Hi

Thought I'd try my luck on the forums as I've not had much luck elsewhere with this problem!

For over a year now one of my fingernails has been growing with a split down the length of the nail. It's not until the nail grows past the nail bed that the split becomes truly noticeable - and starts to catch on clothing etc.

I've tried keeping the nail very short to see if it will grow out, that hasn't worked. I've tried filing (in one direction only) so that it doesn't catch but that doesn't work either. :tears:

I was told by a nail technichian that it takes 6 months for the nail to regenerate - but seeing as I've had this problem for over a year now I'm not sure that's working for me.

I had heard about a new product that you can have put over your own nails (not acrylics or gels) that still ets your nail grow underneath, but not sure what it's called or if it would work (or even damage my nails - as apart from this one nail they are pretty nice and healthy).

Phew - talk about a novel! So if anyone has any ideas I'd really appreciate your thoughts/suggestions... willing to try anything! :rabbit:

Thanks,

Nat

Have you tried any nail hardeners or nail treatments, Nattieb?

Firstly I would start with taking a complete calcium supplement like the one by Nutralife... and also supplement with Silica - Blackmores make one in tablet form - every cell in our body, especially, skin, hair, arteries, heart need silica to remain flexible... there is a liquid version available but it is very expensive ($40) for a months supply.... also increase the amount of fruit and vegies you eat - especially things like cucumber, celery, spinach and greens as they contain natural silica and all those important vitamins and nutrients that contribute to nail health....

Skin, hair and nail health are good indicators or internal health - dont get the internal stuff right and the external stuff wont help that much...

A zinc supplement is also something that everyone should take... Nails will definitely deteriorate if you are low on zinc....

From an external point - OPI's Nail Envy is the best I've found - but Qtica make products that dont contain any of the nasties - personally I couldnt get Qtica to work for me - but Nail Envy works a treat....

I grow my nails super long with Nail Envy, but I find the minute I stop taking calcium and silica my nails start breaking again....

Use The Force.... oi:saber: :D

kate - no i haven't tried a nail hardener - because my nails are actually quite strong except for this one nail, but will give it a go.

kitty - my diet is pretty good (obviously most of us have room for improvement) and i do take a few supplements so no harm in adding another! will also investigate OPI nail envy...

thanks for the tips and i'll give them a go, can't hurt to try! :spin:

Funny you mention about being healthy on the inside and the nails will grow. I recently started back drinking my daily fresh fruit juices (do them at home.. beetoot, spinach, apples, orange etc) and about 3 weeks later my nails are going crazy! :question:

Funny that.... :rolleyes:

I've found the best product to use is Healthy Hoof. I know it sounds bizzare and a lot of my friends think I'm using horse products, but I bought it from my nail tech. I think it was originally used by horse trainers, until they decided to market it towards people. I put it on every night before bed and it's good at repairing my nails. I also agree with Kitty in that Skin, Hair and Nails by Blackmores (I think??!!) also assists nail repair.

The Blackmores one is clinically proven to work, unlike many other supplements. You take it for twelve weeks (2 bottles) and should only have to use it a couple of times a year. Worth a go!

Oh! Forgot to say that I have a nail like this and there is definitely a distinct split at the end of the nail. Dont want to scare you but they are usually a sign of your heath so maybe mention it to your doctor on your next visit. Mine is related to Rheumatoid Arthritis but I have heard can be related to kidney or bronchial issues too - or maybe not, but mention it to put your mind at rest. Those supplements contain all good things. I buff mine a couple of times a week so it doesnt catch on things. Just look after yourself :hearts: