Common Nail Problems

All answers are genuine replies to real nail problems. I hope that you find this information to be useful. If you cannot find the answer to your problem below, please feel free to e-mail me. © 2004 - 2008 Victoria.

The information offered below is for informational purposes only. If you are in any pain or discomfort, please consult your GP immediately.

Problem: I have always had fantastic natural nails - but recently my nails are full of ridges which break in vertical lines when they grow, they are also dry and peeling at the tips. I am using Jessica treatments, but they don't seem to be working, and have been advised by a friend to try Nailtiques - can you help!?

Answer: This sounds as though you need to use a nail moisturiser to help with the dryness. This is more than likely causing the nails to peel at the tips. You will need to use a moisturiser underneath the Protein Formula for maximum benefit. I would suggest using the formula Protein Formula 2 as this will also strengthen your nails. Continue to use the Protein Formula 2 until your nails have improved. I would also suggest that you stay away from using nail varnish until the nails have improved as this will also cause dryness so could be making them worse. Are you using a Non Acetone Remover to remove the Formula? If you are not, the remover you are using could also be drying out the nails. See this page dedicated to Weak and Peeling Nails.

Problem: My thumbnails are ridged due to my working environment but the rest are in good condition. Should I use Formula 3 on my thumbnails and Formula 1 on my other nails?

Answer: As it is only your thumbnails that have the problem, I would suggest using a good moisturiser on them. You could indeed use the Protein Formula 3 on the thumbs and the Protein Formula 1 on the rest. Or simply use Protein Formula 1 on all nails as the moisturiser is likely to solve the problem on its own. This page may help.

Problem: I have dry, flaking, ridged nails. I have been using Nailtiques formula 2 and did see a big improvement but finished the bottle two weeks ago. I now need new supply as my nails are starting to flake again and are still ridged. Should I go for another course of Protein Formula 2 move to Protein Formula 1 - Or even try the Protein Formula 3?

Answer: Stick with the Protein Formula 2 until the nails are fully recovered then move on to Formula 1. Once the nails are strong and healthy, I suggest using the Protein Formula 1 two or three times per week to maintain your healthy nails. More information on Nailtiques Protein Formula 1.

Problem: My nails, particularly the index and middle ones on the right hand (I am right-handed), get little tears below the quick and then of course break. They also tend to peel and split.

Answer: I suggest keeping the nails short until they are stronger. If the nails are papery or thin, I recommend using Protein Formula 2, which will help to strengthen them. Click here for more advice on helping to strengthen peeling nails.

Problem: How long do you use Protein Formula 3 for and which formula do you progress to after this one?

Answer: Protein Formula 3 is generally used (but not always) on the toenails, as it has been developed to help with hard and brittle nails, it will help soften the nails. If you have finished the whole course and fond the nails are no longer brittle or hard, you will need to progress on to the Formula 1. More information on helping hard, brittle nails.

Problem: I have had acrylic on my nails for 3 years and am thinking of having it removed. I have had it redone plenty of times and have seen that my own nails are very badly damaged, the surface looks like it's peeling off and they are very thin and brittle. What can you recommend to help repair them and make them strong and healthy again?

Answer: The Nailtiques after artificial kit has been formulated especially for nails recovering from acrylic. It contains a strengthener and conditioner, which will help the nails get back in to perfect condition. As with all Nailtiques products, it is essential that they are used exactly as directed, otherwise the results may be disappointing. More information.

Problem: I have been using Nailtiques formula 2 for about a year now. My nails are quite strong, but do peel occasionally. Do you think I should continue to use formula 2 or change?

Answer: If the nails are strong and you have seen an improvement, stop using the Formula 2 at once and move on to No 1, which will help maintain the condition. If your nails are still peeling, there is a chance that you are not using the products as directed. If you are not already doing so, I also recommend that you also use a nail moisturiser.

Problem: I have very weak nails which peel and flake at the ends. They are reasonably long at the moment and I am wondering if I should use a protective polish to stop the ends flaking.

Answer: If you can shorten the nails and use the Formula 2 for approximately 2 weeks, this will help strengthen the ends. Once the nails are looking better, I recommend using the Formula 1 as part of your general nail maintenance program. Please see - Treatment for weak or peeling Nails.

Problem: For the last 2-3 years, My nails have been flaking and will not grow to any length because of this problem. I have tried numerous products as before this problem my nails were very strong and would grow beautifully. No longer they look awful. I am 46 years old, could that be the problem.

Answer: There is no reason why you shouldn't still have healthy beautiful looking nails at 46 - so this is not the problem. Many other nail products contain hardeners which can dry out the nail whilst Nailtiques contain Protein and Conditioners. Use the products as directed and you will see a big improvement. I have written a page especially for this problem. Please see - Treatment for dry flaking nails.

Problem: I have been using protein formula 2 for about a month and although my nails are growing, they go really soft in water and they keep breaking really low down, to the extent that the nail bed would be exposed if I were to pull it off at the break! Would you recommend trying 2 plus?

Answer: First of all, I would suggest using gloves whenever possible. If the nails aren't really improving, a short course of the Protein Formula 2+ will give an extra boost. You can then start using the Formula 2 as soon as you see an improvement. More information on Nailtiques Formula 2.

Problem: I have always had fairly weak nails. I have been having acrylic nails for the last 2 years and now my nails are like paper. I have taken the acrylic nails off. Can you tell me what I should use.

Answer: The after artificial kit has been formulated especially for nails recovering acrylic. It contains a strengthener and conditioner, which will help the nails get back in to perfect condition. One you have seen an improvement, you can use Protein Formula 1, which will help as part of a general maintenance program. As with all Nailtiques products, it is essential that they are used exactly as directed, otherwise the results may be disappointing. See our Nailtiques After Artificial Kit.

Problem: My nails grow well enough, but they are almost too hard. Brittle even. They are not flexible and if I knock them by accident they will crack.

Answer: Nailtiques Protein Formula 3 should be used for naturally hard, ridged or dry nails as it will help to soften the nail. More information on helping hard, brittle nails.

Problem: Which formula is best for growing nails that are normally bitten?

Answer: Please click here for a detailed answer.

Problem: My nails are slightly pitted, they peel quite easily and when they do grow they split low down the nail. I've been told they're hard, but they seem brittle and dry. What should I be using to help them grow better?

Answer: Protein formula 2 will help solve this but you will also need to moisturise your nails, to aid recovery. Continue to use the Protein Formula 2 until your nails have improved. I would also suggest that you stay away from using nail varnish until the nails have improved as this will also cause dryness so could be making them worse. You should use a Non Acetone Remover to remove the the Formula? If not the remover you are using could also be drying out the nails. Click for advice dedicated this condition.

Problem: I have stopped biting my nails and my cuticles are in such bad condition, irritated, sore, dry and cracked, what should I use?

Answer: You will need to use the Nailtiques cuticle and skin gel, possibly combined with the oil therapy for an extra moisture boost. More advice on Dry Cuticles.

Problem: I have extremely soft (like paper) nails and very dry scraggy cuticles, both of which I am ashamed to say I have bitten for many years. I leave them alone for a few weeks, but then my nails just bend, the layers separate and they break. Over the years, I have tried many products to strengthen my nails, but nothing works.

Answer: Please see my advice here.

The information and advice offered above should be used for information purposes only. The statements are not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any condition or disease. Please consult your own nail technician, GP or health care practitioner.

Nailtiques is the renowned solution for all nail problems to most beauty editors. There are very few that haven't yet tried Nailtiques for themselves and seen the results. Below are a selection of recent press quotes.

Mail on Sunday You Magazine
Lucia Ferrari rated Nailtiques nail protein formulas the only nail treatment to hit 5 out of 5.

Sunday Times Style Magazine
Nailtiques Oil Therapy is..."An indispensable two-in-one oil that conditions cuticles and freeze dries polish almost instantly Our favourite".

Harpers & Queen
"For a daily treatment, I have found that little beats Nailtiques Avocado Foot Creme. Rich but non-oily, it can be used nightly without giving you hot and greasy feet in bed."

Celebrity users of Nailtiques are reported to include:
Kylie Minogue
Victoria Beckham
Rachel Stevens

Nailtiques - Common Nail Problems