very brittle nails

Beauxbaton · July 2014

Recently my nails (and hair for that matter) have been very brittle. My nails keep breaking really short. And they sort of flaking off. I'll attach s picture to explain that one.

I haven't had anything done to my nails to make them that way. And I take my pnv everyday and try to eat a relatively balanced diet. So Im not sure what else I can do to make them stronger. they keep breaking to the point that they hurt.

Anyone dealing with this, or have any tips on strengthening nails?

TXUltraRunner · July 2014

Mine have been this way through my entire pregnancy. I just keep them short.

MichaelSC28 · July 2014

I am a nail fanatic..I get my nails done every three weeks..gel schlack (however thats is spelled). My nails are naturally long and grow well. I have noticed recently that my nails have done a 180 and started to do the same. So I have been using vitamin E capsules (gel filled, pierce them) on my nails as well as wearing gloves whenever I come in contact with cleaning products or doing the dishes. My nails seem to be getting stronger..not as strong as they used to be, but I think that has to go with my LO.

I hope this helps a lil for yah. I know everyone's body is going to react differently with following different tips.

Good Luck!

Beauxbaton · July 2014

@MichaelSC28‌ idk what the price difference is but you can also buy just plain vitamin E at Walmart now. I have some in my cabinet. I'll try it cause I'm pretty desperate right now. I can't stop them from breaking past where it hurts.

readyforround2 · July 2014

What I'm going to suggest sounds weird but it has worked wonders for the woman in my family.

Get a bottle of clear coat/base coat and put fresh minced garlic in it. Let that sit and mix for a day then apply. It will stink to high hell when you're putting it on, but the garlic smell goes away after it dries. Reapply whenever you can. If you can't stomach the smell you can put a clear coat over it that doesn't have any garlic in it.

nah82 · July 2014

You were one of us that has hypothyroidism, right? This is a symptom. Had your labs done lately?

Beauxbaton · July 2014

@namcgee‌ yea I've got hypothyroidism. I'm gonna get them checked again in two weeks.

MichaelSC28 · July 2014

kmfreema said:

What I'm going to suggest sounds weird but it has worked wonders for the woman in my family.

Get a bottle of clear coat/base coat and put fresh minced garlic in it. Let that sit and mix for a day then apply. It will stink to high hell when you're putting it on, but the garlic smell goes away after it dries. Reapply whenever you can. If you can't stomach the smell you can put a clear coat over it that doesn't have any garlic in it.

Interesting I may be crazy enough to try it...

nah82 · July 2014

CuppyCakes721 said:

@namcgee‌ yea I've got hypothyroidism. I'm gonna get them checked again in two weeks.

I would mention it to your doctor, might need your dosage upped.

Beauxbaton · July 2014

@namcgee‌ I definitely will mention it, my hair has also gone to shit. Which I know can be pregnancy but it could also be thyroid related. I'm gonna request all 3 levels be checked and for them to call me regardless of the results

What were some of the sources you use for thyroid information?

readyforround2 · July 2014

MichaelSC28 said:

kmfreema said:

What I'm going to suggest sounds weird but it has worked wonders for the woman in my family.

Get a bottle of clear coat/base coat and put fresh minced garlic in it. Let that sit and mix for a day then apply. It will stink to high hell when you're putting it on, but the garlic smell goes away after it dries. Reapply whenever you can. If you can't stomach the smell you can put a clear coat over it that doesn't have any garlic in it.

Interesting I may be crazy enough to try it...

It sounds strange but many nail strengthening polishes use garlic as a main ingredient. My mom is very into natural things and didn't like the added ingredients in the strengtheners so she decided to make one. She started using the garlic polish when she started menopause and has stronger nails than most woman her age (she's 55 and looks like she's in her 30s. I'm hoping I get that side of the gene pool lol).

nah82 · July 2014

CuppyCakes721 said:

@namcgee‌ I definitely will mention it, my hair has also gone to shit. Which I know can be pregnancy but it could also be thyroid related. I'm gonna request all 3 levels be checked and for them to call me regardless of the results What were some of the sources you use for thyroid information?

I can't post publicly because of TOS, but I will pm you. And yes, make sure they test free T4 and free T3 in addition to TSH. TSH can be normal while FT4 is below normal and you would never know if it isn't tested. My MFM office just stressed the importance of FT4 again especially up to week 20 at my appt. last week because my OB's office didn't test mine last month (even though I requested it).

Lanatir · July 2014

Mine got brittle last pregnancy and are slightly more brittle than non-pregnant me right now.

I always get annoyed when I hear people go on and on and on about their awesome pregnancy hair and nails. Nope I don't get that symptom...

FWIW, I guess it could be a calcium deficiency, but if it doesn't fix it for you, you won't be alone. I take calcium chews and it hasn't helped any.

Beauxbaton · July 2014

@Lanatir‌ I had great nails, hair, and skin last time. This time none of that is true. I mean my skin isn't horrible, but it's worse than my norm. And I honestly have never had my nail flake off. Its really weird. I'll try more calcium. I don't like milk so I am probably somewhat deficient in it anyway. And I'll be getting my thyroid levels checked. I just wish they wouldn't break so far down that they hurt.

Lanatir · July 2014

Ugh, sorry lady. My nails don't really "break" they peel off in layers in the white part at the end that's not connected to the skin anymore. I guess that's flaking off? idk.

Obviously OWT would say you must be having a girl since she's totally stealing your beauty... hahahahahaha. (Maybe I'm right. 50% chance, right? hahahahaha)

Beauxbaton · July 2014

@ExcitedMama2‌ right? That's the worst part about the pills. recently I've been taking them when I wake up with my son so when I wake up for the day I can eat.

nah82 · July 2014

ExcitedMama2 said:

Now I sleep through the night (yay), but wake up hungry and nauseated, and then can't eat for what feels like forever.

+1

mandikins27 · July 2014

Mine have been doing the same and there are ridges going length wise anyone getting that? Or is that just a mandy special?

Want a personalized experience?

very brittle nails

Re: very brittle nails

Choose Another Board

Search Boards