Nail strengthening

My elderly Mum had been advised to eat almonds to help with the problem of thinning hair. She told me that her hair seemed to have stayed the same but that her nails had definitely improved. Might be worth a try.

Biotin is a useful inexpensive supplement for supporting healthy nails and hair growth. Your diet may not be deficient but it's possible that your body isn't processing the diet intake as efficiently as it used to

I take vitamin E, and a multi for over 50s plus calcium, B complex and Vitamin C. Mainly because of hair loss but since taking all this my nails grow really quickly and I'm always having to cut them, not improved my hair though.

Nailtiques 2. I am a swimmer and my nails used to peel off in layers. Now they are long and strong and are often commented on.

I use OpI check out qvc you can get different sets from them. I used to work as a chef and was constantly washing my hands and I’ve been using OPI for years along with a good hand cream and a crystal nail file but as we age our nails become weaker so you need I also use emu oil I’ve long nails and long hair but I use Philip Kingsley for that lol

Not sure if this may help. Some of my toe nails have thickened and a friend mentioned using Vicks vapour rub on them! I've used it daily for 2 months and they are a lot healthier and strong.

Always had strong good growing nails until recently even though I garden etc.

Following my birthday in May I kept getting texts from the surgery to go for my annual blood test. Not had one since 2017. Everything was fine but I am Iron deficient (not anaemic) So I'm assuming this is causing my nail problem?

Quite a few years ago I developed a contact dermatitis on my face and despite many visits to the GP, I could not figure out what caused it, Finally I was referred to a hospital and within 10 minutes of seeing a dermatologist he told me I had the signs of a nail varnish allergy. I had been trying to grow my nails and was using Sally Hanson's Hard as Nails. I took it off and my eczema like dermatology problem disappeared. Just a warning!

Here's another

www.gransnet.com/forums/health/1278101-Is-anyone-else-having-problems-with-their-finger-nails

Neither of these two are the one that I remember, though.

Here is one previous conversation on the subject

www.gransnet.com/forums/style_and_beauty/a1260065-Nails

I use Boots No.7 nail strengthener. It is the only one I have found to work.

Found Nailtiques excellent for this but difficult to get hold of the product now. My nails after menopause were dreadful just kept flaking away and breaking. Nailtiques remedied this for years but I now find that they split at the edges along the vertical ridges.

With tongue in cheek prednisolone strengthened nails according to the net it does for a lot of folk. Just about the only positive side effect this nasty drug had for me

Folic acid not only strengthened my nails. I had one damaged nail from removing a stubborn false one and it grew back very well. You can buy folic acid over the counter. Never again will I use false nails- they ruin the surface of your nails. My sewing teacher has to wear false ones all the time as her nails are so damaged.

Chia seeds

People mention eating eggs, and gelatine.

Casdon

For years I’ve used Sally Hansen Hard as Nails, I spend hours in the garden and my nails don’t break or split. It looks like clear nail varnish on, so it physically protects your nails from drying out as well as strengthening them.

I use that, too. Probably not quite often enough, but IMO the clear layer does protect nails, as well as looking nice. (I do my own nails but never use coloured varnish any more.)

Reading with interest. Always had good nails but along with my hair, old age has taken its toll! I’ve tried loads of treatments, always wear gloves, but to no avail. Will investigate suggestions here though. Thanks

Try vitamin B7.

I've been taking vitamin D for over 3 years and have only just (literally since last week) developed nails that actually grow. For the first time in my life they have stopped splitting and, if they have grown to any length, have always broken at the slightest tap (e.g. on the dashboard when I go to grab the steering wheel.) I have even had to cut them! For all my life, I have worn gloves and spent a fortune on all sorts of creams, oils, powders, buffers and varnishes to try and protect them, but to no avail.

I now have to wait until September to see if they don't break off, split and just erode down to the quick.

The sun and vitamin D therefore seem to be the only answer, but it takes time. Best start now with the supplements and/or move to the Canary Islands.

I think the key is wear gloves whenever you can, wash hands well but apply hand cream regularly. My nails have improved since having nails done regularly with 'builder' as a near base coat but if you can't have that (I couldn't for years as a nurse and longing for a manicure). Eating well of course is important not sure if the jelly thing works but if you like jelly why not.

Thank you all for your suggestions! I’m off to read a few reviews 👍

I found this which might help, a review carried out in May by Good Housekeeping - many of those we use are included, and some others. The Opi one looks good Blondiscot.
www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews/fashion-and-beauty/g28856360/best-nail-strengtheners/

Blondiescot

OPI Nail Envy did the trick for me. And now I use Solar Oil to keep them that way.

I’ve seen that Opi stuff advertised on Facebook and thought about getting some. It’s the ridges on my nails that cause the problem.

OPI Nail Envy did the trick for me. And now I use Solar Oil to keep them that way.