While a ripped nail or hang nail doesn’t really constitute a national emergency, we totally understand how annoying (and sometimes painful!) it can be. Here are some ways to solve common nail problems, plus tips on how to avoid them.
A ripped nail
Nail glue to the rescue! Just apply with a toothpick to the underside of the nail and press down. Then use a nail buffer to press it down and remove the sticky stuff. This should prevent the broken down nail from catching on to anything and ripping further.
Brittle nails
Skip the nail polish for a while and use a nail hardener, which will also give nails a flattering shine. Since exposure to water and harsh cleansers can soften nails and damage them even further, wear gloves while washing dishes or doing the laundry. Also increase your vitamin intake. Biotin can help nails grow stronger, so check the label of your favorite multi vitamin to see if you’re getting the RDA. Also, let your nails “breathe” between manicures and use a base coat that has nail strengtheners.
Peeling nails
This means that your nail surface has been damaged. The best thing to do is to hydrate it while it heals itself. Apply cuticle oil twice a day (like after your morning shower and before you go to sleep) and keep a hand lotion that contains alpha hydroxy acids in your handbag so you can moisturize throughout the day.
Hang nails
Hang nails are dry bits of skin that cling to the sides of the nail. Don’t pick at them, which will only pull off live skin and cause a deep and painful wound. Instead, cut off only the exposed bits with a nipper and moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.
Photo from girlishh.com