Nails are an indicator of overall health. When nails are brittle, they are a maddening symptom that something is amiss with your body, diet, or routine. Brittle nails are more than a cosmetic problem—they can indicate underlying health issues or poor care. Knowing the reasons for brittle nails and how to correct them is crucial to having healthy, strong nails.

In this blog, we’ll explore why nails become brittle and share actionable solutions to restore their strength, focusing on natural remedies and lifestyle changes.

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What Are Brittle Nails?

Brittle nails, or onychoschizia, easily break, chip, split, or peel. When nails lose their natural flexibility and resilience, they become more prone to damage. Such nails can lead to pain, discomfort, and a decrease in the aesthetic appeal of your hands.

The major symptoms of brittle nails are:

• Splitting or cracking nails often
• Nails that tend to peel or flake off easily
• Discoloration of the nail (yellowish or dull appearance)
• Soft and flexible nails that easily bend or break

Why Do Nails Go Brittle?

There are several reasons behind the brittleness of nails. Let's divide the usual causes into points:

1. Nutritional Deficiencies

Nails need certain nutrients to stay healthy and strong. Inadequate vitamins and minerals may result in brittle, weak nails. Some of the common deficiencies associated with brittle nails are:

• Biotin: Biotin is a B vitamin that plays an important role in hair, skin, and nail health. Deficiency may result in thin, brittle, and splitting nails.
• Iron: Iron is crucial in transporting oxygen within the body. Iron deficiency, or anemia, may cause brittle nails.
• Zinc: Zinc is crucial for cell repair and growth. Insufficient zinc can weaken nails and cause them to become brittle.
• Protein: Keratin is a protein that composes your nails' structure. A lack of enough protein in your diet can leave your nails weak.

2. Dehydration

Like your skin, your nails require moisture to be healthy. If your body becomes dehydrated, your nails can be dry, brittle, and subject to cracking. Moisturizing keeps nails flexible and resists breakage.

3. Overuse of Nail Polish and Acrylic Nails

Frequent use of nail polish, gel, and acrylic nails can weaken natural nails. Nail products containing harsh chemicals may strip the natural oils from the nails, making them brittle and weak. Improper removal of acrylic nails or wearing them for extended periods may also weaken the nail beds.

4. Excessive Exposure to Water

Routine exposure to water, like washing the dishes or long bathing, will weaken nails and make them soft. The more your nails are exposed to water, the more likely they are to split. Cleaning chemicals also remove natural oils, making the nails even more brittle.

5. Health Conditions

Some health conditions will cause brittle nails. They include:

• Hypothyroidism: A thyroid gland malfunction can interfere with nail growth and result in brittle nails.
• Psoriasis: Nail change may occur in this skin disorder, such as pitting, thickening, and brittleness.
• Eczema: Eczema, a skin condition characterized by itching and inflammation, can impact nail strength and health.
• Fungal Infections: Fungal nail infections can lead to discoloration, thickening, and brittleness of the nails.

6. Aging

Your body loses its capacity to make collagen and other essential compounds as you age. This impacts your nails, which become thinner, weaker, and more susceptible to splitting. Changes in hormones related to aging can also weaken nails.

How To Fix Brittle Nails

Although brittle nails are annoying, several methods are available to restore your nails to their healthy condition. Let's explore some good solutions to repair brittle nails:

1. Adequate Nutrition

Enhancing your diet is one of the best methods to regain the strength of your nails. Adding certain nutrients to your food can ensure that your nails are healthy from the inside out.

• Biotin: Eat foods that contain biotin, including eggs, nuts, seeds, and greens. You should also take a biotin supplement, which has been found to enhance nail strength.
• Iron: Increase your iron consumption with spinach, lean meat, beans, and fortified cereals.
• Zinc: Incorporate foods high in zinc, such as pumpkin seeds, cashews, chickpeas, and mushrooms.
• Protein: For proper nail development, make sure you get an adequate amount of protein from foods like chicken, fish, beans, and legumes.

2. Moisturize and Hydrate

It is important to keep your nails moisturized to avoid brittleness. Apply a good-quality nail and cuticle moisturizer. Choose products with ingredients such as shea butter, vitamin E, and jojoba oil. Apply a rich moisturizer at night, and wear gloves when washing dishes or cleaning to shield your nails from too much water and harsh chemicals.

Also, drink lots of water daily to keep your nails moist from the inside out. Dehydration can cause dry and brittle nails, so being well-hydrated is important to nail health.

3. Steer Clear of Harsh Chemicals

Keep your nails away from harsh chemicals in cleaning agents, nail polish removers, and some soaps. Use natural, soft products that do not remove your nails' natural oils. If you regularly use nail polish, opt for a non-toxic, air-penetrating polish that will not soften your nails.

4. Refrain from Excessive Nail Treatments

Take a break from acrylics, gels, or other artificial nails. These can damage the natural nail structure in the long run. If you wear nail polish, choose a non-toxic, breathable one, and don't overdo hardening products that will make your nails brittle in the long run.

5. Strengthen Nails with Supplements

Sometimes, diet alone may not provide enough nutrients to restore your nails. In such cases, supplements can be helpful. A high-quality biotin supplement or a comprehensive multivitamin can help fill in any gaps in your diet.

If you're searching for a simple and effective supplement to promote healthy nails, consider Vital Earth Minerals. This supplement offers a variety of necessary nutrients, such as biotin, zinc, and other minerals important for nail health. Taking it can help feed your nails from the inside out and lead to healthier, stronger nails.

6. Practice Good Nail Care

Keep your nails healthy by clipping them frequently and filing them with a soft nail file. Don't bite your nails, as this can soften the nail bed and damage the nail. Use a nail buffer that doesn't smooth out your nails too much, as excessive buffing will soften them and make them prone to breaking.

7. Guard Your Nails

Wear gloves when working with harsh chemicals or wet tasks (e.g., washing dishes or gardening). This prevents your nails from weakening due to constant exposure to chemicals and water.

Conclusion

Brittle nails are an everyday problem, but with the proper mindset, you can strengthen them and return them to full health. You can prevent and repair brittle nails by enhancing your diet, applying correct moisturizing habits, and shielding your nails from abrasive chemicals.

Remember that patience is vital—nail strength takes time to develop. If you keep getting brittle nails even after adopting these measures, it's advisable to consult a healthcare practitioner to eliminate any underlying medical condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take for my nails to get stronger?

Nails generally take 3-6 months to grow out fully, so if you have a healthy nail care routine, you should start seeing your nail strength and appearance improve.

Can I use coconut oil for brittle nails?

Yes, coconut oil is a great natural remedy for brittle nails. It helps to hydrate and nourish both the nails and cuticles. For best results, simply massage it into your nails before bedtime.

Are there any foods to avoid for brittle nails?

Stay away from too much processed food, sugar, and unhealthy fats. They will affect not only your overall health but also that of your nails. Eat whole foods with lots of nutrients to see the maximum benefits.