Split ridgy nails - does anything actually work to improve them?

[jennymac]

My nails are awful. Most of them have quite bad ridges which means that they split whenever they get to any length. Some of them are also very dry and brittle at the top. I use plenty of hand and nail cream and have been taking biotin supplement for around 2 months but there is no improvement. Is it worth persevering with the biotin or has anyone tried anything which has made any difference to their nail condition?

I tried Biotin for my hair but didn't feel it helped. I've had more success with either Perfectil Max for hair and nails or Hairfollic over the past year or more.

Although I was mainly concerned about my hair, my thumb nail, which is still ridged, has stopped splitting at the top and feels stronger.

I'm not sure if one of the above helped more than the other, but they would be worth a try. It takes a while though.

Mine are very ridged too and are slowly improving with Rescue Rx daily keratin treatment. Sali Hughes recommended it in the Guardian and I think it's pretty good as nothing else has ever had any effect on my nails!

I have tried Opi Nail Envy which just made my peeling worse but Nailtiques formula 2 did wonders for my nails. I actually have to cut them now, for the first time ever!

My nails were shocking and someone on here recommended Nunale cream. I got it in Boots. It's less than four quid IIRC. You just rub a bit in to the nail and the cuticle a few times a day. My nails have honestly never looked nicer; no more flaking, cracking, peeling or not growing. Cuticle are much better too.

I’ve the same problem and have been rubbing Vaseline into them. It seems to be making a difference.

Thanks everyone for the responses. Some really good suggestions for products I hadn't even heard of so definitely going to have a try and see what works. I would love to know what causes the ridges in nails as I assume it is a deficiency of something but no idea what!