Why longitudinal stripes appear on fingernails: causes, treatment methods and preventive measures

Causes of vertical stripes on nails

Nails are made up of layers of protein called keratin. The same protein is found in hair and skin. The nail structure includes the nail bed, folds, cuticle and socket. All kinds of changes in the appearance of nails indicate poor nutrition, mineral deficiency, and developing diseases.

Vertical nail stripes are ridges that run in the same direction as the long axis of the finger and are the most common type of stripe. In many cases, their appearance is normal, but in some people, vertical defects indicate a malfunction of the body. The most common cause of the appearance of longitudinal grooves is injury to the nail hole or plate.

Other causes of vertical lines:

1. Deficiency of vitamin A, iron, fatty acids, protein and calcium.
2. Lack of vitamin B6, zinc.

3. A deficiency of hydrochloric acid leads to the appearance of longitudinal stripes and further cracking of the nails.
4. Dehydration of the body. Lack of moisture causes dry cuticles and skin on the hands.
5. Frequent use of diets, fasting. Malnutrition and the resulting malabsorption of food leads to the appearance of stripes and protrusions on the nails.
6. Aging of the body. Over the years, the body loses the active functioning of the sebaceous glands, which leads to dry skin and the appearance of nail defects.
7. Excessive smoking. Tobacco smoke dries out the skin, changes color and structure.
8. Stress. Long-term stressful situations can affect not only the appearance of the skin, but also modify the nail plate.
9. Long-term illness. Chronic diseases affect the condition of the skin, nails and hair.

The stripes that appear on the plate can take on different colors. White indicates an internal malfunction in the body caused by a deficiency of various substances. Dark stripes appear due to hormonal imbalances and problems in the gastrointestinal tract. Red ones indicate the presence of internal diseases and heart problems.

Causes of grooves

Why are the fingernails ribbed lengthwise and where do the longitudinal grooves on the fingernails come from? The reasons for this are as follows:

• Disease (psoriasis, eczema, lichen).
• Fungus is a problem that occurs quite often, because it is not so difficult to become infected. Infection can occur as a result of non-compliance with the rules of disinfection by a manicurist, through contact with a sick person and using his personal belongings. The fungus cannot be ignored, as the symptoms of the fungus are quite unpleasant. In addition to the grooves, yellowing of the nail plate and its thickening are also observed. The patient is bothered by itching, discomfort, and an unpleasant odor. It poses a risk of infection to others. So, when the symptoms of a fungus first appear, it is necessary to immediately begin its treatment. For effective treatment, a visit to the doctor is required.
• Failure of metabolism in the body.
• Problems in the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
• Injuries of various types
• Early stage of diabetes mellitus.
• Infection.
• Pathology of the thyroid gland.
• Diseases of the stomach and gastrointestinal tract.
• Constant stress.

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Treatment of nail fungus with iodine

Types of diseases that cause vertical stripes on nails

Over the years, the nail plate acquires many longitudinal projections located at equal distances from each other. Their appearance is associated with loss of moisture and aging of the nail matrix, which atrophies over the years. The appearance of protrusions is also typical for people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis who have suffered limb injuries.

In rare cases, longitudinal stripes indicate the presence of diseases:

1. Leukonychia. Band-like leukonychia occurs due to systematic injuries in the area of ​​the nail phalanx, incomplete keratinization of the plate, infections, liver diseases, and lack of protein in the blood.
2. Psoriasis. Defects on the nail plate accompany psoriatic skin lesions or occur as a separate disease, nail psoriasis. Longitudinal stripes that appear at the initial stage of the disease gradually cause thickening of the nail, which over time changes color and consistency.

3. Melanoma. The lesion of the nail begins in the form of a longitudinal line that appears on the plate, which can be brown or red. Over time, it expands, which leads to the destruction of the plate.
4. Thyroid disease often causes light-colored longitudinal streaks to appear.
5. Congestive heart failure. The reaction to cardiac disorders often appears in the form of stripes with a reddish tint
6. Kidney failure. With kidney disease, nitrogenous waste accumulates in the body, this leads to an increase in the level of nitrogenous waste, which the body tries to remove through the skin, which manifests itself on the nails.
7. Diabetes. Two longitudinal grooves appear on the plate, and the nail thickens and becomes deformed over time.

8. Anemia. With a lack of iron, a linear defect can protrude not only inside the plate, but also rise above the surface.
9. Mycoses. Fungal diseases begin with changes in the structure of the nail. It loses its shine, becomes brittle, and whitish streaks appear on the surface. Later they crack, the plate becomes soft and loose.

Ribbed surface of nails - what is it?

A person asking a similar question notices unsightly depressions or bumps on his nails. What could this mean?

It is difficult to apply varnish evenly on the bumpy surface of the nail plates, giving yourself a beautiful manicure. But ribbing cannot be viewed only as an aesthetic problem. Our nails are an indicator through which we can determine the state of our health. And these ribbed stripes indicate problems.

First you need to determine what the grooves on the fingernails are and the reasons for their appearance. There are two types of grooves on the surface of the nails:

• Vertical stripes - when the stripes go from the root of the nail to its edge. They can be frequent, or they can look like a break.
• Horizontal grooves - when the tubercles go from horizontally upward from one edge to the other. Under such circumstances, pits and depressions can also be observed.

Ribbed nail surface

What causes ridges on fingernails?

The causes of ridged fingernails are described below:

• Often, such grooved nails appear due to injuries to the fingers or nail plate. For example, an unsuccessful or poor-quality manicure.
• Also, a common cause of distortion of the surface of hand nails is frequent contact with chemical detergents without protective gloves.
• Wrong care.
• Mechanical damage: too hard file, frequent wearing of extended nails, strong physical impact.
• Lack of vitamins (zinc, iron, copper, calcium, iodine). Very often, grooves appear in the spring, when the body lacks vitamins, and we often observe signs of vitamin deficiency. Under this circumstance, the nail not only becomes covered with grooves, but also becomes noticeably thinner. You can also observe the appearance of white spots on the nail plate. Often the nails begin to peel and crack, become very brittle and brittle, turning blue.
• Lack of fluid in the body, dehydration.
• Genetic predisposition.
• Unfavorable environmental conditions.
• Medicines. Sometimes lumpy nails are one of the body's adverse reactions to an antibiotic.
• Bad habits - for example, gnawing.
• Pregnancy.
• Inaccurate cutting of the cuticle.
• Nail injuries. For example, hitting your fingers on furniture or bruising yourself on a door frame can severely damage the nail plate. As a result, ribbed stripes appear on it.
• But sometimes it happens that grooves and pits on the nail plate indicate more serious problems in the body. In this case, you need to pay attention to the location of the furrows.

What causes ridges on fingernails?

Diagnosis of vertical stripes on nails

Nails are derivatives and constituent parts of the skin. Their altered structure is not the only symptom of the onset of the disease. Initially, the doctor examines the nail plates, then prescribes an examination.

To do this you may need:

1. Blood test (cost from 200 to 300 rubles).
2. Urinalysis (cost in paid clinics from 200 to 300 rubles).
3. Donating blood for sugar (cost from 200 to 300 rubles).
4. Skin scraping to identify fungal infections (the cost of microscopic examination of samples is 800 rubles).
5. If desired, samples are taken to assess the concentration of various vitamins in the body (one sample costs from 600 rubles).

The culprits of horizontal ribbing

Transverse stripes covering the nail in a wavy manner are a serious signal that indicates serious changes in the body. You should immediately visit a doctor, because this sign indicates the following:

1. About diabetes mellitus if the stripes are located close to each other, and at the same time the nail plate has become thicker.
2. About a fungal infection if several signs are observed simultaneously: discoloration, horizontal ribbing, redness of the skin ridges, itching.
3. Due to the use of certain medications, the surface of the nails becomes rough.
4. About the incapacity of the thyroid gland if, simultaneously with the stripes, the nails began to flatten.
5. Weakly expressed horizontal “waves” indicate a lack of vitamins and impaired metabolism, which in turn indicates problems in the gastrointestinal tract. This often worries the child - there are few vitamins in his diet, which are not enough for normal development.
6. In some cases, such a sign indicates diseases of the heart, blood vessels, and reproductive system.

When such symptoms appear, you should not wonder why your nails are ribbed. It is necessary to consult a doctor as soon as possible. Only professional examination and treatment can improve the situation.

Prevention of vertical stripes on nails

Nutrition plays an important role in the treatment of any disease. Deficiency of vitamins, minerals, malnutrition, all this affects the condition of the nail plate.

You should review your diet and include healthy foods:

1. Green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits containing vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B8, vitamin C, A and D.
2. Protein. Include foods containing complete protein in your menu: soy, lentils, beans, meat, eggs.
3. Calcium. Eat daily: cottage cheese, cheese, yogurt, milk.

   
   Vertical stripes on nails can be caused by calcium deficiency

4. Products that promote nail growth: tomatoes, nettle tea, molasses.
5. Avoid junk food. Fried, fatty foods that have no nutritional value should be replaced with nutritious and healthy foods.
6. Drink more water. Drinking 8-10 glasses daily will help get rid of nail defects.
7. Take a multivitamin supplement containing zinc and omega-3 fatty acids.
8. Use biotin supplements or eat more foods containing it. Biotin is found in sufficient quantities in egg yolks, carrots, soybeans, peanuts and almonds.
9. Do not bite your nails or break cuticles.
10. When doing housework, use latex gloves.

To prevent the appearance of defects, you should properly care for the nail plate:

1. Reduce the use of varnishes and solvents.
2. After removing the varnish, the plates should be moistened with lotion, softening oil with vitamin E.
3. Polishing the nail plate should be done with a soft brush so as not to injure the hole and the plate itself.
4. Before varnishing, use a base coat containing gelatin and protein to level the surface.

How to be

So, we’ve figured out the root causes, now it’s time to figure out how to get rid of stripes on the nail plate.

What definitely won’t be superfluous is a consultation with a doctor, since we already know that stripes on the fingernails can indicate a disease. After examination and passing the appropriate tests, the doctor will be able to prescribe adequate treatment. It is important to understand that the health and beauty of your manicure can only be restored if the root of the problem is eliminated.

If vertical stripes on your fingernails are caused by a fungus, you will have to undergo a course of treatment with antifungal medications. Any therapy must be carried out only under medical supervision.

By self-medicating any illness, you risk not only not being able to cope with the situation, but also seriously aggravating it. The consequences can be very sad.

If you are overweight and see vertical stripes on your fingernails, the reasons may be metabolic disorders. You should reconsider not only your own diet, but also your diet in general.

To restore your fingers to a healthy and well-groomed appearance, special attention should be paid to carbohydrates. It makes sense to completely eliminate flour and sweets from consumption. The cause of longitudinal stripes may lie in a large amount of sugar in the blood.

Treatment methods for vertical stripes on nails

Vertical stripes on the nails, formed due to external factors or poor nutrition, are easier to treat. A defect that occurs due to the internal state of the body requires treatment of the original cause. Eliminating problems in the kidneys, stomach, and liver will help restore the healthy appearance of the nail plate.

Medications

To strengthen and restore the structure of nails, you can use products containing vitamins and nutrients. Although these drugs are not strictly medicinal, you should start using them after consulting your doctor.

The initial stage of development of a fungal disease can be stopped with the help of antifungal drugs:

1. Mikozan. Removes fungal infections from the nail plate, contains rye enzyme filtrate, strengthens the nail plate, price 800 rubles.

2. Iodinol. The potassium iodide contained in the preparation has an antiseptic effect. Price 12 rub.
3. Terbinafine. Has a wide spectrum of antimycotic action. Price 50 rub.
4. Fluconazole. An effective and inexpensive antifungal agent containing the active ingredient fluconazole. Price from 10 rub.

Traditional methods

Vertical stripes can be reduced with the help of healing procedures performed at home. For this purpose, compresses, nail baths, and massages of the nail holes are made.

The cream used for massage is pre-heated a little and then rubbed into the periungual sockets with light movements.

Baths prepared from a mixture of vegetable oils and herbal infusions are preheated to a comfortable temperature.

Lemon juice to restore surface structure:

1. Freshly squeezed ripe lemon juice is applied in drops to the damaged nail, covered with a cotton swab and left for 10 minutes.
2. Lemon has an active ingredient and is recommended to be used no more than once a week.

A solution of soda with iodine prevents delamination of nail plates:

1. Take 2 tsp. sea ​​salt, add 2-3 drops of iodine to it. Dissolve the salt in ½ glass of water, place your fingertips in the bath, hold for 10-15 minutes.
2. Repeat the procedure 2 times a day until the smooth texture of the nail plate is restored.

Gelatin bath providing complete nutrition:

1. Take 1 tbsp. l. natural gelatin, dilute with a small amount of water.
2. After swelling, heat the solution in a water bath until the gelatin is completely dissolved.
3. Cool to room temperature, dip your fingers in the bath with the solution for 25 minutes. The procedure is carried out at least 3 times a week.

Flaxseed, olive, tea tree oil:

1. These oils are rich in nutrients and minerals. You can massage with olive and flaxseed oils by easily rubbing them into the cuticle. To prepare a nourishing bath, tea tree oil must first be diluted with water.

Orange juice:

1. Dip your fingertips in fresh orange juice for 10-15 minutes. After this, wash your hands and moisturize with cream. The juice is rich in antioxidants, improves the appearance of the plate, and promotes proper keratinization of the epithelium.

Grape seed oil strengthens nails well. It can be bought at a pharmacy and used for massage and applications. And also use creams containing oil in their composition.

When nail plates are damaged and to strengthen them, shea butter is widely used. The natural substance moisturizes, nourishes, and restores the integrity of the nail coating.

To restore the structure of the nail, the drug Bishofite and Solcoseryl are used. Baths are made with the first drug, but it cannot be used for existing open wounds on the hands.

Solcoseryl is applied to each nail plate, then cotton gloves are put on. If you have time, you can carry out the procedure during the day, but it is preferable to do it at night.

Other methods

Vertical stripes on nails can be removed using affordable and convenient methods:

1. Hardware processing. A subtle defect can be eliminated at home using a nail file. Deep stripes are leveled using the hardware method in beauty salons.
2. Paraffin therapy. Cosmetic paraffin enriched with vitamins is applied to the previously cleaned nail surface. This promotes healing and eliminates bacterial flora. To prepare a paraffin bath, melt it in a water bath and add a little essential oil. After this, lubricate your hands with rich cream and dip your fingers into the solution after 20 minutes. remove the solution.
3. Vitamins A.E.S. in the form of oil tinctures can be rubbed into the cuticles.

To eliminate longitudinal stripes, special varnishes such as “Smart Enamel” are used. They contain calcium, keratin, vitamins, collagen and liquid silk.

How to deal with them

First of all, you need to consult a doctor to find out what caused the appearance of longitudinal grooves on the nails. Adjusting your lifestyle is important - you should avoid stress, start eating right, getting enough sleep, etc.

Diet

Eliminate easily digestible carbohydrates from your menu (primarily baked goods and sweets), fast food, soda, alcohol, overly salty and spicy foods.

Be sure to stay hydrated and avoid dehydration. You need to drink about 1.5-2 liters of clean water per day.

What foods are recommended to include in the diet:

• leafy vegetables, beans, lentils (magnesium);
• red fruits - apples, pomegranates, currants (vitamins C, B, E, manganese);
• black radish (retinol, glycosides);
• rabbit meat, poultry (iron);
• dried apricots, nuts, sesame (calcium);
• fish oil (vitamin D);
• herring, mackerel, squid (selenium);
• oysters, wheat bran (zinc);
• oatmeal, brown rice (silica).

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Special care

You definitely need to start taking care of your nails:

• rub a mixture of vitamins A and E into the cuticle and nail plate overnight;
• Apply a cotton pad soaked in apple cider vinegar to your nails . You can secure it on top with a plaster, put on cotton socks or gloves. Leave overnight. In the morning, wash the treated areas with laundry soap. The procedure should be carried out 2 times a week until the problem goes away. Vinegar gets rid of infection and strengthens the nail plate.
• It is useful to make baths with oils - almond, olive, jojoba, sea buckthorn or linseed (it needs to be heated until warm). Soak your feet or hands in the water for 10 minutes. Carry out a course of 10 procedures. This will improve the nail structure.

You can also apply vitamin creams and ointments to your nails, for example, Radevit.

Possible complications

Timely measures taken to correct the nail will help prevent the development of fungal diseases. Treatment of the nail plate should begin before all nails are affected.

If nail deformation occurs due to a malfunction in the body, then it is necessary to normalize fluid, vitamins, minerals, and restore proper and healthy nutrition.

If there are injuries that affect not only the nail plate, but also the soft tissues, the nail will continue to grow back deformed. This can be hidden with a decorative manicure or pedicure.

Beautiful and healthy nails are an indicator of external beauty and health. The appearance of vertical stripes is not yet a reason for concern, but it is a reason to think about proper care for them, reviewing your diet, and introducing a healthy lifestyle.

Author: Belyaeva Anna

Article design: Mila Friedan

Ways to deal with the problem

To get rid of longitudinal stripes, you need to use a whole range of measures. Salon procedures will help restore your nails to their original well-groomed appearance, and medicinal varnishes containing vitamins that strengthen the plate will quickly eliminate the problem. By polishing at home, you can also achieve a good result if the streaks are not pronounced. Reviewing your diet is an important stage of treatment, which allows you to quickly eliminate the problem and restore beauty and health to your nails.

By adhering to special care rules, you can avoid the reappearance of longitudinal grooves.

Salon treatments

In a salon setting, nail polishing is often done to improve the appearance of nails. This procedure allows you to get rid of longitudinal stripes in just a few sessions. It should be remembered that resorting to this method of eliminating the problem is possible only with additional treatment of the diseases that could be the cause. Otherwise, after a while the trouble will again take you by surprise. In salon conditions, different polishing attachments are used. How the procedure goes:

1. The specialist passes each nail with an abrasive nozzle, gently removing the top deformed layer.
2. At the second stage, the plate is polished with a sanding file, which removes dust from the previous procedure and corrects unevenness.
3. At the last stage, the specialist passes each nail with a soft polishing attachment; it adds shine and evenness to the plate.
4. Finally, a therapeutic composition with keratin is applied.

Polishing your nails in a salon can effectively get rid of the problem.

Another effective procedure is paraffin therapy. It helps strengthen nails and also has a positive effect on the condition of the skin. Liquid paraffin is applied to the area of ​​the hands and left for 20 minutes. Then the composition is carefully removed from the nails and skin. Paraffin baths are also used for the procedure. Due to the wax, which is also included in the composition, the nails become smooth and shiny. To achieve the best result, it is advisable to repeat the procedure several times. It is not recommended to apply varnish immediately after removing the paraffin and for another two weeks.

Paraffin therapy helps restore the nail plate

Salon treatments should be complemented by taking vitamin and mineral complexes specially designed to strengthen and restore nails.

Additionally, they often resort to a hot manicure service. A similar procedure involves dipping the nails into a special bath with water and nutritional components (essential oils and medicinal plant extracts). Under the influence of high temperature (it reaches 39–40 degrees), the plate expands and its scales open. Immediately after the bath, a special nourishing medicinal composition with wax is applied to the nails. It seals voids and promotes plate restoration.

Hot manicure improves the appearance of nails

How to polish at home

For polishing at home, it is recommended to stock up on special files designed for this purpose. Usually, several grinding surfaces with different grain sizes are sold in a kit. Features depend on the manufacturer and price. The first file, as a rule, removes the surface layer, the second polishes and corrects, eliminates minor unevenness, and the third adds shine.

Nail polishing files can be purchased at a specialty store.

The procedure can only be performed on dry nails. Do not rub the plate too thoroughly with a coarse abrasive surface, otherwise you may overdo it and remove the excess. Ten light movements on each nail are enough, without pressure. As a result, white dust forms on the surface. This is a normal process, indicating that the topmost layer has been successfully removed.

Polishing your nails at home gives good results if you repeat the procedure regularly.

With a less abrasive surface, you need to go over the nails more carefully, increasing the number of movements by 2 times. The very last file should be worked on each plate for 30-60 seconds. Its surface, unlike others, is the smoothest. It is not capable of damaging the nail.

The procedure must be repeated every 10 days, not more often. Otherwise, you can make the problem worse. Immediately after polishing, apply some nutrient mixture to your nails. These can be oils: castor, peach, apricot, olive, etc.

Apricot kernel oil deeply nourishes the nail plates

Lemon juice has excellent strengthening and restorative properties. It can also be used immediately after sanding by applying it to the nails with a cotton swab.

I use polishing files to improve the condition of my nails. A truly effective procedure. The main thing is regularity. I advise you to purchase high-quality polishing files. I bought 4 in one. The file has 4 sanding surfaces, which are numbered, which is very convenient. If you are not lazy and work properly with the finest abrasive, your nails will be smooth and shiny. The only thing you shouldn’t do is apply varnish right away. It will not last long on a polished smooth surface; adhesion to the plate deteriorates.

Therapeutic varnishes for eliminating longitudinal streaks

The most popular varnishes that produce strengthening and restorative effects are sold under the name “Smart Enamel”. The composition includes components such as calcium, keratin, vitamins E, B, A, as well as liquid silk and collagen. The varnish can be purchased at any pharmacy. Today there is a large palette of colors from which you can choose any shade to suit your taste. The advantage is also the low cost, but the disadvantage is the coating, which will have to be updated quite often.

Varnish "Smart enamel" protects and strengthens nails

A more effective and expensive product are varnishes from. They are easily applied to the nails, do not chip for a long time and strengthen the plate. The composition includes such useful components as keratin, calcium, vitamins E and A. The varnishes of this company do not contain harmful components. To achieve a positive result, you must use such products for at least three months.

Belweder varnish is designed specifically for problem nails

Eveline varnish has good restorative properties. It contains soy proteins, vitamins, paraffin and organ oil, which strengthens the nail plate. The composition promotes restoration, prevents delamination and the appearance of longitudinal and transverse grooves. Apply like a standard polish in 1-2 layers on dry nails. After a month, you can notice the first results.

Eveline medicinal nail polish contains natural ingredients

Trind nail polish helps restore the structure of the plate. Relieves it from fragility and deformation. The composition includes vitamins, proteins and keratin, which stimulate nail growth. The downside of the product is the presence of formaldehyde in the composition. Also has a large color palette.

Trind nail polish eliminates fragility and unevenness

Another effective remedy is varnish from. It contains rose oil, vitamin E, silicon, calcium and ginkgo biloba. Easy to apply, lasts a long time and restores the structure of the nail. Can be used as a base or as a stand-alone product. Does not contain harmful components.

Zinger medicinal varnish is used to restore damaged nails

When purchasing nail polishes for the purpose of restoration and treatment, it is important to familiarize yourself with the composition. It is recommended to give preference to natural ingredients.

To treat my nails I use Belweder with keratin. It has a milky tint, but is almost transparent when applied. The polish stays on my nails for a long time, despite the fact that I'm constantly splashing around in water. The composition strengthens, restores and, what I like most, does not contain harmful formaldehyde. I usually apply 1 layer. One nail has transverse grooves. I haven’t noticed any improvements yet since I’ve been using it for less than a month. However, the condition of the nails is good. They stopped peeling and became more durable.

Diet food

To get rid of the problem, it is important to review your diet. Reduce consumption of sweets, especially chocolate, as well as fatty and fried foods. You need to drink more clean water, up to 1.5–2 liters per day. The menu should include foods and drinks containing vitamins:

• vegetables and fruits;
• fresh juices;
• dairy products;
• chicken;
• kelp;
• seafood;
• eggs;
• cereals;
• nuts.

To improve the condition of your nails, you should get enough calcium, protein and zinc in your diet. It is important to avoid foods that irritate the gastrointestinal tract and increase cholesterol levels, such as fast food, processed foods, marinades, etc.

Meals should be four times a day and balanced. It is necessary to avoid strict diets that lead to vitamin deficiency, which often affects the condition of the nails.

What to include in the menu - photo gallery

Freshly squeezed juices help strengthen the immune system

Dairy products contain a lot of calcium

Kelp is rich in iodine

Eggs are rich in protein

Cereals contain a lot of fiber

Nuts provide the body with healthy fats

Vegetables and fruits contain many vitamins that are good for nails

Seafood is good for nails

Chicken can be stewed, baked and made into soups using its broth.

Useful products for nails - video

Rules for caring for hands and nails

To keep your nails and skin healthy, it is important to follow some rules:

1. Wash dishes only with gloves.
2. Use natural-based moisturizing creams.
3. Process the cuticle carefully, without cutting off excess or damaging the plate.
4. Once a week, polish your nails and rub in nourishing oils.
5. Use strengthening varnishes containing keratin.
6. Do not use chlorine-containing products without gloves.

To keep your nails healthy, it is recommended to avoid extensions and the use of gel polish, which negatively affects the condition of the plate.

You can take care of your hands and nails with simple home remedies. The most effective:

1. Essential oils. Nails become strong and resistant to deformation. The esters of lemon, sandalwood, chamomile and bergamot are especially useful. They must be diluted with base oils: olive, peach, jojoba, etc. The procedure should be repeated 1-2 times a week. The composition should be rubbed into the nails for a minute. For 1 tsp. 2-3 drops of ether are enough for base oil.
2. Baths. Sea salt produces a good effect if you take it in the amount of 1 tbsp. l. and dissolve in 1 liter of warm water. This bath will soften the skin and strengthen the nails. Place your hands in the container with the solution and keep them there for 10 minutes. After this, apply moisturizer. Repeat 1-2 times every 10 days.
3. Massage. This procedure helps improve blood flow and eliminate congestion in the nail plate. It is advisable to massage using nourishing oils. The movements should be gentle, and you should not squeeze your fingers too much. It is recommended to massage at least once a week.

I use castor oil to care for my nails. I apply it with a cotton pad and leave it on for half an hour, then wash it off. The consistency of the oil is oily, so I don’t lubricate the skin of my hands with it. An unpleasant film remains. This product strengthens nails and prevents them from splitting. Particularly effective after removing nail polish.

What can be used for nail care - photo gallery

Bergamot oil strengthens nails

Olive oil can be used as a base

Sea salt improves the condition of skin and nails

Hand and nail massage speeds up blood circulation

Hand and nail care - video