5 common nail problems and how to fix them

Despite our best efforts, sometimes normally healthy nails can start to look a little worse for wear. Most of the time this is simply due to a minor chip in our nail polish. But when real nail problems occur such as discolouration or brittle nails, it takes more than a quick trip to the salon to fix.
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We spoke to National Mavala Trainer, Tracey Winder, to cover five of the most common nail problems and how to fix them.
Yellow nails
The cause
There are a number of factors that come into play for yellow nails to occur. According to Tracey, “the causes can vary from simple common causes such as overuse of nail polish without first applying a protective base coat or smoking through to more serious issues such as lymphatic concerns or what’s called ‘mycosis’ or when the nail is infected by a fungus.” Tracey says that mycosis usually develops after the nail has sustained some kind of micro-trauma.
The solution
So how do you fix unsightly yellow nails? “It’s important to first seek medical advice to ascertain the extent of the problem and whether or not prescribed medicines are required,” says Tracey. Once you’ve determined that the yellowing is simply caused from failing to prepare the nail plate, it’s time to get yourself a base coat to protect the nails from staining and improve the lasting hold of nail polish.
bh loves: Mavala Switzerland 002 Protective Base Coat
Dry, cracked or brittle nails
The cause
Dry, cracked or brittle nails are usually an indicator of a poor diet, since dietary deficiencies not only prevent nails from growing normally but can cause weakness and brittleness. “This nail disorder can also be linked to fatigue and illnesses, like metabolic problems, anemia or endocrine disorders,” says Tracey. Believe it or not, even taking certain medicines can cause nail trauma.
The solution
Tracey stressed that it’s important to eat well and minimise nail contact with harsh substances. “Vitamins A,B,C,D and E are the most important for healthy nails, so ensure your diet covers the full spectrum of food groups,” she says. Make sure you’re getting enough minerals like calcium, iodine, iron and magnesium, and always apply a nutritive nail solution to restore hydration and elasticity. Don’t forget to keep nails short to minimis trauma and damage.
bh loves: L’OCCITANE Shea Nail & Cuticle Nourishing Oil
White spots on nails
The cause
“This condition affects the nail plate and is caused by small air bubbles being trapped between nail cells,” explains Tracey. This is usually hereditary, but sometimes can be caused by other factors such as bad tissue nutrition or trauma from a bad manicure. Interestingly enough, these spots can be linked to menstruation too.
The solution
Tracey says that it’s important to go gentle on your nails and improve your diet with foods that promote healthy nail growth like carrots, green vegetables, eggs and fish. If you can’t stand the look of white spots, you can hide them easily under a coat of polish, so keep your nails painted! “If you wear nail polish all the time, make sure you choose one that lets your nail breathe and is free from toxic ingredients like parabens, camphor and nickel to name a few,” recommends Tracey.
Horizontal or vertical ridges
The cause
Horizontal or vertical ridges are troublesome and can be linked back to a variety of factors including diet, certain dermatological disorders or even an illness. “Persistent immersion in water, detergents or solvents can cause severe dehydration, resulting in nail ridges,” says Tracey.
The solution
If it’s a dietary deficiency, this could mean a lack of the mineral sulfur in your diet. “This is readily available in protein rich foods such as meat, poultry, eggs and milk,” says Tracey. But don’t stress if you’re vegan! You can get your mineral sulphur intake through garlic, onions, cabbage, cucumbers, brussel sprouts, turnips, nuts, kale, lettuce, kelp and raspberries. A ridge-filler product is another solution that will help to even out the nail surface and treat the nail at the same time.
bh loves: Mavala Switzerland Ridge Filler
Flaky nails
The cause
“The most common causes of soft nails are prolonged exposure to certain substances, such as detergents or solvents, without wearing gloves and nutritional deficiencies, in particular in silicium,” says Tracey. But soft nails can also be caused by taking certain medications or and by an unhealthy lifestyle with lack of sleep, exercise and a poor diet.
The solution
Your nails might just need a helping hand with a nail hardener to protect the nail plate. In terms of your diet, it’s important to ensure it’s rich in silicium, a mineral likened to ‘cell cement’, helping nails to grow faster and be more resistant. You can find silicium in vegetables, prunes, whole cereals and garlic. “Look after your nails when immersed in water or using heavy duty cleaning products by wearing gloves,” says Tracey.
bh loves: Manicare Daily Nail Hardener
Have you had experienced any of these common nail problems? How do you keep your nails healthy?
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51 Member Comments
Great article. Thanks.
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Love Mavala and Manicare.
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Thanks for the tips, Tracy!
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I always think that nails are a strong reflection of your diet
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A good supplement for hair, skin and nails can always help.
Nails are such an indicator of health.
My son's paediatrician looked straight at his nails to see if the little one had an iron deficiency due to a mainly plant based diet.
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My nails are good,.
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thankfully I don't have any of those issues with my nails.
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I should eat more vegetables then
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Phew. None of them here.
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I am blessed with good nails, however have to take care of the cuticles regularly.
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My nails have always been weak I eat quite well too but I think having acrylics when I was younger ruined them!
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Interesting article, I take vitamins and a silica tablet, my nails still don't seem to grow.
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I take fish oil tablets and a daily cod liver oil tablet as well as eat a lot of vegies and fruit, but I still seem to get brittle hard nails that break. As I am on medication too its probably that.
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My nails have always given me grief. I've only ever found quick fixes, but based on the results of a current supplement trial, I think I'll have to consider taking supplements permanently to avoid nutritional deficiencies. Remembering to wear gloves when cleaning and washing etc. would be ideal too, however I can't seem to remember EVERY time, lol.
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I should eat more vegetables then.
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Never associated cracked/brittle nails with anaemia, but it definitely makes sense for me!
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I use to have flaky nails when I wasn't eating enough protein - definitely investigate that if you have flaky nails!
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I've had vertical ridges my whole life :/
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I face dry cuticles problem, have recently started using Revitanail serum after reading some good reviews on BH. Hope it works for me
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My nails have always peeled and broken easily. I have taken skin, hair and nail supplements in the past, I noticed my hair grew quicker, but did nothing to improve my nails, sadly
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Some great tips and things to think about...
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My nails have been in a very sad state, peeling and stained from being a bit lazy with the base coat. I really need to start again and trim them down and abstain from polish until they’ve grown out.
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My nails break and chip so easily, this is a really timely article!
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Ooh yes my nails need a good buff, the ridges have surfaced again
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