The following are two of the most 
frequently asked questions and their answers from my favorite nail 
professional, Sharon Bayles. This is an excerpt from by second book, Skin Care A to Z.
Why do my nails peel?
Many
 factors could be to blame for this annoying problem. It’s usually 
environment or chemical stresses. Your nails are porous, so excessive 
washing can make them brittle, as mentioned before.
Never
 use polish removers with acetone (very drying) or polish with 
sensitizing ingredients like toluene, nitrocellulose or formaldehyde. If
 your nails have always peeled, you have your parents to thank for that 
gene! Buffing is an excellent option because it helps to hold the 
peeling ends together, and it shines like a polish would without the 
chemicals. Buy a good buffing cream and a chamois buffer and shine away!
 Note that buffing is great for most nails to diminish ridges and 
peeling ends, but should be avoided if skin or nail disorders like 
psoriasis or dermatitis are present.
How can I get my nails to grow?
Having
 regular manicures by either yourself or a licensed professional is the 
fastest way to healthy nails. Always incorporate a good massage to your 
hands and pull on the fingers to tips to get the blood circulating. You 
will see results with this consistent care. Second, don’t think you have
 to have talons to have great nails. Be realistic and honest. Most of us
 know our nail length “limit.” Keeping nails trimmed at or below this 
limit will eliminate a lot of breakage.
 When
 looking for a manicurist, be sure to find a qualified professional. Ask
 her how many natural nail manicures she does. This is important because
 you could get roped into wearing fake nails before you know it. Believe
 me, this “quick fix” could take your nails years to recover from all 
the damage. Some damage could even be permanent.
When
 looking for a manicurist, be sure to find a qualified professional. Ask
 her how many natural nail manicures she does. This is important because
 you could get roped into wearing fake nails before you know it. Believe
 me, this “quick fix” could take your nails years to recover from all 
the damage. Some damage could even be permanent.
And
 my last tip is to always wear sunscreen on your hands. In the years to 
come you’ll thank yourself as you hear your friends complaining about 
their “spots.”
Thank you, Sharon, for helping to explain the answers to these important questions.
For more information on taking good care of your hands and nails, see:
Thank you, Sharon, for helping to explain the answers to these important questions.
For more information on taking good care of your hands and nails, see:
 


