Soft splitting nails

[Kefalonia]

Help! I've tried all the Sally Hanson type clear stuff you paint on but none seem to do anything except give me shiny nails. These last few years almost all my nails are developing vertical splits which re-appear every time I file them (carefully, in case you wondered), and a couple of nails are very soft too. Does anyone have any remedies that actually work? Please don't ask me to eat jelly cubes, ugh!

[boxtops]

Calcium supplements are worth investigating. I too have soft nails and I do use Sally Hanson cuticle cream too, it helps the emerging nail. However, I still go through periods when the nails are strong and a few days later, they break. Not sure what the long-term solution might be

[stonekicker]

right...take a good hair/nail supplement and use a good strengthener. my recommendation is rimmel stuff (can't remember the name. always have a layer of clear polish on the top ( the layers of lacquer help to reinforce the nail and prevent breakages...and finally, you must file your nails into shape and not cut them. sounds strange, but it does work. keep the relatively short until they strengthen and you will know when you will be able to grow them into a beautiful set of talons. mr kicker appreciates mine..until i am a little upset with him! good luck...and persevere x

[karenmac60]

My nails were in a terrible state (wearing false nails too often) and my mum gave me a Nevo dead Sea Spa manicure set. Its got a diamond nail file, buffer, cuticle oil and hand and nail cream. The difference in my nails is amazing - they are really strong and healthy looking and shine as though I'm wearing clear polish.

[midagetrolop]

My nails are very fragile and I use Nutra Nail- bullet proofing for nails, it's v good.

[Kefalonia]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I've been into our large Boots but no sign of the Nutra Nail stuff, only Sally Hanson products. I've bought the Rimmel one and will see how it goes. Irritatingly, it's only certain nails ... my thumbs are well 'ard!

[smurfchops]

My nails are always breaking very low down at the sides, so I bought some Perfectil Hair Skin and Nail treatment at Boots. It is vitamin tablets, around £21 for three months supply and touch wood my nails do feel stronger and aren't breaking as much. I have been taking them for just over a month, its worth a try.

[rowanwitch]

I gave up and had a thin coat of acrylic put on a few years back but it got too expensive to maintain,,, but more recently Sally Hansen Hard as wraps has worked.... you say you have tried them all.... one thing that does work is formaldehyde which is dangerous but used to appear in hardeners... you might find a formaldehyde hardener available from a foreign website... you just put it on the tips and then no more than twice a week...