How to Heal Damaged Nails

Whether your nails are brittle, discolored, or cut, it is possible to improve their health over time by following certain practices. Start by looking over your nails to determine how they were damaged. Make an appointment with your doctor if the injuries are severe. Build your nails strength by applying moisturizer frequently and soaking them in natural oils. Following a healthy diet can also build up your nail beds.


Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Addressing Injuries

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    Assess the extent of injury. Before you decide how to treat your nails, you'll want to take a closer look to determine in what ways they were damaged. Examine the nails shapes to see if they are distorted. Look at the coloring of the nails, as a green or yellow shade could indicate infection. Feel the surface of the nails to see if you can detect any surface bumps or ridges.[1]
    • Once you make a detailed note of your nails' appearance, then it will make it easier to track improvement and healing over time.
    • If your nails have a green or yellow coloring, you may have a nail fungus. Talk to your doctor about possible treatments.
    • Small, white patches on your nail may be from a keratin build-up or they may signal a nutritional deficiency of a vitamin or mineral, like zinc or magnesium. Your doctor can diagnose whether it is a deficiency or not by doing a full-blood count.
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    Treat any wounds. If your nail is split open or cut, then wash the area carefully under water with soap. Sanitize it with an alcohol wipe. Apply a bit of antibiotic cream or gel to the nail bed. If the cut is large, cover it with a band aid. If the injury is minor, let it air out and keep it clean.
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    Make a doctor's appointment. If your nails are damaged due to a blunt injury, it is probably a good idea to talk with your general physician. They can take an x-ray and assess whether or not the damage extends down to the bone. Or, if your nails simply refused to heal after three weeks or more of extra care, then see your doctor to rule out an underlying condition, such as kidney disease.
    • There are many illnesses which an effect the health of your nails. Kidney disease, for example, overloads your nails with nitrogen waste products, causing damage.[2]
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    Avoid spreading fungal infections. If you have been diagnosed with a fungal infection, take steps to make sure that it does not spread. Fungal infections can spread from your fingernails to your toenails, your eyes, and to other people.
    • Wear gloves to prevent contaminating others.
    • Avoid cooking or serving food to other people during this time.
    • Keep your hands clean, and treat any broken skin around the nail.
    • Apply anti-fungal cream as directed by your doctor.
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    Get emergency help. If you've cut deep into the nail bed and the bleeding won't stop or if a large part of the nail has separated from the skin, then consider getting medical attention sooner rather than later. A doctor can treat the immediate injury, while making it less likely that you will get a secondary infection.[3]
    • Sometimes a nail injury is actually a sign that the finger has been fractured. Unless the finger is visibly damaged, an x-ray or MRI will be ordered.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Building Healthier Nails

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    Forgo polish for a few weeks. Dermatologist Mohiba Tareen suggests minimizing nail polish and removal, since chronic chemical exposure can dry you out over time.[4] Remove your polish and then allow 2-3 weeks before reapplying. Watch to see if your nails improve. When you do decide to paint your nails again, go with a polish that is fortified with vitamin A and other nutrients.[5]
    • Small, white patches on your nails indicate a keratin build-up, which can be treated by giving your nails a polish break.[6]
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    Clip and file your nails down short. It may seem counterintuitive, but keeping your nails trimmed can actually help them to grow in strength and length. Use a small pair of nail clippers to shorten your nails. Make sure that you cut to match the natural arch of your nail, not straight across. Then, file your nails in a gentle horizontal motion across the tips. Go slowly and apply even pressure until the nails begin to shorten.[7]
    • Repeat every few days to keep your nails just skimming the edges of your fingertips.
    • Use the soft side of the nail file to buff the surface of your nails. This can improve blood flow while also creating a surface shine. Apply a nail cream afterwards for even more pay off.[8]
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    Moisturize constantly. Look for a nail-specific cream, serum, or gel. Apply it throughout the day, especially after you wash your hands. At night, rub on a generous portion of the moisturizer and then pull on cotton gloves or socks. The cotton will keep the nails moisturized overnight and will keep the air from drying them out.[9] Dermatologist Mohiba Tareen also recommends moisturizing frequently around your cuticles.[10]
    • Washing your hands can dry them out. To protect your skin and nails, keep a bottle of hand lotion next to every sink at home and at work. Apply it whenever you wash your hands. If you have to wash your hands a lot, dermatologist Mohiba Tareen recommends using a lotion that contains dimethicone, a protective ingredient.[11]
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    Do a nail soak. In a medium bowl, add together warm water and a four teaspoons of sea salt. Place your hands in the solution and soak for up to ten minutes. Or, place your hands in a bowl or warm milk or olive oil. Apply a moisturizer directly to the nails afterwards to promote even more healing.[12]
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    Fashion a tea bag patch. Get a paper tea bag and cut out a small piece. Apply a clear basecoat to the damaged nail. Place the tiny teabag patch on top of the cut or injured area of the nail. Press it down to remove any bubbles and then wipe on another coat of clear polish. This is a great quick fix for a nail split, but make sure to keep a watch for any signs of infection.[13]
    • Keep the tea bag patch on your nail for only a week or so at a time. If needed, replace the patch with a fresh one.
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    Apply tea tree oil. With its anti-fungal characteristics, tea tree oil is a great option if your nails are discolored, brittle, or emitting any odor. Apply a few drops of tea tree oil to the damaged nails twice daily. Repeat until the nails begin to improve in appearance.
    • If you are irritated by tea tree oil, then try applying lemon juice to your nails with a cotton ball. The acid in the juice can help to kill off any fungus.
    • If your doctor has prescribed an anti-fungal, you should use the medicine instead of at home-remedies. These creams are the most effective way to get rid of a fungal infection.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Maintaining Nails

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    Wear gloves when working with harmful substances. When doing household chores or cleaning, put on a pair of latex or heavy plastic gloves. The corrosive elements in cleaners can eat away at your nail beds and wearing gloves prevents any possible damage.[14]
    • Even overexposure to dish soap can cause your nails to get weaker, so wear gloves when you're doing the dishes.
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    Use gentler cleaning products. The chemicals in many antibacterial sprays, furniture polishes, and cleaning wipes can irritate your skin and nails. When shopping for cleaning products, choose natural or non-irritating formulas. Avoid products with ammonia, hydrochloric acid, sodium hypochlorite, or lye.[15]
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    Take steps to end picking, tearing, or biting. If you find yourself biting or tearing at your nails, then this is a likely cause of at least some of the damage. Make a decision to end these behaviors and follow through by coating your nails in an unpleasant taste, such as lemon juice. There are also nail polishes that are designed to dissuade you from biting.[16]
    • Nail biting can happen in your sleep. To prevent this, put socks or mittens on your hands before you go to bed.
    • If you feel as if your nail biting is crossing the line into a compulsion, talk with a mental health professional.
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    Take a biotin supplement. Dermatologist Mohiba Tareen agrees that oral biotin supplements can be helpful, as long as you don't take too much.[17] Taken daily these pills will start to strengthen your nail beds. This is a slow process, but will result in nails that can withstand rougher treatment without breaking or tearing. Expect to take biotin for at least 4-6 months.[18]
    • Tareen also suggests asking your doctor about taking a silicone supplement, which can help strengthen your nails.[19]
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    Eat right and drink lots of water. Make sure that your diet contains many foods with the vitamins A, B, C, and E.[20] These vitamins will help to build up your nails and cuticles. Foods, such as olive oil and eggs, or a good multivitamin can give you these nutrients. Also, make sure to drink at least eight glasses of water a day to prevent dehydration and brittle nail beds an dry cuticles.[21]
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    Be gentle when switching polishes. The main ingredient in most nail polish removers, acetone, can easily eat through your nail beds if not used properly. Only apply the minimum amount needed when removing your polish and place the remover on a cotton swab, not directly on your nail.[22]
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    See a manicurist. If your nails are damaged, then it is a good idea to go to a professional for any polishing or new nail applications. Tell the technician about the problems that you've been having and ask for their treatment suggestions. If offered, go for hand massage as well as it will increase blood flow to the area and stimulate healing.[23]
    • A hand and nail massage with coconut oil, or any oil, is even better as it moisturizes the nail bed.
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    Be patient. New nail growth takes anywhere from 3-6 months. So, expect to wait that long until you see clear improvements with your nails. Resist the urge to speed up the process by trying out aggressive treatments, as they may cause more harm than good.
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Expert Q&A
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  • Question
    What should I include in my diet to help strengthen my nails?
    Ritu Thakur, MA
    Ritu Thakur, MA
    Natural Health Care Professional
    Ritu Thakur is a healthcare consultant in Delhi, India, with over 10 years of experience in Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Yoga, and Holistic Care. She received her Bachelor Degree in Medicine (BAMS) in 2009 from BU University, Bhopal followed by her Master's in Health Care in 2011 from Apollo Institute of Health Care Management, Hyderabad.
    Ritu Thakur, MA
    Ritu Thakur, MA
    Natural Health Care Professional
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    Try to incorporate foods that are rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin E to help naturally make your nails stronger. You can also try using biotin supplements.
  • Question
    How can I repair my damaged nails at home?
    Mohiba Tareen, MD
    Mohiba Tareen, MD
    FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
    Mohiba Tareen is a board certified Dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. While a dermatology resident at Columbia University in New York City, she won the Conrad Stritzler award of the New York Dermatologic Society and was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Tareen then completed a procedural fellowship which focused on dermatologic surgery, laser, and cosmetic dermatology.
    Mohiba Tareen, MD
    Mohiba Tareen, MD
    FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    Take off your polish, gel, or acrylics and leave your nails bare for a while. Moisturize your hands, nails, and cuticles frequently, and wear gloves when you're cleaning or doing dishes.
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Warnings

  • Make sure that any nail salon that you visit is clean. For extra peace of mind, ask about their tool sanitization procedures.
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References

  1. ↑ http://www.nytimes.com/health/guides/symptoms/nail-abnormalities/overview.html
  2. ↑ http://www.nytimes.com/health/guides/symptoms/nail-abnormalities/overview.html
  3. ↑ http://www.emedicinehealth.com/nail_injuries/page3_em.htm
  4. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/your-nails.html
  5. ↑ http://www.health.com/beauty/3-ways-to-repair-your-nails-after-a-gel-manicure
  6. ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/21/do-nails-breathe_n_7087158.html
  7. ↑ http://www.gq.com/story/how-to-clip-your-nails
  8. ↑ http://www.teenvogue.com/story/summer-hair-skin-nails-prep
  9. ↑ http://www.self.com/gallery/how-to-strengthen-nails-after-gel
  1. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/nails/art-20044954
  2. ↑ https://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredients/dimethicone/
  3. ↑ http://www.instyle.com/how-tos/how-to-get-healthy-nails-after-acrylics
  4. ↑ http://stylecaster.com/beauty/how-to-fix-a-broken-nail/#ixzz4gdizHnjz
  5. ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/21/do-nails-breathe_n_7087158.html
  6. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/cleaning-tips#1
  7. ↑ http://www.nytimes.com/health/guides/symptoms/nail-abnormalities/overview.html
  8. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/nails/art-20044954
  9. ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/04/21/do-nails-breathe_n_7087158.html
  10. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24470100/
  11. ↑ Ritu Thakur, MA. Natural Health Care Professional. Expert Interview. 25 July 2019.
  12. ↑ http://www.oprah.com/style/how-to-cure-dry-splitting-nails-and-cuticles#ixzz4gcfAL2KJ
  13. ↑ http://www.self.com/gallery/how-to-strengthen-nails-after-gel
  14. ↑ http://www.instyle.com/how-tos/how-to-get-healthy-nails-after-acrylics

About This Article

Mohiba Tareen, MD
Co-authored by:
Mohiba Tareen, MD
FAAD Board Certified Dermatologist
This article was co-authored by Mohiba Tareen, MD. Mohiba Tareen is a board certified Dermatologist and the founder of Tareen Dermatology located in Roseville, Maplewood and Faribault, Minnesota. Dr. Tareen completed medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. While a dermatology resident at Columbia University in New York City, she won the Conrad Stritzler award of the New York Dermatologic Society and was published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Dr. Tareen then completed a procedural fellowship which focused on dermatologic surgery, laser, and cosmetic dermatology. This article has been viewed 172,648 times.
21 votes - 85%
Co-authors: 6
Updated: July 28, 2022
Views: 172,648
Categories: Nail Health
Article SummaryX

To heal damaged nails, work on making your nails healthier and stronger to prevent future damage. An easy way to strengthen your nails is to forgo nail polish for a few weeks to prevent bacteria and fungus from building up. Try to keep your nails trimmed short as well, as this can help them grow stronger. Moisturizing your nails regularly is another way to keep them healthy, especially if you wash your hands frequently. Another way to heal damaged nails is to protect them from harm. For example, wear gloves when you use cleaning products to prevent irritation. Try to also avoid picking or biting your nails, as this can easily cause damage. For more information from our Medical co-author, like how to treat nail wounds, read on!

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