<p>A thread was started about straw hair, so I decided to start one about nails. How do you treat your brittle, chipping nails? I just file them down, and have still managed to keep long enough nails, but find them chipping more as I get older.</p>
<p>Oh…I’d like to hear suggestions too. Though I AM an avid gardener and gave up long nails years ago. Lately it’s the nail clippers and an emery board for me…and the occasional cuticle treatment. But I DO have days where I look at my hands and would love to have pretty nails again…</p>
<p>There’s a formula you can get a health food stores called “Hair Skin and Nails”. It’s got a bunch of vitamins and herbs that supposedly target those issues. Not sure who makes it.</p>
<p>It maybe a sign that you are lacking some kind of vitamin.</p>
<p>Once again - vitamins really helped me as well as something called TIPS that I ordered from QVC. It is a serum that you brush on your nails. I am not a high maintenance kind of person. I just slap it on quickly ( when I remember) and when I do, it really helps.</p>
<p>Thanks, keep the advice coming. I asked a dermatologist, and he told me that this is what happens as normal aging of the nail. He did not have any solutions to offer (other than trying to soak nails in mineral oil dropped into water).</p>
<p>I’ve found Sally Hansen’s “Advanced Hard as Nails Strengthening Nail Creme” really helpful in keeping my nails from getting too brittle and breaking. You can find it at most drug stores - not too expensive. It comes in a tiny, round jar and lasts quite a while, as you only need a dab on each nail. It keeps the cuticles looking good, also.</p>
<p>Shea butter is one of the ingredients.</p>
<p>Once I started taking 1500mg of calcium a day to prevent Osteoporosis, my hair and nails started growing like crazy and became strong and healthy. I also take a good ol’ mulitvitamin.</p>
<p>I used Amera cuticle mousse for years and years. I moved to a place where I couldn’t get a decent silk wrap, so I went natural. I don’t know if it is the massage to the nail each day or the product, but it worked. I ran out and got lazy-my nails show it.<br>
Think I’ll google and see if I can find a new rep to buy from.
I hope the extra calcium kicks in–I’ve been good about it for only a few months.</p>
<p>Barielle nail cream. It’s expensive, but it works wonders on both nails and cuticles.</p>
<p>My manicurist of 15 plus years uses Nailtiques on my nails. It is a clear product that she uses as a top-coat after polishing, but I have seen her use just the Nailtiques alone on people who have weak nails. She recommends using the product 2 or 3 times a week if you have damaged or weak nails. Most salons probably sell the product, or you can find it online. Hope this helps!</p>
<p>Thank you all for your advice and tips.</p>