Paint on Nail Strengtheners - why some cause more problems than they solve!!

It has to be the biggest and most common cause of nail worries. Peeling and flaking nails, it looks like a fish-scale peeling backwards, it can happen on all, or just one nail. The sad thing is, we now see it in younger and younger girls.

From Mother of the Bride to pensioners, we are all obsessed by nail strength, and I think I have found the answer. I believe the culprit to be the clear nail polish variety of Nail Strengtheners and Nail Hardeners are in my opinion often the cause of peeling and weakened nails.

It sounds odd I know, let me explain. If you look carefully at the bottle (and most of you have some I know!) it will suggest you use it for around 2 weeks and then have a break (or change to formulation xyz in the range).

This I understand, is because the product you are using contains formaldehyde. Small quantities in the scheme of things I agree, but enough to cause nails to peel (as a natural reaction and your body's own indication of over exposure). Formaldehyde is known to be carcinogenic, its most famous use is as embalming fluid - think Damian Hirst experiments! So its your choice, bin them or use them for the two weeks and give yourself a break.

 

There are some good natural alternatives out there!

In 2008, 2009 and 2010 Green Hands Organic Cuticle and Nail Oil won the best nail strengthening product in the Green Beauty Bible (Josephine Fairley and Sarah Stacey).  In 2010 and 2011 it was shortlisted and finalist in the Organic and Natural Product Awards as Best Organic Bodycare Product. It works by making your nails more flexible, reducing the appearance of ridges and by massaging the oil, you stimulate the flow of blood to the nail, which in turn stimulates healthy growth of the nail.

 

If you have problem nails and would like advice, please email our Award Winning Natural Nail Care Expert via  nailcare@greenhands.co.uk