Hideously flaky nails - any suggestions?

[cloudberry]

I've got the Opi nail strengthener which I've been using but have come to the conclusion that it's actually making my nails worse. I had baby no 3 last week so I don't know whether late pregnancy hasn't been helping but I thought that this was when your hair and nails grew like mad. Has anyone got any bright ideas .....?

For really drastic situations try Nailtiques. There's one paint on formula meant for when you've had extensions removed, and nothing wrecks your nails more than them! Try hqhair.com if you can't get them locally.

Yes, I know the answer here! Heard an academic on Women's Hour who did her phd on this very subject! The secret is moisture apparently - you have to apply hand cream religiously, all day, never let them get dried out with chemicals (so don't forget the marigolds when washing up, ladies!). My entire adult life I have wrestled with this problem (nail strengtheners just made mine worse) and this really does seem the solution. Best my nails have been. There are tubes of handcream all over my house...

YOu are a star coffecrazedmama!! I have many pots around the house but never remember to put it on. I shall try it and see what happens! Thank you.

yes being in water is deadly, so likely to be much worse with new baby handwashing etc. i hvae had success with wearing varnish too, protects nails where strengtheners don't.

A friend of mine of mine absolutely swears by Burts Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream. She's always trying to get me to try it. Says it's improved her whole nails, not just the cuticles.

Yup agree with the other posters. I was in for a manicure the other day (for a wedding - though I wish I could do it every week, that'd sort my nails out!) and the girl said that a layer of varnish, even just clear varnish, helps to provide an extra layer of protection.

She also said that regular moisture is essential, but difficult during the day when you're washing your hands so often esp with babies.

She reckoned that gloves were essential for washing up etc and that, if you had time for nothing else, at the very least you should slather your hands in cream and/or apply nail & cuticle oil at night when it would get time to sink in as you slept.

also could be vitamin deficiency. Think Vit Bs are good for healthy skin, nails. Will have a look.

I had the same problem with OPI, Cloudberry. As CCMama says, the answer is moisture. I've found almond oil very good