Liam Carter
Brittle nails are a common condition, affecting about one in five people. Nails can become brittle due to various factors, including nutritional deficiencies, aging, and exposure to harsh chemicals. Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, anemia, and diabetes, can also contribute to nail brittleness. To prevent and treat brittle nails, it is essential to maintain a consistent nail care routine, including regular moisturizing, wearing gloves during household chores, eating a balanced diet, and limiting nail biting and the use of nail polish and acrylic nails. Additionally, incorporating supplements like biotin and collagen peptides, and ensuring adequate water intake can help strengthen nails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Nutritional deficiencies, chemical exposure, chronic conditions (e.g. hypothyroidism), aging, underlying medical conditions, environmental factors (e.g. cold, dry weather), frequent handwashing, medications |
| Prevention/Treatment | Consistent nail care routine, moisturize regularly, wear gloves for household chores, eat a balanced and nutrient-dense diet, take supplements/multivitamins, limit nail polish use, use nail lotions/oils, seek medical advice if necessary |
| Nail Care Tips | File nails in one direction, avoid coarse files, limit acrylic nails, use nail strengtheners, moisturize after handwashing |
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What You'll Learn
Nutritional deficiencies and underlying conditions
Nutritional deficiencies are a common cause of brittle nails. A diet lacking in crucial vitamins and minerals can affect nail health. For instance, a deficiency in biotin (a B vitamin) can lead to brittle nails. Consuming a nutrient-dense and varied diet, rich in protein, can help strengthen nails. Additionally, taking a multivitamin with minerals and incorporating supplements like collagen peptides can improve nail health.
Underlying medical conditions can also contribute to brittle nails. Thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism, can weaken nails. Anemia, a condition where there isn't enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body, is another condition that can lead to brittle nails. Raynaud's disease, which affects blood flow to the extremities, can also be a factor. Other conditions include psoriasis, eczema, osteoporosis, diabetes, and fungal infections.
Certain medications can also make nails prone to breakage, including retinoids, antiretrovirals, and chemotherapy drugs. If you suspect an underlying medical condition or medication is causing brittle nails, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for advice and a proper diagnosis.
In addition to nutritional deficiencies and underlying conditions, environmental factors, such as frequent hand washing, exposure to harsh chemicals, and cold, dry weather, can contribute to nail brittleness by removing moisture from the nails.
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Exposure to chemicals and frequent hand washing
To prevent this, it is recommended to wear gloves when washing dishes or using cleaning products. This can help prevent further damage and strengthen the nails by preventing the loss of moisture.
Additionally, regular moisturization is key. Applying hand cream or a dedicated nail oil or lotion with alpha-hydroxy acid or lanolin can help to increase moisture and make dry nails less brittle. This can be done during the day or at night and after removing nail polish.
It is also important to note that filing the nail plate or using nail hardeners with formaldehyde can weaken the nails and make them more prone to splitting or peeling. Instead, file nails in one direction and only on the tips to avoid thinning the nail plate.
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Moisturising nails and hands
Brittle nails can be caused by several factors, including ageing, nutritional deficiencies, underlying medical conditions, and damage from household chemicals. Nails can also become brittle due to frequent hand washing, as this can cause a loss of moisture.
To prevent and treat brittle nails, it is important to regularly moisturise your nails and hands. Here are some tips to help you moisturise effectively:
- Use a nail-specific cream that contains vitamin E to strengthen nails and prevent cracking. Vitamin E is found in products like Londontown's Kur Restorative Nail Cream.
- Alternatively, you can use your regular hand cream on your nails. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, mango seed butter, sweet almond oil, and vitamin E. Coconut oil is also an excellent natural moisturiser for your hands and nails.
- Oils tend to absorb better than creams. Opt for products with sunflower oil or Brazil nut oil, which are phospholipids that increase nail flexibility and combat dryness. Jojoba oil is another excellent choice for nail and cuticle care.
- Moisturise your nails and hands regularly, especially after water exposure and before bed.
- Wear gloves when washing dishes or performing household chores to protect your nails and hands from excess water exposure and chemicals.
- Exfoliate your nails before moisturising to remove any dead skin and allow the moisturiser to absorb better.
- Ensure you are drinking enough water throughout the day to help your nails retain moisture and stay strong.
- Eat a nutrient-dense and varied diet, including foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, walnuts, soy, eggs, and seeds.
By following these tips and incorporating moisturising into your nail care routine, you can help prevent and treat brittle nails while improving their appearance and maintaining healthy nails and hands.
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Filing nails and using nail polish
Filing your nails is an important step in nail care. However, filing them in a back-and-forth motion can weaken them. Instead, file your nails in one direction, and be gentle on the sides of your nails as filing too much can make them fragile. It is recommended to use a high-quality etched glass file as they don't dull easily and have fine grit that won't damage your nails. You can also use a normal emery board, ensuring the grit is not too coarse (180 grit or higher for natural nails). Avoid using a metal file on natural nails.
Nail polish can be beneficial in preventing nail breakage. Applying a few layers of polish can make your nails feel stronger and prevent you from peeling your nails when they start to flake. However, frequent use of nail polish can weaken and dry out your nails. To mitigate this, limit your use of nail polish and opt for nontoxic nail polishes. You can also use a base coat to keep your nails protected. If you choose a coloured polish, be aware that if it chips, you'll need to replace it, which can dry out your nails.
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Medical treatments and supplements
While brittle nails are not a major cause for concern, they can indicate underlying health issues. Nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of protein, iron, zinc, vitamin B, or biotin, can cause brittle nails. In such cases, a doctor might recommend supplements to address the deficiency.
If you have anemia or an iron deficiency, you should consider eating iron-rich foods such as red meat, spinach, and lean meats. You can also take iron supplements, but only after consulting your doctor, as these can interfere with certain medications.
Zinc is another important mineral for nail health, as it helps your body produce new nail cells. Nuts, seeds, and whole grains are excellent sources of zinc, but supplements are also available.
Biotin is a nutrient that strengthens keratin, the protein that makes up your nails. Studies have shown that taking biotin supplements can improve nail thickness and reduce breakage. However, there is currently no recommended daily allowance for biotin, and further clinical trials are needed to determine optimal dosing.
Other supplements that may help with nail health include omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, calcium, and vitamin D.
In addition to supplements, there are external treatments such as oils and creams that can help strengthen and protect your nails. Applying heavy hand cream at bedtime and moisturizing during the day can help prevent nails from becoming dry and brittle.
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