https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toenail-strengthening-suggestions-please Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Thu, 23 Apr 2026 09:45:54 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toenail-strengthening-suggestions-please/page/2#post-1769348 Mon, 16 Jan 2017 19:54:24 +0000 Lisa 1769348@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ouch! &nbsp;Sorry to hear that your toes and giving you problems. &nbsp;I like the Opi line of strengthening polishes. &nbsp;</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.ulta.com/nail-envy-nail-strengthener-original-formula?productId=xlsImpprod5180283">http://www.ulta.com/nail-envy-.....rod5180283</a></p> <p>I also go polish free in the winter to give the nails a break. I also like foot creams, L'Occitane has a nice one, to soften the feet and I am convinced it helps nails grow too.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://usa.loccitane.com/shea-butter-foot-cream,82,1,29193,261662.htm#s=29469">http://usa.loccitane.com/shea-.....tm#s=29469</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toenail-strengthening-suggestions-please/page/2#post-1769304 Mon, 16 Jan 2017 16:24:12 +0000 Anonymous 1769304@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Being in the medical field I don't like giving advice, but a simple blood test will tell if you are lacking certain vitamins in you diet. &nbsp;A lot of women our age are lacking iron and don't even know it. &nbsp;But your nails tell a lot about your health. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toenail-strengthening-suggestions-please/page/2#post-1769143 Mon, 16 Jan 2017 01:33:34 +0000 Jeanie 1769143@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ouch! Sounds like a shoe issue and possibly brittle nails. &nbsp;I lay off the nail polish as Colette mentioned, because it make your nails brittle. &nbsp;And keep your nails cut short so they don't catch. &nbsp;Lots of great advice here. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toenail-strengthening-suggestions-please/page/2#post-1769011 Sun, 15 Jan 2017 16:42:53 +0000 Colette 1769011@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This has happened to me and it's worse than a broken or split finger nail! Toe nails take so darn long to grow out.</p> <p>Here's what I do to as prevention: I go without polish in the winter to give my nails a breather and keep my nails short. The polish is just so drying and my skin and nails are dry to start. I also use a mix of Jojoba oil and Tea Tree oil (3-1) and apply it as often as I can to my toe nails, but usually out of the shower and before bed. The Jojoba moisturizes and the Tea Tree stimulates growth (and helps with fungus or bacteria). On occasion&nbsp;I slather on the moisturizer and sleep with socks for a deeper moisturizing treatment.</p> <p>If&nbsp;I have a split I use a silk nail wrap cut to size and apply it with nail glue (or Krazy glue) to mend/strengthen the split. I also keep filing it short as it grows. Every so often you need to replace the silk wrap. Alternately, you can keep a bandaid on it. I do prefer the silk wrap as it's not as obvious but the bandaid is much easier.</p> <p>I hope it grows fast! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toenail-strengthening-suggestions-please/page/2#post-1769000 Sun, 15 Jan 2017 15:40:07 +0000 Angie 1769000@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great advice, tulle. Thank you. I am SO leaving off the polish till Summer.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toenail-strengthening-suggestions-please/page/2#post-1768923 Sun, 15 Jan 2017 03:27:54 +0000 tulle 1768923@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ouch, Angie! I feel your pain. If you are in the habit of polishing your toenails, may I suggest leaving them unpolished through the Winter?&nbsp; I have found polish, and polish removers, to be extremely drying and weakening to nails.&nbsp; For stabilizing torn nails while they grow in,&nbsp; a piece of tape (like the non-pad part of a band-aid, or adhesive tape) cut to the size and shape of the nail, works better for me than glue, and avoids those awful moments when the torn nail catches on things. You can then wrap a band-aid around each big toe for further protection. After the nails grow back, try rubbing a little olive oil into them, and keep them unvarnished until Summer.&nbsp; Good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toenail-strengthening-suggestions-please/page/2#post-1768136 Thu, 12 Jan 2017 15:30:28 +0000 Angie 1768136@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>AND, I've ordered the Biotin.&nbsp; </p> <p>The more I think about it, the more I think that it's a shoe problem. I need to strengthen the nails with Biotin and clear polish (eventually, on the polish).&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toenail-strengthening-suggestions-please/page/2#post-1768131 Thu, 12 Jan 2017 15:24:08 +0000 Angie 1768131@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you, ladies. I appreciate the insights. </p> <p>Tex, of course. I am proud of my diet, actually - it’s a hobbie, it works for my body and mind, and I enjoy it. (LOVE cooking). I eat eggs, cheese, FAGE yoghurt and nuts almost daily. I add a protein like fish, chicken or tofu at night. I love lentils, beans and chickpeas too - but don’t eat them as much (find them a bit bloating). Eat LOTS of veggies, and absolutely eat carbs too. Nothing will stop me from eating the best bread with the best butter and cheese - I'm Euro and we love bread and cheese. I also eat rice, potatoes, pasta, quinoa and couscous. And the naughty stuff in moderation. We eat a lot of Asian food too - and I make everything from scratch. I’m not a big water drinker - don’t believe in it. </p> <p>Suz, aha. I see. All those factors cause toenail loss. Makes sense. Good luck!</p> <p>LBD, thanks for the toe protector tip. </p> <p>Gigi, I will start with the Boitin. </p> <p>Runcarla, I’ll try the clear polish too.</p> <p>Bijou, I wish I could say that my nails split because I do karate. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toenail-strengthening-suggestions-please/page/2#post-1768095 Thu, 12 Jan 2017 12:04:16 +0000 Bijou 1768095@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I occasionally get split or torn toe nails but that is because I do karate and if I get a very vigorous block to a kick, the nail can get damaged. I get regular pedicures and my nail technician can give me a false nail over which she applies acrylic and then polish - so that no one can tell that I have a broken nail, it really seems to help the healing process, as the torn nail grows out in no time. So whenever I go to see her with a damaged toe nail she now laughs and asks "so who have you been kicking today?". </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toenail-strengthening-suggestions-please/page/2#post-1768045 Thu, 12 Jan 2017 03:20:50 +0000 Anonymous 1768045@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Diet is always worth reexamining when there's a problem, especially if you've narrowed the food groups you select from but because it's only the two big toes it does sound more like a shoe problem.<br />Maybe a higher/longer toebox to diffuse moisture and reduce/eliminate pressure?</p> <p>And no polish for a few months!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toenail-strengthening-suggestions-please/page/2#post-1768040 Thu, 12 Jan 2017 03:09:59 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1768040@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was reading a post on Facebook about the one to ten scale of pain, and accompanying ridiculous faces on the chart at the doctor's office, and someone said that a toenail ripping off was like a 10 (or childbirth).</p> <p>I did lose half a toenail last summer and it was excruciating (and ugly). It was something sports-related but can't remember what exactly precipitated it.</p> <p>I am a big fan of Viviscal supplement for hair and nails and have been taking it for about three years.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toenail-strengthening-suggestions-please/page/2#post-1768038 Thu, 12 Jan 2017 03:04:24 +0000 Carla 1768038@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am meticulous about my feet since I am so dependant on them for my sports (running, cycling, yoga, weight training, swimming.) I have ALWAYS cut my toenails short, and STRAIGHT across (like Joy says). I have only lost 1 toenail (right great toe) after one hilly marathon where the downhill runs resulted in some unplanned for friction. I do professional pedicures maybe 3 X per year, but I cut my own nails and ask the tech to ONLY FILE and do all the other soothing stuff. </p> <p>I regularly clean my aesthetics gear with alcohol, and put my pumice files throught the dishwasher on high heat/disinfect. I like Tea Tree oil as a topical if I have p a concern, however so far no fungal issues*</p> <p>Thin nails and splitting sounds like a nutritional thing, and not necessarily a hygiene thing. Trim your nails short, reinforce with a clear or translucent Polish (you want to see what is going on) and consider a supplement to your diet (as noted above).</p> <p>*Just anecdotal, but by mother had a nail infection that was resistant to various treatments over the years. I gave her a pedicure using Tea Tree oil applied to the affected toenails, and then gave her my bottle. She reported that the tea tree oil worked like nothing else and resolved her problem. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toenail-strengthening-suggestions-please#post-1768029 Thu, 12 Jan 2017 02:46:59 +0000 Jaime 1768029@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, this thread is a fount - or make that foot - of information!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toenail-strengthening-suggestions-please#post-1768011 Thu, 12 Jan 2017 01:48:52 +0000 JAileen 1768011@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Back when I golfed, one day I took off my shoes and was surprised to see that my big toe had a black toenail. I thought my shoes were comfortable, but something about them caused that. I don't have any suggestions. Some of the suggestions above sound good. I hope one of them works for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toenail-strengthening-suggestions-please#post-1767911 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 22:15:04 +0000 Gigi 1767911@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another possibility would be to take a collagen supplement. I just started taking one called BioSil, which is by Natural Factors. It is clinically tested. Since I haven't been taking it for too long, I can't speak to whether it works or not, though the bottle says that it is supposed to strengthen nails. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toenail-strengthening-suggestions-please#post-1767910 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 22:07:39 +0000 Suz 1767910@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, thanks -- nails don't <b>necessarily</b> grow back thicker or more brittle if they fall off. I think it only happened in my case because the trauma was so severe. I was hiking distances on a steep grade every day for a month, and then I think my streetwear shoes were also "bumping" my toes a bit because I was wearing my Cons Hi-Ness and they had shrunk a bit in the wash. It didn't hurt at the time so I wasn't aware until it <b>did</b> start to hurt, if you know what I mean. And then I was a bit limited in response -- I only had a few changes of shoes because I was travelling. Plus, I had already dropped a weight on that toe previously, so it was perhaps a bit compromised. Anyway, the upshot was toe trauma. I do cover it up with polish in summer. And summer is a good time for the nail anyway because it does not get any pressure at all when I am wearing sandals.&nbsp;</p> <p>It sounds as if in your case a few nutritional changes might help. I do hope so!</p> <p>And <b>LBD</b> -- <b>thank you</b> for that link to the toe protectors -- I think that might be precisely what I need to ensure a complete healing!! I'm going to get some. I'm not conscious that my toes are getting repeatedly bumped or pressed, but they must be, and these things would be the perfect solution!!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toenail-strengthening-suggestions-please#post-1767886 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 21:21:24 +0000 texstyle 1767886@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie - just curious if you don't mind sharing - what are the proteins you choose to eat on a daily basis? I eat a variety too (and am once again trying to go back to vegetarian) but without eating a lot of nuts, I find it hard to get enough iron unless I eat spinach and lentils/beans every day (and that's boring to me). I do eat tofu and tempeh maybe 2 or three times in a month, but those seem to take more creativity and time to make. I do&nbsp; like Gimme Lean as a meat free breakfast sausage. When I eat vegetarian and calculate my iron and it seems like I'm usually only coming up with about 70% of the RDA even with snacks unless I try really hard or eat a lot of seeds/nuts (which I can't tolerate well). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toenail-strengthening-suggestions-please#post-1767877 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 20:54:25 +0000 Angie 1767877@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks, Gradfashionista. I like your suggestions. I don't eat mammals so my protein assortment is more limited. But I can always do with uping the quantity. </p> <p>Tisa, you are very well versed on vitamins. Thank you. Love eggs. Eat about 5 a week. </p> <p>Thanks, Ginger. Very helpful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toenail-strengthening-suggestions-please#post-1767864 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 20:08:34 +0000 Ginger 1767864@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, this is the kind I take:<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.heb.com/product-detail/central-market-biotin-500-mcg-capsules/797765">https://www.heb.com/product-de.....les/797765</a></p> <p>A medium-sized clear capsule, easy to take. It's probably not a chain up where you are. :(&nbsp; FWIW, my aunt has tried several different brands, and she found this one to work the best. I can ask her which ones she tried for negative recommendations if that would help. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toenail-strengthening-suggestions-please#post-1767857 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 19:58:31 +0000 Tisa 1767857@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Biotin is also named Vitamin B7 or sometimes Vitamin H. It is sold as a supplement, so you should be able to get it easily in your local drug store or even in a supermarket. You'll find it in a combinaton of pre-natal vitamins, as a part of B-complex supplements (look at declarations) or it will be named individually as biotin.<br /> Unfortunately I can't give you actual brand names, since in the US it's probably sold under different names than in Europe.</p> <p>If you like eggs, you might not even need supplements - a more egg-rich diet could help enough, since eggs are the natural source of biotin. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toenail-strengthening-suggestions-please#post-1767856 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 19:58:12 +0000 gradfashionista 1767856@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ugh, that sounds painful and difficult. I've never had this issue, but there seem to be some great suggestions already here. My first thought turned to diet, since you seem to be uncompromising on shoe comfort. Biotin and zinc (consume with food, otherwise it'll make you nauseous) supplements might help, as would increasing your protein (which helps the body heal more quickly, and makes hair and nails grow faster). A shake of 25g (a scoop) plus almond milk would be easy to consume at home or on the go, and wouldn't be wasted calories. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toenail-strengthening-suggestions-please#post-1767847 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 19:27:51 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 1767847@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I dance flamenco, and my toenails are invariably covered with white stress marks and/or bruising - but I haven't lost a nail in a couple of years. &nbsp;I take pre-natal vitamins, which I feel helps keep my bones from developing hairline fractures or shin splints from the footwork. &nbsp;As a side-effect, it seems to keep my toenails on my toes, and my hair growing in nicely.</p> <p>I also wear toe pouches inside my dance shoes - these are my favorite. &nbsp;I toss them in the gentle cycle and air dry, every couple of classes.&nbsp;</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.discountsporting.com/index.php?route=product/product&amp;product_id=54211&amp;language=en&amp;currency=USD&amp;gclid=CNqdvozputECFcm4wAodtw0IoA">https://www.discountsporting.c.....language=e</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toenail-strengthening-suggestions-please#post-1767846 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 19:27:15 +0000 Angie 1767846@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>WOW. Thanks so much, ladies. </p> <p>Can someone PLEASE link to the Biotin! </p> <p>(For the record, I have never lost a toenail or had an ingrown toenail, and hope it stays that way). </p> <p>Diana, good nail clipper tip. </p> <p>Ginger, is that a tablet? </p> <p>Khris, I saw that. Might get it. </p> <p>Lisap, good point. If only I knew which boots…..BLAST. Glad your toenails have grown back. </p> <p>Chris, you’re right. I keep my nails short already, and don’t use gel. </p> <p>Oh, Suz. Not fun. Do new nails really grown back thicker and more brittle? And you can cover a black nail with dark polish! </p> <p>LP, extra moisturizer on the feet never hurts! </p> <p>Tex and SandyG, yes. I have a good diet. Very balanced, WITH carbs. Lots of greens, fish, chicken, dairy, fibre and nuts. Ample veg. (I’m the Veggie Queen). I doubt I have an iron deficiency. Have never had one, and have lots and lots of energy. It has also never been a point of concern when blood testing. I DO have a bone density issue though - another story. But I will bring up my nail problem at my next annual with the GP, which I will book soon. </p> <p>Tisa, as far as I can remember, my nails looked 100% before they tore. Thanks for all the tips. I DO have very long toes. </p> <p>catseye, your socks make me smile. </p> <p>Janet, sizing up makes sense, but is very hard to do when you have low volume feet. What Biotin are you using? </p> <p>Isabel, I NEVER bath. Can’t stand it. And I’ve been amping up my vitamin C the last two weeks, but my nails split before that. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toenail-strengthening-suggestions-please#post-1767838 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 18:41:23 +0000 Teresa 1767838@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have to second the idea of biotin. &nbsp;I take it for my hair, but I notice the side effect is stronger, faster growing nails. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toenail-strengthening-suggestions-please#post-1767827 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 18:15:56 +0000 RobinF 1767827@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another vote for giving Biotin a try. It seemed to help the strength of my hair and nails (thicker hair enough that my stylist noticed). If it is caused by a fungal infection then you need to use a different lotion (Lotrimin is a name brand) so if you try lotions to no effect you might consider that. Good luck, sounds like no fun at all! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toenail-strengthening-suggestions-please#post-1767826 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 18:15:46 +0000 SandyG 1767826@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If soft nails are an ongoing problem, please see a doctor to check for anemia, hypothyroidism or nutritional deficiencies. I had health problems that needed attention, in spite of a very healthy diet. My nails were showing the frustrating symptoms -- they&nbsp;would split, crumble and delaminate at the ends, just no structural integrity to them, in spite of lotions, gloves, polish and glue. A couple of doctors later, I was healthier all over.</p> <p>In addition, I saw big improvements when I started a raw, plant-based calcium supplement AND switched out my favorite OPI polishes (made with formaldehyde) for "Caption", which is made with ingredients that don't irritate my nails. It's taken most of a year to grow strong, healthy toe- and fingernails. Totally worth it :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toenail-strengthening-suggestions-please#post-1767821 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 18:02:45 +0000 Ginger 1767821@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Joy, I am fascinated by the convex clippers! I've been having a few wannabe ingrown toenails recently, so I went on an Amazon search. In addition to some straight blades, I found two options that are convex. (Sorry the Finds are so big!) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toenail-strengthening-suggestions-please#post-1767813 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 17:26:49 +0000 Isabel 1767813@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just want to throw in my 2 cents : it may be a good idea to have a blood panel done on vitamins and minerals. &nbsp; &nbsp;: &nbsp;) &nbsp;Things like this are sometimes deficiencies that we develop. &nbsp;</p> <p>WebMD</p> <p></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.webmd.com/beauty/tc/treating-weak-or-brittle-nails-topic-overview">http://www.webmd.com/beauty/tc.....c-overview</a></p> <p>Are you taking anything new ? &nbsp;Like new vitamin or something ? Or taking extra long baths ? &nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toenail-strengthening-suggestions-please#post-1767812 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 17:20:15 +0000 Tisa 1767812@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>A link with information about nail splitting:</p> <p><a href="https://www.skinsight.com/skin-conditions/adult/onychoschizia" rel="nofollow">https://www.skinsight.com/skin.....choschizia</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/toenail-strengthening-suggestions-please#post-1767810 Wed, 11 Jan 2017 17:08:00 +0000 Janet 1767810@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I've never had trouble with my toenails, but a common culprit for runners with this issue is wearing shoes too small *for that activity*. Shoes might feel fine but toes pushing into the end of the shoes even slightly can create problems. Maybe sizing up half a size in your waking shoes? My regular shoe size is 8, but I go all the way up to a 9 for running shoes. </p> <p>I second the suggestion of biotin supplements. I have had some splitting of my fingernails in the last year (hormonal changes likely), and biotin seems to help. </p>