What does it mean when nails become hardened and thickened?
Nail hardening and thickening, which is often associated with onychogryphosis, is a process in which the nail plate becomes abnormally thick, hard and sometimes yellowish or brown in colour. The nail loses its flexibility, becomes dull and is difficult to trim, even though it continues to grow. This condition is often accompanied by excessive build-up of keratin underneath the nail plate, which can cause the nail to lift upwards.
Why does this happen? Causes of thickened and hardened nails
- Age: As we get older, cellular metabolism slows down, along with the rate of nail growth. Keratinised cells begin to build up, while hormonal changes may cause the nail plate to lose its flexibility. Read more in our guide: Hard fingernails and toenails in older people – how to soften and trim them.
- Unsuitable footwear: Prolonged pressure on the toes can trigger a natural protective response in the body. This results in excess keratin production intended to protect the nail matrix from injury.
- Fungal nail infection, or onychomycosis: This is one of the most common causes of changes in nail structure and colour. Fungi damage the nail plate, which may cause the body to thicken it abnormally as a protective response.
- Poor circulation: Reduced blood flow to the lower limbs can weaken the nail matrix. The matrix is responsible for nail growth. When it does not receive enough oxygen, it may stop functioning properly and produce a deformed nail.
- Mechanical injuries: Even a single strong impact can permanently damage the nail matrix. This may lead to internal scarring, causing the nail to grow back thicker each time.
Home remedies for hard nails – how to soften the nail plate
A thickened nail plate is less flexible and, paradoxically, more prone to cracking and painful complications. Hard nails should always be softened before trimming. This not only makes them safer and easier to cut, but also supports their overall condition.
- Epsom salt or table salt foot bath: Add two to three tablespoons of salt to a bowl of warm water. This changes the osmotic pressure of the bath. Soaking the feet for around 20 minutes helps soften the keratin and loosen the hardened structure of the nail.
- Apple cider vinegar soaks: Vinegar has acidifying and softening properties. Healthy nails have a slightly acidic pH, while this balance may be disrupted in thickened, hardened nails. Acetic acid acts as a gentle chemical exfoliant. It may help soften excess keratin build-up and inhibit bacterial growth. Mix apple cider vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio and soak your feet for 15 minutes.
- Urea ointment: Urea at a concentration above 30% has keratolytic properties. This means it can soften and break down dead keratin without damaging living cells. You can buy this type of ointment at a pharmacy. Apply a thick layer to the nail, wrap it in cling film overnight to create an occlusive effect, and put on a sock. By the morning, even a very thick nail may feel noticeably more flexible.
- Tea tree oil: If you suspect that the problem may be caused by a fungal infection, you can try massaging tea tree oil into the nail regularly. It is considered one of the strongest natural antiseptics and can penetrate the porous structure of the nail, reaching the possible source of the infection.
You may also be interested in: Pedicure – what is it, how long does it take and what does a classic pedicure include?
How to trim thick, hardened nails safely
When nails are very thick, ordinary drugstore nail clippers often fail. Instead of cutting through the nail plate cleanly, they may crush it, leading to painful cracks and crumbling. For thickened nails, it is worth using specialist tools, such as those made by Renomed.
The best tools for trimming hard nails
- Renomed nail clippers: They combine strength and precision, making them an excellent choice for very thick and hard nails. Their robust construction and ergonomic handles work according to the lever principle, increasing the cutting force. This allows the clippers to remove small sections of hard nail accurately and with less effort. The short, sharp tip also makes it easier to reach deep corners and sidewalls, where the nail plate is often at its hardest.
- Renomed nail scissors: They offer smooth cutting and excellent control, especially when the nails have already been softened. Renomed nail scissors feature a unique sharpening technique and are made from high-quality metals. This allows them to cut smoothly through a hardened nail plate. They provide full control over the cutting line and reduce the risk of leaving jagged edges.
How to trim a hard nail plate step by step
- Always trim nails after a bath or foot soak: This makes the nail plate more flexible and less likely to crack.
- Cut the nail gradually: With a very hard nail plate, trim off small sections at a time, starting from one side. This gives you better control over the movement and pressure.
- Cut straight across: Rounded corners increase the risk of ingrown toenails.
- Smooth sharp edges: After trimming, use a glass file or a fine-grit nail file to even out the edges. This helps prevent the nail from catching on socks or other materials.
Read also: How to do a pedicure at home – step-by-step foot care
Important note: Home care has its limitations. If you notice severe deformity, pain when touched, or unusual colour changes such as green, black or dark brown areas, consult a podiatrist. Professional cleaning and reduction of the nail using a rotary tool in a podiatry clinic is generally painless. It can help restore comfort and improve the condition of the nail more quickly. The results can then be supported with regular care at home.
