! Prenatals, castor oil, citizen oil, and nail strengthener. Everything! I have learned a little trick though. Try using a few drops of super glue underneath your nail. I tried on the top, but it's still just as flimsy. It feels funny at first, but it dries clear and keeps my paper thin nails from bending and breaking. (03/17/2011)