QuestionHi. I have a problem with many of my nails splitting and having rough uneven ridges. It started during the winter when my hands were so dry. This same problem happened last winter too but by the time the warm weather came it had cleared itself up but this year its worse and its not improving. Many nails are very short due to the splitting happening at the edge. When my nails are soaked in the bath tub the edges become soft and the splitting increases. They look so bad! I dont know what to do! help!
AnswerHi Kathy
This unfortuately is a common problem and (I hate to say it!!) one associated with getting older! You would have noticed the difference in winter due to the lower levels of UV exposure. Ridges can be buffed down to not be as obvious, but be aware this is not a permanent solution, they will need to be buffed regularly. Using a ridge filler polish (these are usually clear) will also assist.
As for the peeling this would indicate that you have lost strength within the nail structure. A hardener applied to the nail will help along with an increase in calcium intake to assist the nails. The ridge filler polish I previously mentioned may also help with the peeling. Try to keep the nails as dry as possible, as water only inflames the situation (as you have discovered in the bath. Getting them wet is fine, soaking them breaks down the keratin in them (this is why they are so affected in your bath)
Look at your local beauty supplier, most stock a wide range of nail hardeners that are very helpful. I like Herome's, myself.
Another solution that can help, but requires a bigger cost and more maintaince is looking at getting an overlay done. This should be a soft gel formation (Young Nails techs use their Mani-Q gel for this purpose.) You don't want a hard gel as this will eliminate the air still getting to the nail, further increasing the brittleness and peeling.
Good luck with this and apologies for the delay in response, there was tech issues and I simply did not see your question.
Caitlin
