QuestionHi, I had acrylic nails that I wore for over 3 years. After I had them removed, I noticed that one of my natural nails will split from the tip toward the bed for about half of the nail length. It has been about 10 years now. I have trimmed the nail as short as I can, yet as it grows out, the split starts again. Any suggestions on how to heal this? Thanks
Answer
Terri, thank you for visiting AllExperts, my name is Pamela. I have seen the problem you have described many times and it is unfortunate as it is difficult to repair. Keeping your nail trimmed back is a wise choice, but won't usually remedy the problem. I do have a couple of suggestions, however. I'm not sure where you are living, but I would look for a Nail Care Specialist who specializes in a process called paper wraps. I have used this process for 25 years. My wraps are called "Adrian Jean" paper wraps, but they are more commonly known as, "Juliette" paper wraps. This process is free from harsh chemicals and will not damage your nails further. With this process, a thin parchment like paper is placed horizontally across the nail capturing a small amount of the nail on the nail bed and all of the free edge. The paper wraps around the end of your nail and is secured on the back of the nail. This allows for all the nail layers to be captured as your nail grows out. Once all of the nail layers are captured, the nail is stronger and healthier and will eliminate the split. Paper wraps generally must be continued in order to continue to eliminate the split, but not always. Giving you nail a chance to heal and reattach itself to the nail bed, may be all that is needed, as it varies person to person. Look in your yellow pages or on your local Internet to see if you can find a Nail Care Specialist, that uses paper wraps.
I also use a product called Develop 10. I use Develop 10 program for base and top coat, but they have products within the line that helps promote healthy nails. I used and tried many, many other products and found the Develop 10 line to be the best and most economic. Again, use the Internet to locate a retailer that sells the line.
I am not a Doctor so check with your Doctor before using my suggestion of Vitamin B-6 and Vitamin B-12. I recommend my clients increase their Vitamin B-6 to 500mg a day and Sublingual Vitamin B-12 to 1mg to 5mg a day. This has helped many of my clients, but again check with your Doctor first.
I also recommend massaging olive oil on your nail and the area on the skin at the back of your nail, this is called the Matrix. Stimulation of the matrix may also help.
Good Luck, hope this has helped you.
Pamela
