How to Fix Split Nails Naturally: A Simple Guide
Does it ever feel like every time you’re about to have perfectly manicured nails, one of them splits? It’s frustrating. You’ve spent time getting them to look great, and then suddenly, you’re dealing with a split nail. But before you reach for synthetic treatments or go running to the salon, there are natural ways to fix this that you can try at home.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through easy, natural remedies to fix split nails naturally without the need for harsh chemicals or expensive treatments. Let’s dive into the solutions that actually work, right from the comfort of your home.
Understanding Why Nails Split
Before you can start to fix the problem, it helps to know why your nails split in the first place. Split nails, also known as onychoschizia, are typically caused by dehydration, nutrient deficiencies, or external damage like chemicals and water exposure.
1. Dehydration Is a Major Cause
Nails need moisture, just like your skin. When nails dry out, they become brittle and prone to breaking. This often happens due to overexposure to water (ironic, right?) or harsh nail products like acetone-based removers.
2. Nutrient Deficiencies
Your nails are a reflection of your overall health. Deficiencies in nutrients like biotin, vitamins A, C, and E, and omega-3 fatty acids can weaken your nails, causing them to become brittle and split.
3. External Damage from Chemicals
Everyday exposure to chemicals from cleaning products, hand sanitisers, and even nail polish removers can lead to split nails. Without proper care and protection, these chemicals strip your nails of their natural oils, leaving them weak.
Pro tip: Wearing gloves while cleaning or doing the dishes can go a long way in protecting your nails.
Natural Oils and Remedies to Repair Split Nails
Fixing split nails naturally is all about nourishing and moisturising them back to health. You don’t need fancy products to do this. Some of the best remedies are right in your kitchen.
1. Coconut Oil: The Ultimate Moisturiser
Coconut oil is a powerhouse when it comes to fixing split nails. It deeply moisturises and strengthens the nails, preventing further splitting.
How to use it:
- Warm up a small amount of coconut oil and massage it into your nails and cuticles.
- Do this daily, preferably before bed, so the oil has time to absorb overnight.
2. Vitamin E Oil for Nail Strength
Vitamin E oil is a miracle worker for split nails. It helps to rebuild the layers of your nails and promotes healthy growth.
Here’s how:
- Take a Vitamin E capsule, break it open, and apply the oil directly to your nails.
- Massage it in for a few minutes, focusing on the split areas.
Pro tip: You can mix Vitamin E oil with coconut oil for an even more nourishing treatment.
3. Olive Oil and Honey Nail Soak
Olive oil is excellent for hydration, while honey has natural healing properties. Together, they form a powerful duo to repair your split nails.
How to create the soak:
- Mix equal parts of olive oil and honey in a bowl.
- Soak your nails in this mixture for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse off with warm water and apply a moisturiser.
Doing this twice a week will help your nails recover faster.
Nourishing Your Nails from the Inside Out
If you want to stop your nails from splitting in the first place, you’ve got to look at what you’re putting into your body. Healthy nails start from within, and your diet plays a huge role in maintaining their strength.
1. Boost Your Biotin Intake
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is crucial for nail health. Studies show that biotin can significantly strengthen nails, making them less prone to splitting.
Foods rich in biotin:
- Eggs
- Almonds
- Sweet potatoes
- Spinach
You can also consider a biotin supplement if you struggle to get enough of it from your diet.
2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Flexibility
Omega-3 fatty acids are known for improving the flexibility of your nails, reducing the chances of them becoming brittle and breaking.
Add these foods to your diet:
- Salmon
- Walnuts
- Flaxseeds
- Chia seeds
3. Vitamins A, C, and E for Stronger Nails
These vitamins are essential for nail health. Vitamin C boosts collagen production, while Vitamins A and E keep your nails strong and moisturised from the inside.
Make sure you’re eating:
- Leafy greens (Vitamin A)
- Citrus fruits (Vitamin C)
- Almonds and avocados (Vitamin E)
Daily Nail Care to Prevent Future Splits
Prevention is key when it comes to fixing split nails naturally. Once you’ve got your nails back to a healthy state, it’s important to keep them there. A simple daily routine can make a huge difference.
1. Moisturise Your Cuticles and Nails Regularly
Keeping your nails hydrated is essential to prevent future splitting. Use a cuticle oil or hand cream every day to maintain moisture levels.
The best oils for this:
- Jojoba oil: Easily absorbed and full of nutrients.
- Coconut oil: Great for daily hydration and protection.
2. Wear Gloves to Protect Your Nails
Every time you wash dishes, clean with harsh products, or even garden, you’re exposing your nails to potential damage. The simple act of wearing rubber gloves can prevent your nails from drying out and splitting.
Pro tip: Always keep a pair of gloves handy near the sink for when you need to do chores.
3. Avoid Acetone-Based Nail Polish Removers
Acetone is extremely drying to nails and can cause splits if used too often. Switch to an acetone-free remover to gently take off your polish without stripping your nails of moisture.
DIY Treatments for Quick Nail Repair
When you’re dealing with a split nail, sometimes you need a quick fix. These DIY treatments are easy to do and use natural ingredients that work to heal and strengthen your nails.
1. Aloe Vera and Tea Tree Oil
Aloe vera is a natural healer, while tea tree oil helps fight infections and promote nail health. This combo is perfect for repairing split nails.
Here’s how:
- Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with some fresh aloe vera gel.
- Apply the mixture to your nails and let it sit for 20 minutes.
- Rinse off and moisturise.
2. Buff and File for Immediate Fixes
If you’ve got a small split, the best thing you can do is smooth it out with a nail file. By buffing the area, you can stop the split from spreading further.
How to do it:
- Use a nail buffer to gently smooth the split area.
- File the edges to prevent further tearing.
- Always follow up with a moisturising nail oil.
Pro tip: Buffing your nails lightly once a week helps keep them smooth and reduces the risk of future splits.
Now you’ve got everything you need to fix split nails naturally. Whether you’re using coconut oil, soaking your nails in olive oil and honey, or boosting your diet with biotin and vitamins, these natural remedies will get your nails back to their healthy, strong state. With a little care and the right routine, you can say goodbye to split nails for good.
How to Fix Split Nails Naturally: Your Nail Recovery Plan
Still dealing with split nails and looking for more ways to fix them naturally? You’ve already got some solid basics in place from part one, but there’s more you can do to keep your nails healthy and strong. If you’ve been consistent with the oils, remedies, and diet adjustments, you’re already ahead. Now, it’s time to dig a little deeper into your nail care routine to fix split nails naturally and make sure they stay that way.
Let’s dive into more advanced tips and solutions that will take your nail game to the next level.
Why You Need to Keep Your Nails Trimmed and Filed
When dealing with split nails, keeping them properly trimmed and filed is crucial. Long, uneven nails are more likely to snag on things, making those splits worse. The key is to find a balance where your nails are strong but not too long to become vulnerable.
1. File Your Nails in One Direction
The way you file your nails can either help fix split nails or make things worse. Filing back and forth may seem natural, but it actually weakens the nail’s structure. Always file in one direction to avoid causing further splits.
Here’s how to file correctly:
- Use a soft nail file and start from one side of the nail, moving to the other in a single motion.
- Be gentle—filing too hard can weaken your nails and cause more splits.
- After filing, apply a nourishing cuticle oil like jojoba oil to hydrate the nail.
2. Trim Regularly to Prevent Breakage
Regular trimming prevents splits from getting worse by removing the weakest parts of the nail. When you notice a split starting, it’s best to trim that area down to stop it in its tracks.
How often should you trim?
- Aim to trim your nails every 1-2 weeks, depending on how fast they grow.
- Use sharp nail clippers to avoid tearing the nail, and follow up with a file to smooth the edges.
Keeping your nails short while they’re recovering is a great way to avoid future splitting.
Boosting Nail Strength with Homemade Nail Soaks
Nail soaks can do wonders for split nails, and the best part is you can make them right at home using natural ingredients. These soaks are designed to strengthen your nails, hydrate them, and repair any damage.
1. Olive Oil and Lemon Juice Soak
Olive oil is fantastic for deep hydration, while lemon juice adds a touch of vitamin C that helps strengthen nails and boost collagen production.
How to make the soak:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice.
- Soak your nails in the mixture for 10-15 minutes.
- Rinse and apply a moisturiser afterward.
2. Honey and Coconut Oil Soak
Honey has natural healing properties, and coconut oil is deeply moisturising, making this soak perfect for repairing split nails.
How to create the soak:
- Combine equal parts of honey and coconut oil (about 2 tablespoons each).
- Warm the mixture slightly so it melts and blends well.
- Soak your nails for 15 minutes, then gently massage the leftover mixture into your cuticles.
These soaks are easy to add into your routine once or twice a week and can make a noticeable difference in fixing split nails naturally.
Protecting Your Nails from Harsh Chemicals
Even if you’ve mastered the art of natural remedies, your split nails won’t stand a chance if you keep exposing them to harsh chemicals. Everything from cleaning products to nail polish removers can weaken your nails and lead to more splits.
1. Avoid Acetone-Based Nail Polish Removers
While acetone-based removers are effective at taking off stubborn nail polish, they’re also incredibly drying to your nails. This dryness can lead to more splitting and breakage.
What should you use instead?
- Opt for acetone-free nail polish removers. These are gentler on your nails while still being effective.
- If you can, give your nails a break from polish entirely, letting them recover naturally without any harsh products.
2. Wear Gloves When Using Cleaning Products
Most household cleaning products contain chemicals that can seriously damage your nails over time. Whether it’s washing dishes or scrubbing the bathroom, always wear rubber gloves to protect your nails from chemical exposure.
Why gloves matter:
- Gloves act as a barrier, keeping your nails from absorbing any harsh chemicals or excessive water.
- They also protect your cuticles, which can get damaged by constant exposure to cleaning products.
Strengthening Your Nails from Within: Supplements and Diet
You can apply all the natural remedies in the world, but if your nails aren’t getting the right nutrients from the inside, you’ll still struggle with split nails. That’s where your diet and supplements come into play.
1. The Power of Biotin Supplements
Biotin is a superstar when it comes to promoting healthy nails. If you’re not getting enough biotin from your diet, consider adding a supplement to your routine.
What to look for in a biotin supplement:
- Choose a biotin supplement with at least 2,500 mcg per dose.
- Consistency is key—take it daily for at least 2-3 months to see real results.
2. Boost Omega-3 Fatty Acids
We talked about omega-3 fatty acids in part one, and it’s worth mentioning again. Omega-3s keep your nails flexible and prevent them from becoming brittle. If your nails are too rigid, they’re more likely to split.
How to get more omega-3s:
- Incorporate foods like salmon, chia seeds, and walnuts into your diet.
- You can also take omega-3 supplements if you don’t get enough through food.
These dietary changes won’t fix split nails overnight, but they’re essential for long-term nail health and strength.
Nail Hydration: The Key to Lasting Nail Health
If you want to fix split nails naturally, keeping them hydrated is non-negotiable. Dry nails are much more prone to splitting, so the more moisture you can lock in, the better your nails will feel and look.
1. Daily Use of Cuticle Oil
One of the easiest ways to keep your nails hydrated is by using a cuticle oil daily. Oils like jojoba oil and argan oil are perfect because they penetrate deeply into the nail bed and provide lasting moisture.
Here’s how to use it:
- Apply a small amount of cuticle oil to your nails and massage it in for a few minutes.
- Do this before bed to give the oil time to absorb overnight.
Pro tip: Keep a bottle of cuticle oil in your bag or by your desk to apply throughout the day, especially during colder months when your nails are prone to drying out.
2. Hand Cream for All-Day Hydration
If you’re not already using a hand cream regularly, now’s the time to start. A good hand cream doesn’t just benefit your skin—it also helps to lock moisture into your nails.
How to choose the right hand cream:
- Look for creams that contain shea butter or glycerin, as these ingredients are known for their hydrating properties.
- Apply hand cream after every time you wash your hands to prevent your nails from drying out.
By now, you’ve got a comprehensive plan to fix split nails naturally and keep them from splitting again. Whether you’re using DIY nail soaks, strengthening your nails from within, or simply keeping them hydrated with oils, your nails are well on their way to becoming stronger, healthier, and split-free. Stay consistent, and those pesky splits will be a thing of the past!