How to Repair Damaged Nails and Prevent Breakage

1. Identify the cause of the damage

The first step in repairing damaged nails is to identify the cause of the damage. This could be due to a variety of factors, including:

Overuse of nail polish remover: Not only can the overuse of nail polish remover strip nails of their natural oils, it can also cause them to become brittle and weak. To prevent this from happening, it is important to limit the amount of times you use nail polish remover and make sure you moisturize your nails after each use.

Biting or picking at the nails: This is one of the most common ways that people damage their nails. It not only causes thinning and weakening, but also puts them at a greater risk for breakage. If you have difficulty breaking this habit, try keeping a fidget toy or stress ball nearby so that you have something else to focus on when feeling tempted.

Using harsh chemicals: Many household cleaning products contain strong chemicals which are harmful for your nails if used regularly or in excess amounts. Whenever possible, opt for more natural alternatives such as vinegar or baking soda solutions instead so as to minimize exposure to these damaging chemicals.

Wearing tight gloves: Wearing too-tight gloves can put pressure on the fingernails which quickly leads to bending and breakage over time due to repeated friction caused by movement within the glove itself. Make sure that any gloves worn fit comfortably so as not to put unnecessary strain on your fingernails!

2. Trim the damaged nails

To ensure a clean cut, use sharp nail clippers or scissors specifically designed for cutting nails.

Start by grasping the tool in whichever way you are most comfortable with and snipping away small sections of the damaged part of your nail until it has been removed completely. Be sure not to clip too much as this can cause further damage or trauma to already weak nails.

3. File the nails

Once the damaged nails have been trimmed, it is important to file them in order to smooth out any rough edges. It’s best to use a nail file specifically designed for this purpose – avoid using metal files as they can cause further damage and tearing of the nail.

When filing, start from one side of the nail and move across in a gentle back-and-forth motion until you reach the other side. Avoid using too much pressure or going over the same area multiple times as this could weaken your nails further.

Once you are finished, you should have soft, even edges with no jagged bits.

4. Moisturize the nails

Moisturizing your nails is an important part of repairing and preventing breakage. Using a cuticle oil or nail oil can help to nourish the nails, keeping them strong and healthy.

Applying these oils around the nail bed will keep it soft and prevent brittleness that leads to breakage. You can also use hand lotion with ingredients like Vitamin E or jojoba oil to help moisturize your hands and nails after washing them.

Be sure to massage the product into the skin around each nail for maximum benefit!

5. Wear gloves when using harsh chemicals

The skin around the nails is much thinner than other areas on the body and can easily be damaged by harsh chemicals.

Wearing gloves when using cleaning products will help shield your hands from these potentially damaging ingredients. Not only will this prevent damage to the nails themselves, but it can also help protect your skin from drying out or becoming irritated due to the chemicals present in many cleaning products.

Additionally, wearing gloves while washing dishes or doing other household chores that involve contact with water can help keep moisture locked into your nails and reduce their chances of breaking or splitting over time.

6. Avoid biting or picking at the nails

Biting and picking at the nails can cause them to become brittle, break easily, and look unsightly. This habit can be difficult to break on your own, so seeking help from a mental health professional may be beneficial.

Therapy or counseling could help you identify the source of any underlying anxiety or stress that is causing you to bite your nails and provide ways for dealing with it in a healthy manner. If therapy isn’t an option for you, there are also other methods such as wearing gloves when you’re feeling anxious or keeping your hands busy with activities like knitting.

7. Use a nail strengthener

These products are usually made up of hardening or strengthening ingredients, such as calcium, keratin and proteins, which help to make the nails more resilient.

Nail strengtheners may also contain moisturizing ingredients like vitamin E and aloe vera that help keep the nails hydrated and healthy.

Additionally, you should avoid using harsh chemicals or tools on your nails that could weaken them further.