It’s frustrating to have thin and brittle nails. What causes nails to become brittle, and how to transform them into strong and healthy ones? We have listed possible causes for dry, soft, and unhealthy nails and how to make them beautiful again.
Nails are made of layers of keratin and their job is to protect your fingers and toes. Fingernails grow an average of 3.5 millimeters per month.
If your nails are hard and fragile, it’s because of a lack of moisture. When nails are soft and brittle, they get too much moisture. If only the fingernails are split, and the toenails are strong, it probably is caused by nutrition or an external factor rather than disease.
Possible causes of brittle nails
- A poor diet when not getting all the vitamins and minerals that you need.
- Artificial nails can do a lot of damage to your own nails.
- Acetone-based nail polish removers.
- Using nails to open cans etc.
- Exposure to chemicals.
- Soaking in the water too much can make nails soft and easy to peel.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Fungal infection. Causes cracking and thickening of the nails and nails can have discolouring.
- Aging often causes fingernails to be thin and brittle.
- Cancer treatments.
- Raynaud’s syndrome.
- Low thyroid levels.
- Psoriasis.
- Anemia can make nails brittle.
- Biting or picking the nails.
How to strengthen the nails
- Make sure you eat enough protein.
- Keep the nails short.
- File nails regularly with a quality fine-grated nail file. File only in one direction.
- Use cotton-lined rubber gloves when working with water.
- Use good quality strengthening nail polish.
- Measure your iron and calcium levels.
- Hydrate your hands and nails with lanolin-based lotion.
- Try biotin and collagen supplements.
- Make sure you get enough vitamin C and eat berries.
- Make sure you get enough vitamin B12 and eat meat, eggs, dairy, and nutritional yeast.
- Use acetone-free nail polish remover.
Remember that getting better requires continuous care, and transformation can take a while. Be patient and consistent.
Read our guide for healthy hair.