Prevent Brittle Hair & Nails
Brittle hair and nails can happen for a variety of reasons---from lack of certain vitamins and minerals, to the hair and nail care products you use. Brittle nails will often peel, flake and break easily, while may result in split ends and strands being excessively dry. Preventing brittle hair and nails involves using the right products to strengthen them, while making simple lifestyle changes to keep them strong.
Instructions
Preventing Brittle Nails
1. Keep your nails moisturized. Apply a thick coating of petroleum jelly to your fingernails before bedtime and put a pair of cotton gloves on. Apply petroleum jelly several times a day to your hands to keep them moisturized.
2. Soak your nails in oil. Fill a bowl with olive oil or bath oil and soak your nails for 20 minutes at a time. Follow this by rubbing hand lotion into your nails. Do this as often as you can to keep your nails from becoming brittle.
3. Wear nail polish that is free of formaldehyde. This is an ingredient in many nail polishes and will quickly dry out your nails. Non-acetone nail polish removers should be used.
4. Wear rubber gloves when cleaning and washing dishes. The excessive exposure to moisture will make your nails brittle.
5. Eat foods high in omega-6 fatty acids and/or B vitamins. These foods will help to strengthen the nails. Mackerel, herring, salmon, peanuts, lentils, cauliflower and walnuts are just some of the foods that will offer these benefits.
Preventing Brittle Hair
6. Use styling tools sparingly. Curling irons, flat irons and blow-dryers can all cause hair to become brittle from the heat. If it is necessary to use such styling tools, keep the heat at a low setting.
7. Fill your diet with food high in iron and/or zinc. Walnuts, potatoes, peanuts, beef, chicken, pecans and almonds are just some of the foods that can provide these nutrients.
8. Use a gentle, rubbing motion when washing your hair. Rubbing too hard can cause to become brittle. Use shampoo and conditioner that are specifically made for dry hair. Spray your hair with a leave-in moisturizing spray daily to help restore strength to your hair.
9. Protect your hair when it will be exposed to high winds or extreme sunlight, both of which can lead to brittle hair. Wear a head covering if you know these conditions will be present.
10. Only wash your hair every other day. Washing your hair daily can strip the hair of natural oils, causing it to dry out and become brittle.
11. Wash your hair immediately after swimming in a chlorinated pool or in salt water. Both chlorine and salt will dry out your hair. Rinsing your hair clean after a swim will help prevent the hair from becoming brittle.
12. Apply castor oil to your hair. Place a small amount of castor oil into a pot. Heat in on the stove on the lowest setting until it is warm to the touch. Massage the oil into your scalp and the ends of your hair. Leave it in for about 15 minutes, and then wash and condition your hair.
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