Splitting is a sign of something gone wrong with the formation process of the nail plate. A nail split can be from problems in either the nail bed or lunula. The problem causing the split can be inherited from your family, or it can be a recent development. Inherited cases are usually on symmetric sides of the body, and non-inherited causes are usually only on one side of your body. The type of split also gives you a lot of information. A split that is a straight clean line may be due to trauma or a tumor, while a split that is jagged but symmetric may be due to a nervous tick. You can also look for signs of scar damage to the lunula, cuticle, and surrounding area. It is a good idea to get evaluated by a dermatologist who knows nail disease well. — Dr. Rashid M. Rashid is a house staff dermatologist at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and director of the nail, hair, and skin disease division of the Morzak Center.
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More FAQ
Is it safe to put gel on a natural nail that is cracked down to the nail bed?
Is it safe to put gel on a natural nail that is cracked down to the nail bed? What’s the best way to go about fixing the nail for my client?... read more
Can working on an infected nail be harmful to me?
I am taking medications that affect my immune system. Can working on an infected nail release spores or other infectious material that could be inhaled to cause problems for later?... read more
Do you wear gloves while doing pedicures (or any service)?
Personal touch is a hallmark of a nail tech’s work. So what about wearing gloves? Does it detract from the service experience or put both the tech and client at ease that the highest standards are being followed? The responses were mixed when we asked our readers: Do you wear gloves while doing pedicures (or any service)?... read more
I’m filing my skin away. What can I do for this problem?
I’m filing my skin away. Is there any type of glove out on the market that I can buy for this problem? I would have to cover three fingers on my right and two on my left. They get so bad that they start to bleed. Please help me.... read more
Why have my client’s nails begun lifting from the nail bed?
I have a client who has worn pink-and-white acrylic for years, but all of a sudden all her nails have begun lifting from the nail bed. It’s a very small amount, only on the right side of the nails. It almost looks fungal. She has not changed anything, diet, medication, etc., that we can think of. Do have any ideas what this could be?... read more
What precautions should be taken by a diabetic nail tech?
I am a cosmetologist and would like to start doing nails, but I have also been diagnosed as a diabetic and must do finger sticks daily. Should I be concerned about infections? I see a lot of info on the diabetic client, but not the diabetic nail tech. Any info would be greatly appreciated.... read more
Are there any artificial nail products that do not have acrylates as an ingredient?
I just learned that I am allergic to acrylates. Are there any artificial nail products/techniques that do not have acrylates as an ingredient?... read more
Is there really a monomer that can be used with any acrylic system?
I have noticed lately that there are monomers on the market that claim to be universal. Is there really a monomer that can be used with any acrylic system and have the product cure to the durability it should?... read more
Can artificial nails make a nail fungus infection even worse than it already is?
Can artificial nails make a nail fungus infection even worse than it already is? I was approached by a new client who has had a nail fungus since she was an infant (she is now 19). She says no treatments have worked so she’d like to get enhancements. Is it OK for me to work on her nails?... read more
have a client who has “hooked nails” where they curve sharply downward in the shape of her fingers.
I have a client who has “hooked nails” where they curve sharply downward in the shape of her fingers. If she has acrylics put on will it grow that way? Or grow straight? I’m not sure what she can wear for her nail condition.... read more
Do our nails "peak" at age 20?
I heard that nails “peak” at age 20 in terms of health, strength, and growth rate and that by the time we hit 40, our nails grow at about half the rate they used to grow at our prime. Is that true?... read more
Acrylics bother my allergies and asthma. What can I do?
I am a long-time nail enthusiast who finally found the time to go to nail school. I am enjoying my decision thus far, but I have found that acrylics (including odorless) bother my allergies and asthma. I was wondering what advice you might have. And could I be successful offering little to no acrylic services?... read more