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Finger nails splitting vertically!

(47 Posts)
Haydnpat Mon 09-Sept-19 12:05:10

I have this problem, my nails are very soft too. Tried everything nothing helps.

Katy77 Mon 09-Sept-19 11:46:05

I have this problem with one thumb nail. I keep it short but if there’s still a risk of it catching on something I put a tiny bit of superglue on it.

EllieB52 Mon 09-Sept-19 11:36:06

I’ve had this problem for years. I have to keep them really short as once they start to go I catch them on everything which makes it worse. My manicurist said that once you’ve got the problem you’re stuck with it! My research has so much contradictory advice - take this, take that etc that I just end up confused. Gel nails are lovely and really strengthen nails but mine were wrecked by it. So, for me, it’s keep them short and use a cuticle oil regularly.

Saxifrage Mon 09-Sept-19 11:33:55

Rosie and Dragon. I am really curious about your posts re gel nails. I had them done a couple of times and then my own nails took about a year to recover. They were very weak, cracked and broke the whole time. It was a reputable salon so I wonder what is the difference. Do others have an explanation?

allule Mon 09-Sept-19 11:31:24

My fingernails seem ok, but I frequently find a half moon shape gap in the tip. No idea what causes it, or where the missing bit goes!

whywhywhy Mon 09-Sept-19 11:29:13

Mine are just the same. Thanks for the tips and I'm going to try Feroglobin from Boots. I tried gel nails and it made mine worse.

PatriciaH Mon 09-Sept-19 11:29:12

I have the same problem with finger nails splitting when they get to a certain length. I tried gel nails and never again, they ruined my nails and made them worse. I had them professionally applied and removed. I have been using an ESSIE product called Treat Love and Colour. It has helped enormously and I can now get my nails to a reasonable length. The varnish comes in several pastel colours. Highly recommend

dragonfly46 Mon 09-Sept-19 10:44:12

My daughter regularly has gel nails and it has made her own nails stronger. There are no ill effects at all.

tanith Mon 09-Sept-19 10:40:24

They look lovely Rosieroe but I’m not a fan sorry, after I saw the state of my daughters nails after having gel nails for a while her own nails were in an awful state.

Rosieroe Mon 09-Sept-19 10:06:28

I had the same problem. I finally went to a manicurist who said ‘Not a problem’ and gave me gel nails for the first time in my life. I now go once a month to have them done in a colour of my choice (she even ordered in new, more subtle, colours that I preferred) have a relaxing chat with her and have lovely strong nails that I regularly get complimented upon.

tanith Mon 09-Sept-19 10:01:14

They started after a fungal nail infection and are much improved but still split if I'm not careful.

tanith Mon 09-Sept-19 09:56:00

Lisagran thanks I’ll give it a try.

Flossieturner Mon 09-Sept-19 09:48:34

I am just the opposite. I have always had dreadful flaky nails and one split vertically about 10 years ago. About a year ago I started taking a mineral supplement which Includes magnesium and zinc. I have nails for the first time and the split is starting to close up.

Nonnie Mon 09-Sept-19 09:41:20

I suggest a blood test to check your thyroid function and vitamins.

Lisagran Mon 09-Sept-19 09:06:29

Tanith - 2-3 months? They’re much stronger now - still short, but that’s because I’m always grubbing about in the garden grin

kircubbin2000 Mon 09-Sept-19 09:05:20

Mine started when a splint went up my nail 20 years ago . It never grew properly but now 2 or 3 others have split too.

Grannybags Mon 09-Sept-19 08:58:17

I have had this on one finger for years. You can see the "fault line" in the nail even on my finger. Have to keep it very short

tanith Mon 09-Sept-19 07:16:35

Lisagran how long did you take it before there was improvement?

Lisagran Mon 09-Sept-19 06:58:25

I had this a few months ago - someone suggested Feroglobin capsules. I got some from Boots and there has been a good improvement.

tanith Mon 09-Sept-19 06:54:40

One of my thumbs does this, I have to keep it very short and I put a nail strengthened varnish on it. I’ve not found a solution.

Fiachna50 Mon 09-Sept-19 00:35:05

My fingernails do this but it is related to my hypothyroidism. It can also be a vitamin deficiency.

Butweam1952 Sun 08-Sept-19 23:02:24

Does anyone else have trouble with their fingernails splitting vertically? I’m sure this must be an age thing, as I never had the problem until a year or so ago. Every time my nails grow just a little they split vertically and I have to file them really short. Anyone found a remedy?