Top Reasons for Brittle Nails and How to Care

Brittle nails are a common issue where nails crack, break, or split easily. They often become weak and thin. This can happen from frequent washing, drying, or using harsh chemicals like cleaning products or nail polish remover. Too much moisture or lack of certain vitamins and minerals in your body can also make nails brittle.

It's more common in women than in men.This may also indicate brittle nails deficiency.

Nutrients for Healthy Nails

Everything from aging to poor nutrition can make your nails dry and thin. Proper diet and supplements can prevent iron deficiency brittle nails and other nutrient gaps. The right care keeps nails strong.

Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.

Get Second Opinion

Brittle Nails Cause

Too much moisture or too little moisture due to external factors is the most likely brittle nails causes.

Too Much Moisture

Brittle and soft nails can also occur when the nails are moist. Excessive moisture, and overexposure to detergents, household cleaners, and nail polish remover can cause these conditions.

Too Little Moisture

When a person's nails are hard and brittle, there is a lack of moisture in them. Washing hands frequently or doing other activities that involve frequent wetting and drying of nails can strip the moisture from the nails.

Aging

As the age of a person increases, the nails will typically become thinner, and the nails naturally decrease in strength, which causes them to break more easily.

Thyroid Disorder

The thyroid disorder can cause nail problems, including brittle nails, because the thyroid is responsible for maintaining a person's metabolism and growing nails. The thyroid disorder also affects the body's absorption of minerals.

Anemia

This condition occurs when a body does not produce enough hemoglobin. Anemia is a protein that takes oxygen from the lungs and spread to the rest of the body. Iron deficiency can also cause anemia.

Environmental Causes

The skin is waterproof but the nails are absorbent and repeatedly washing hands i.e wetting and drying repeatedly can be a cause for brittle nails.

Nutritional Causes

Iron, protein, and calcium deficiency or poor nutrition causes brittle nails. Excess of dietary selenium most commonly found in seafood, organ food can lead to brittle nails.

Signs & Symptoms of Brittle Nails

Low level of thyroid hormone
Aches and pains
Memory problems
Weight gain
Brittle and white spots
Anorexia nervosa
Fatigue
Cracking of nails

Preventing Brittle Nails

Use nail products very frequently
Using nail conditioner regularly
Moisturize nails after washing
Avoid products that contain chemicals

Brittle Nails Treatments

Applying a clear coat of nail products like nail polish to increase nail strength and prevent brittle nails.
Moisturizing the dry nails using a moisturizer on the hands and nails helps to become less brittle.
Wearing gloves while washing the products as dishes and using the chemical products.

Diet & Nutrition

Following the diet helps in strengthening brittle nails:

Taking vitamin supplements and minerals is effective in one-third of all cases and strengthens brittle nails.
Getting high protein in the diet helps to boost keratin protein as the nails are largely made up of keratin, which helps to prevent brittle nails.
Eating rich iron-containing foods such as red meat and seafood and taking iron supplements helps boost nail strength.

Home Remedies for Brittle Nails

Lemon Juice and Olive Oil Soak: Strengthens nails and removes yellow stains.
Beer Soak: Rich in minerals like potassium and selenium that support nail health.
Coconut Oil Massage: Moisturizes nails and improves circulation to prevent dryness.
Apple Cider Vinegar Soak: Strengthens nails with essential minerals and fights infections.
Vitamin E Oil Massage: Keeps nails hydrated and prevents brittleness.
Tea Tree Oil Drops: Treats fungal nail infections naturally.
Lemon Juice Swipe: Brightens nails and helps remove stains.
Egg Yolk and Milk Soak: Provides protein and calcium to strengthen weak nails.
Herbal Nail Mask: Chamomile and peppermint tea blend to nourish and thicken nails.

Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.

Schedule Your Appointment

When To See A Doctor

If there is pain in the nails and shows signs of infection if there is no improvement in 6-8 months or the cracking of nails getting worse, talk to a doctor.

Symptoms of infection: Swelling, skin spots, redness, etc.

Does aging contribute to brittle nails?

Yes, As we get older, our nails grow slower and our bodies make less natural oil, so nails can dry out and break more easily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, cold weather and low humidity during winter can dry out nails and make them more prone to cracking or breaking.

Keep nails moisturized with hand cream, avoid harsh chemicals, wear gloves for chores, and eat a balanced diet rich in biotin, iron, and zinc.

See a doctor if your nails stay brittle despite home care or you notice pain, discoloration, shape changes, or nails lifting—these may signal a health issue.

Yes. Fluctuations during pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid issues can reduce nail moisture and slow growth, leading to brittle nails.

Biotin may help improve nail thickness and strength over time, especially in people with a brittle nails vitamin deficiency, but it doesn't work for everyone.

Use a nail patch or glue, gently file the edges, and apply clear polish to protect it. Moisturize regularly to prevent future breaks.