The B vitamin Biotin, which is sold under the brand names Appearex and Elon, is the only proven treatment. You can also buy a generic version. I recommend a dose of 2.5 - 3 mg. daily for several months. There are no other significant changes with other vitamins. Elon nail conditioner may help. Using a good quality cuticle oil has been shown to have some benefit in improving nail health. — Dr. William Heimer is a dermatologist with Surfside Dermatology in Encinitas, Calif.
Health
Do vitamins really enhance the strength and thickness of nails?
September 6, 2006
More FAQ
In this world of bling, how do you keep a nail station clean?
In this world of bling, how do you keep a nail station clean?... read more
I have a new client coming in and he told us he has athlete's foot. How should I deal with this? Can I work on his feet?
I have a new client coming in and he told us he has athlete's foot. How should I deal with this? Can I work on his feet?... read more
How is it that clients can share bottles of polish safely? Should I worry about cross-contamination?
How is it that clients can share bottles of polish safely? Should I worry about cross-contamination?... read more
What causes sculpting liquid to turn yellow? What causes artificial nails to turn yellow?
What causes sculpting liquid to turn yellow? What causes artificial nails to turn yellow?... read more
How do I get rid of the white spots on the nails?
Sometimes I see white spots that get worse and spread all over the nail and to other nails. They cause peeling and in severe cases the nail crumbles away. What is this and how do you cure it?... read more
Is it true that when you remove calluses with a razor, they come back harder?
Is it true that when you remove calluses with a razor, they come back harder?... read more
I injured my nail causing it to lift from the nail bed. Is the nail damaged for good?
I injured my nail causing the nail to lift from the nail bed. It’s been about two months and the nail is growing but it’s not reattaching. It’s lifted down to the cuticle. I feel only a little pain if I hit or squeeze the nail hard. Is the nail damaged for good? Should I cut it back? Will I be able to apply a tip in the future?... read more
I have a client with strong nails but she develops white blisters on them. When they grow out to the nail edge, they peel and the nail breaks. What is
I have a client with strong nails but she develops white blisters on them. When they grow out to the nail edge, they peel and the nail breaks. What is this?... read more
I had to have my spleen removed, should I be concerned with continuing my practice as a nail tech?
A few months ago I was in a traffic accident and had to have my ruptured spleen removed. I’m a nail technician with my own salon and I am afraid I am endangering my health through constant contact with nail chemicals and with clients. Should I be concerned with continuing my practice as a nail tech?... read more
Does my client have a bacterial infection?
My client of eight weeks suddenly developed two bacteria spots on her nails. As a school teacher, she developed an allergy to chalkboard dust. Her doctor prescribed medicated lotion. Can this be part of the problem? I have heard that other conditions can cause bacteria, such as antibiotic medication, thyroid problems, chronic yeast infection, and psoriasis of the skin. Is this true?... read more
How can I get my nails to grow?
I am a 51-year-old female. I’m perimenopausal and my nails will not grow. I take regular calcium supplements of 1200 mg every day, plus nonfat milk and nonfat soymilk. My diet is high in soy, vegetables, fruits, and carbohydrates, with a limited number of proteins. All my life I’ve had beautiful, long nails, but within the last two or three years my nails will not grow. I have tried everything possible, yet my nails are paper thin, split, and peel all of the time. Do you have any information or suggestions that might help?... read more
What causes white marks on my clients' nails?
I have noticed some of my older clients have white marks close to the free edges of their nails. None of these clients has separation of the nail from the nail bed. Am I doing something to cause these marks?... read more