Thin fingernails deliver a lot of inconvenience. The causes of this phenomenon can lie both deep inside the body and in external factors. Before you deal with the problem, you need to understand what exactly was the reason for its occurrence.
Internal causes of brittle nails
In 90% of cases, the causes of thin nails on the arms and legs are hidden inside the body. Here are the main ones:
- Genetic predisposition. If the parents or close relatives have thin nails, most likely the child will have the same problem.
- Lack of vitamins and minerals. As a rule, this is due to an unbalanced or malnutrition, as well as taking certain medications.
- Metabolic disorders. This leads to interruptions in the transport of nutrients inside the body.
- Diseases of the internal organs. As a rule, the state of the nail plate is most affected by the endocrine system, gastrointestinal tract, liver, and circulatory system.
- Hormonal disorders. As a rule, nails become thin due to an imbalance of hormones - the genital or thyroid gland.
- Severe stress. Nervous tension leads to the loss of calcium by the body - the main building material for nails.
The internal causes of thin nails on the hands of men and women are the same. This is one of the signals about problems within the body.
Health Details
The condition of the skin, hair and nails is a reflection of the processes occurring in the body. If suddenly the nails on the hands became thin, although this was not previously observed, it was time to take care of your health. Here is what a thin nail plate may indicate:
- Anemia. Due to iron deficiency, tissues, including the nail plate, lack oxygen. This is precisely the common cause of thinning. If, in addition to nail problems, you feel weak or drowsy, go see a doctor.
- Diabetes. When the body does not absorb glucose well (the main source of energy), a deterioration in the functional state of tissues (including nails) is noted. Also, problems with the absorption of glucose can occur due to violations in the pancreas.
- Fungal diseases. This is one of the common causes of destructive changes in nails. The sooner you start treatment, the more likely you are to cope with the problem and restore the nails to a healthy appearance.
- Diseases of the heart and blood vessels. They are usually accompanied by circulatory disorders. As a result, the transport of nutrients is disrupted, nails grow thin and weak.
- Psoriasis. This is an inflammatory disease that affects not only the skin, but also the nail plate.
- Hypo- or hyperthyroidism. This is an insufficient (excessive) production of hormones by the thyroid gland. The result is a slowdown in metabolism and, as a consequence, a deterioration in the functional state of tissues.
Banal overwork is another reason why fingernails become thin. If a person sleeps little, the body's resources are depleted. This leads to disruption of all body systems, which will certainly affect the condition of the skin, hair and nails.
External causes of brittle nails
Not only health can be the cause of thin nails on the hands. Often, relying on good genetics, people begin to neglect the care of the nail plate. Here are some external factors that lead to thinning and brittleness:
- Manicure. Poor tool, inept handling, excessive pressure on the nail plate - all this leads to thinning over time.
- Cosmetics. The application of low-quality varnishes with formaldehyde, as well as the frequent use of nail polish removers with acetone, negatively affects the nails.
- Wrong cream choice. If you use glycerol-based products in a room with dry air (as a rule, this happens in the winter when heaters are working), the substance will draw moisture from the inner layers of the skin and nail. Subsequently, this will lead to thinning.
- Household chores. Gloveless cleaning is one of the most common causes of thinning of the nail. All the fault of alkali and acid contained in household chemicals.
- Climate. Both severe cold and heat are detrimental to the nail plate. Especially if a person neglects to wear gloves and use a nourishing cream.
- Injuries. They can be either random or caused by systematic pressure on the nail plate. An example is playing a musical instrument, the habit of opening something with your nails, and so on.
- Poor environment or hazardous work. Penetration of toxins and heavy metals into the body leads to softening, exfoliation and fragility of nails.
A common cause of thin nails on women’s hands was the procedure for building and coating with gel varnishes. In addition to the fact that the agents themselves act quite aggressively on the nail plate, mechanical treatment during the procedure also contributes to thinning.
Oil baths
Regardless of the reason why thin fingernails have become your problem, oil baths will help you significantly improve their condition. Pay attention to such formulations:
- third of a glass of warmed olive oil + 2 capsules "Aevit" + 3 drops of iodine;
- third of a glass of warmed olive oil + 5 drops of lemon juice;
- a third of a glass of warmed olive oil + the same amount of apple cider vinegar.
The procedure is as follows:
- Combine all the ingredients in a convenient dish with low sides.
- Wash your hands and hold them under a stream of warm water for two minutes so that the nail plate softens and becomes more susceptible to nutrients.
- Dry your hands and dip the nails in the oil mixture for a quarter of an hour.
- Blot the nails with a napkin; do not come in contact with water for the next few hours.
- Repeat the procedure twice a week.
Herbal baths
Very thin fingernails - what to do? Medicinal herbs will always come to the rescue. Here are the most effective remedies in this case:
- nettle;
- burdock root;
- Birch buds.
The algorithm is as follows:
- A tablespoon of dry herb pour a glass of boiling water.
- Wrap a container with a towel and let it brew for an hour.
- Strain the infusion, squeeze the grass well.
- Lightly heat the liquid and lower the pre-steamed nails into it for 10-15 minutes.
Other firming treatments
There are many simple and affordable ways to cure thin nails on the hands. Here are a few options:
- Lemon. Cut it in half and dip the nails directly into the pulp. The procedure lasts 15 minutes. During this time, periodically scroll the fruit and move your fingers so that the lemon lets the juice out. At the end of the session, rub the remaining juice into the nails. By the way, the cuticle softens from citric acid, it can be easily removed.
- Potatoes. Rather, it is not the vegetable itself that is needed, but the water that remains after its cooking. Dip your fingertips in a warm liquid for 5–10 minutes.
- Salt baths. What to do if the fingernails are thin? A glass of warm water will need a teaspoon of salt (sea, iodized or ordinary table). Hold your fingers in the brine for about 10 minutes, and then generously grease them with cream.
- Burr oil. It nourishes and strengthens not only the hair, but also the nails. Thus, rubbing oil into the scalp, you do two procedures at once. You can apply oil to nails separately.
- Broccoli seed oil. Put a drop of this product on each nail and rub. Repeat this procedure every night. In a month you will not recognize your nails.
- Beeswax. Melt the product in a water bath. When it cools slightly, lower your fingertips into it. Wait for the wax caps to solidify, then remove them. The nails will be shiny and moisturized.
- Castor oil. Lubricate the nails (or hands completely) with castor oil. You can add the contents of the Aevit capsule to it. Wear medical or silicone gloves and go to bed. If you do this procedure at least once a week, the nails will become much stronger.
- Iodine is one of the popular folk methods for treating thin nails on the hands. It is necessary to lubricate the plates with a solution with a cotton swab. But note that for some time after the procedure, the nail will have a yellowish tint.
Salon treatments
Very thin fingernails - what to do? It is best to contact a beauty salon with this problem. At the moment, there are many effective procedures aimed at strengthening the nail plate. Here are the most popular ones:
- Japanese manicure. It involves the use of nutritious scrubs and masks with valuable oils, as well as a massage that improves blood microcirculation. This is the key to the growth of healthy and strong nails.
- Paraffin therapy. Budget, but very effective procedure that provides instant deep hydration of the skin and nails, thereby significantly reducing brittleness.
- Biogel Strengthening. A common way to treat thin fingernails. It means applying to the nail varnish based on natural wood resin. This creates a durable and safe coating that protects the nail from external damage. Correction required.
- Acrylate Strengthening. These are special products that fill the pores, voids, and bumps in the nail plate, preventing brittleness and delamination.
- Strengthening with acrylic powder. A thin non-woven material is glued to the nail and soaked in acrylic. Thus, a thin and aesthetic, but very durable plate is obtained.
- Sealing nails. This is a multi-stage procedure, which includes a salt bath, grinding and rubbing a vitamin cocktail and natural wax. The effect lasts for almost three months.
- Diathermy. This is a procedure involving warming up the hands. As a result, local blood circulation improves, which positively affects the condition of the skin and nails.
What vitamins are needed for nails
If you have very thin fingernails, you just need to nourish your body with vitamins. When choosing dietary supplements in a pharmacy, make sure that such substances are present in the composition:
- Retinol is one of the main beauty vitamins, due to which the nail plate becomes smooth and elastic.
- Vitamin B5 - helps to normalize growth and improve the functional state of the nail plate.
- Vitamin C - prevents fungal diseases, and also neutralize toxins that adversely affect tissue quality.
- Vitamin E - deeply nourishes and strengthens the nail plate.
- Nicotinic acid (vitamin PP) - prevents negative changes in the nail plate.
- Iron is one of the main elements that normalizes oxygen metabolism and ensures the transportation of nutrients to different systems of the body.
- Calcium is the main building material for bones, hair and nails.
- Zinc - regulates the process of protein synthesis, which are necessary for the formation of a healthy and strong nail plate.
- Silicon - gives the nail elasticity, due to which brittleness is significantly reduced.
- Selenium - prevents thinning of the nail and prevents other dystrophic changes.
- Sulfur - prevents the formation of unattractive tubercles on the surface of the nail.
- Polyunsaturated fatty acids. Promote the absorption of vitamins A and E, as well as calcium.
What you need to eat for strong nails
Thin and brittle fingernails are often the result of an unbalanced diet. It is not in vain that they say that we are what we eat. Unfortunately, most of us begin to take this expression seriously only when we encounter some problems. For example, with thinning and brittle nails. To get rid of this misfortune, include the following products in your diet:
- Sesame - 100 g of this product contains a daily intake of calcium, characterized by high bioavailability. And it also contains phosphorus, manganese, iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, vitamins A and E, as well as groups B. Sesame can be added to salads and soups or make homemade sweets with it.
- Nettle - rich in selenium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, copper, chlorine, vitamins C, E, K and group B. It is best to use nettles in the form of decoctions or tinctures.
- Raspberries are a valuable source of silicon, which is important for the beauty of the skin, hair and nails. The most useful fresh berry. For the winter, it is better to grind raspberries with sugar without undergoing heat treatment.
- Honey is a source of vitamins A and group B. And it also contains sulfur, calcium and magnesium. Make it a rule to eat at least a teaspoon of this product every day.
- Hard cheese is a valuable source of calcium, as well as vitamins A and E. If you start the day with a couple of cheese sandwiches, your nails will become more elastic and stronger over time.
- Cod liver is a source of polyunsaturated fatty acids. One piece per day will be enough to saturate the body with these substances.
- Blueberries - it is rich in zinc, which makes a person healthy and beautiful. Since it is not so easy to buy fresh blueberries, pay attention to pharmacy syrups based on this berry.
- Pumpkin and sunflower seeds are a source of B vitamins and calcium. It is advisable to eat a handful of peeled seeds at least every other day.
- Bell pepper. It has a lot of ascorbic acid. It neutralizes toxins that are damaging to tissues.
- Sunflower oil. It has a lot of vitamin E, which will prevent dryness and brittleness of the nail plate. Drinking a tablespoon of the product every day, you will fill the body's need for this vitamin.
- Fish is a source of calcium and phosphorus. If you eat this product at least once a week, your nails will thank you.
Preventative measures
Thin fingernails are a common problem. If you do not want to be among those who have encountered it, follow these recommendations for prevention:
- Watch for manicure tools. Scissors should always be well sharpened. As for the files, it is better to give preference to glass or ceramic.
- Do not save on varnishes and paint removers. Make sure that the composition does not contain formaldehydes and acetone.
- Choose the right hand cream. It is important that there is a mark on the package that it is also intended for nails. Such products contain special keratin supplements that strengthen nails.
- Maintain water balance. Moisturize your nails not only from the outside, but also from the inside. Drink more fluids.
- Use firming varnishes. Do not have illusions that they can solve the problem. But the layer of such a product will protect the nail from external negative influences and reduce brittleness.
- Do not “load” the nails. Do not open the covers of cosmetics, do not knock on the keyboard. Also, the thinning and brittleness of the nail is facilitated by the manual spin of the laundry after washing, as they are bent.
- Eat right. Prefer protein foods.
- Nourish the body. Drink vitamin complexes twice a year (in spring and autumn).
- Reduce the amount of salt in your diet. It promotes leaching of calcium from the body.
Conclusion
When wondering why fingernails are thin and how to deal with it, the first thing you should pay attention to is bad habits. Nicotine and alcohol destroy the body from the inside, which sooner or later leads to deterioration of the skin condition, hair loss and, of course, thinning nails. Thus, the first step towards beautiful and strong nails should be the rejection of bad habits. Otherwise, no other measures will bring the desired result.