My Nails Won't Stop Peeling

Question: Peeling Nails - Nothing I Do Works on My Peeling Nails

I have read your article on nail peeling and how to resolve the issue. I can promise you that I have tried all that you have suggested and truly take care of my nails. This has not stopped the peeling process.

My toe nails have never had this problem and my hair and bones are healthy so I am baffled my my nails. I have tried many topical treatments that have promised miracles and have even tried drinking Knox gelatin daily as one person recommended. So far my nails are still peeling.

I have to constantly keep a top coat or strengthener on them so that they don't catch on things or get too thin. Advice? Rachel - ID

Answer:

Hi Rebecca, thanks for the question. I'm sorry you are having such issues with your nails. Seeing it's not affecting your toe nails, I'd likely assume it's not a dietary issue, although if you think it might be, a trip for some blood work would be a good place to start.

What I'm wondering is how often your hands are in water? How often are you using chemicals or cleaning products? What exactly is getting used on your hands, and how often. Sometimes we don't think about the products we use affecting our nails. If you're frequently submerging your hands in water for whatever reason (washing dishes, work related responsibilities etc...) then I would suggest wearing gloves starting today! It's not ideal, but it really is the best way to keep your hands and nails healthy.

Also, cleaning supplies contain chemicals and can immediately dry out your nails and hands, so be aware of that, and protect your nails when you use these products.

I would suggest you buff your nails on a regular basis so that they won't peel as easy. I love the 4-in-1 nail buffers, and I actually just found a 7-in-1 at the Dollar Store that works just fine for $1!

Lastly, I know you said you're using a topical treatment and hardener. Are you using one specifically for peeling nails? If not, definitely look into changing your polish. The ones for sensitive and peeling nails contain more soothing, less harsh ingredients that may just help solve your problem. And be sure to take off the polish once a week for a day to give your nails a chance to breath.

Here are a couple of options that you might want to try -

• Nail Aid: Soft Peeling Nails - (buy direct)
• Nail Envy: Sensitive and Peeling Nail Strengthener - (buy direct)

And I always recommend using a little bit of oil on the nail beds. You can use nail/cuticle oil or simply olive oil or whatever oil you have in your kitchen. Just a dab on each nail, rubbed in, will give your nails nourishment and hydration. If they're brittle and dry, this will do wonders!

Lastly, I'm sorry you're going through this. It's hard when your nails don't look nice and strong. (I have a nail that always breaks way down in the nail bed - no matter what! I always think the break will be the last break, but it breaks again.) In your search for healthy looking nails, please don't turn to acrylics or gel nails to fake the healthy look because this will turn your already damaged nails into even more of a disaster.

Also, don't be afraid to contact your doctor as well. A quick blood test might give you all the answers you need. Sometimes these issues are simply a problem with a mineral deficiency, and knowing that would make the problem easy to fix.

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DIY Shellac Nails

Shellac nail polish is the hottest thing in the nail industry right now. If you're not sure what makes Shellac nail polish so different from the rest, take a second and read our Shellac FAQ's that was written by nail professional, Hillary Fry. It gives you all the info on Shellac and some great pictures of a few of the colors.

We have a page set up for readers to send in reviews of their Shellac manicures, and we got a great one from Erica, a DIY Shellac-er. Here is part of her comments on doing Shellac at home.

In most of the reviews I've read about not being able to apply Shellac yourself. Honestly it is just polishing your nails. The CND site gives direction and updates on the best practices to the product. It's easy and so incredibly inexpensive to purchase it yourself vs. paying per visit. I am not in the beauty industry...am not typically into the do it yourself but the first time I had it done at my salon as a test case I loved it and I have had excellent luck at home.

I did a little searching and found most of the polish options online, ready for anyone to purchase. And the UV lamp you need to cure the nails, too! (Though, in reading reviews, it appears people have luck with some of the cheaper UV lamps that aren't specifically from Creative Nail Design, the creator of Shellac. Just do your research.)

If you're curious what would cost to get all of the Shellac supplies at home, here's a breakdown.

• Color: The cost of the polish is about $20-$25 per bottle.
• Top and Base Coat: You'll need a base coat and top coat, each the same price as a color.
• UV lamp: Shellac polish cures under a UV lamp. (CND's is just over $200, but one of the other brands that got good reviews from people doing Shellac at home costs just under $100.)

For one color, base and top coat and the UV lamp you're looking at a range of $160 - $275. Shellac manicures cost approximately $40-$50, so four to six at-home Shellac manicures will have you breaking even. Not bad if you can afford the initial investment.

The cons of DIY'ing Shellac.

• Research: - you'll have to learn from others, finding reviews and instructions online. Make sure you take time to research to avoid problems. CND's website has loads of info.
• No Help from the Nail Pros: If your Shellac manicure starts peeling, as some reviews state, or you see any new problems with your nails while using Shellac, you're on your own to figure it out.
• Color Options: If you get them done in the salon, you'll get to choose from all of the Shellac colors, not just the one that you spent big bucks on and then realize you hate.
• Might Not Look Professional: Let's face it, there are those who can color their hair at home and make it look like they spent hundreds of dollars at the salon. Then, there are others who aren't fooling anyone with their at-home hair color. Same goes for nail polish. Enough said.

Our advice: go get a Shellac manicure at the salon and watch what your nail tech does carefully each step of the way. See what you think of the results both right away and after 2 weeks. If you're not sure you can do it yourself, don't waste the money. But if you love it and want to take the time to research it, go for it!

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CND - Shellac Nails

Are you looking for information on Shellac Nails? We've got it! Below is a FAQ written by nail artist, Hillary Fry. She answers some of the most frequently asked Shellac questions. Start with that and then, if you're thinking you'd like to try Shellac at home, check out DIY Shellac Nails which will give you all of the info you need to do it at home - plus to pros and cons of at-home Shellacing, a color swatch with links to buy the polishes and a page dedicated to Reader-Submitted Shellac Reviews. (Feel free to add your own!)

Shellac FAQ's

What is Shellac? Shellac is the brand name for a new, patent pending nail product created by Creative Nail Design. It is a hybrid, meaning half nail polish, half gel.

The product is thin and strong enough to be applied similarly to nail polish, but it is cured in a way that gives it great flexibility and durability. It also has the incredible shine associated only with gel nails.

Who is Shellac best suited for? Shellac is for people who want to maintain natural nails. The formulation looks as good from day 1 to day 14, but does not appear to damage nail beds. (see photos)

Who is Shellac least suited for? Those looking to lengthen their nails. You cannot use Shellac to create a longer nail. Also, Sellac isn't for clients with extremely damaged nail beds, split or peeling nails. It is best to get on a corrective program with your manicurist before thinking about Shellac. If your nail is peeling off, it will take Shellac with it.

How is Shellac different from the traditional polish manicure?

Typical nail polish dries by evaporation, which means your manicure is not cured until 2-3 hours after your service. Think about it – most of your manicure time is spent waiting for polish to dry.

But Shellac is cured by UV light, and within minutes. Your nails are completely dry by the time your manicure is over, and strong enough to withstand accidental knocks. It acts like a plasticized coating, suitable as a long lasting polish.

How is a Shellac service different from traditional nail enhancements (fake nails)? Drills are never used or needed with Shellac, and removal does not leave nails dry, thin, possibly torn.

Can you apply Shellac at home? No, Shellac can only be applied by a licensed, trained manicurist. Improper tools or techniques will give a less than desirable result with Shellac.

Are the UV rays from the lamp dangerous? I began researching this back in February. Standard use of the product (every 2 – 3 weeks) is minimal, but there is no real data. Use sunscreen if concerned. (I recommend Neutrogena pure & free baby, spf 60+ or Renee Rouleau Daily Protection SPF 30). Wash off or wear out after service. Sunscreen for your hands is a good thing anyway.

Can you take Shellac off at home?

You can. It requires the use of 100% acetone. Removal at home can be done; proper removal is only 10 minutes overall. However, removal at the salon very minimally increases the time and may be less of an inconvenience for you.

Wait, what is wrong with artificial nails? On the whole, nothing. But as a manicurist and proponent of natural and organics, there is nothing is more exciting for me than seeing natural nails on a client.

While I love the creativity made possible through gel nails or liquid & powder, I think artificial nails are often used to mask a nail problem (peeling, splitting, flexible) when a focused regiment can improve the condition.

As a former skincare formulator, the most rewarding part of my job is identifying clients’ troublespots, and working out a program to bring the hands, feet and nails to the point of perfection. Knowing Shellac can withstand even the rigors of salon life, the focus for the everyday woman can be more on care and maintenance of skin and nails - leaving perfect polish in the hands of Shellac.

Hillary Fry is a beauty writer, blogger and site designer with a marketing background. She is also a licensed manicurist at Harpo's in Whitefish Bay, WI. Drop her a line via www.solessence.com and www.solessencespanails.com.

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