Noah Sinclair
Brittle nails can be caused by various factors, including nutritional deficiencies, chemical exposure, and certain medical conditions. While nail hardeners and strengtheners can provide temporary solutions, consistent use is crucial for effective results. Additionally, certain lifestyle changes, such as improving your diet, staying hydrated, and avoiding excessive water exposure, can help strengthen nails and promote their growth. It is also important to be mindful of the potential impact of certain shampoos and manicures on nail health. Consulting a healthcare professional is recommended to address any underlying health issues and determine suitable treatments for brittle nails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Nutritional deficiencies, chemical exposure, aging, chronic conditions, nail biting, exposure to water, shampoo, and sanitizers |
| Remedies | Prescription topical agents, prescription strengtheners, nail lotions and oils, jojoba oil, emu oil, cuticle remover, biotin supplement, drinking water, nutrient-dense diet, and skipping manicures |
| Prevention | Keeping nails short, filing nails in one direction, using acetone-free nail polish remover, wearing gloves when washing dishes or bathing, and limiting gel or acrylic manicures |
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What You'll Learn
Avoid harsh shampoos, nail cosmetics, and manicures
While it might be tempting to cover weak nails with a permanent gel or acrylic manicure, it is best to avoid harsh shampoos, nail cosmetics, and manicures if you want to grow out your brittle nails.
Firstly, if you are using a shampoo that is drying or meant to strip oils, it might be drying out your nails and causing them to become weak and brittle. Try changing your shampoo for a couple of weeks and see if you notice a difference.
Secondly, while nail polish looks nice, your nails need to breathe. Exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) light required for gel polish has been identified as a risk factor for cancer, and it also ages the skin that supports a healthy nail. If you must get a manicure, don't wear gels continuously. Frequent gel or acrylic manicures can cause your nails to peel, weakening them in the process. These manicures also expose your nails to excessive amounts of acetone in the soak required to remove them, which is very drying to the nail. Instead of acetone-based nail polish removers, choose a nail polish remover that is acetone-free.
Thirdly, while over-the-counter nail hardeners can be a short-term solution, consistent and dedicated use is key for successful results. However, for long-term use, it is best to consult a doctor about prescription strengtheners. These contain chemicals that both increase the nail's strength and trap moisture to prevent future brittleness.
Finally, it is important to keep your nails moisturized. Applying an oil at least once daily will nourish your cuticles and help seal your nails. Well-oiled nails help repel water, which is a nail's worst enemy as it swells the cuticle and separates the layers of keratin, causing delamination (peeling).
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Stay hydrated and moisturised
Staying hydrated is essential for nail health. According to Dr. Solomon, "without adequate moisture, nails can become brittle and break or peel easily". Therefore, drinking enough water is crucial for maintaining nail strength and preventing breakage.
However, it is important to note that simply drinking water will not directly lead to more supple nails. Instead, hydration helps your nails retain moisture, keeping them strong and resilient. In addition to hydration, ensuring your nails are well-moisturized is equally vital. This can be achieved through the consistent use of nail lotions and oils, such as jojoba oil, almond oil, or emu oil. Applying these oils at least once daily, and especially after washing your hands, will nourish your cuticles and help seal your nails, preventing water absorption and maintaining nail health.
While water is essential for health, it can be detrimental to your nails if they are not properly protected. Nails can absorb water, which pushes apart the layers of keratin, leading to delamination and peeling. To mitigate this, it is recommended to wear gloves when washing dishes or performing tasks that involve prolonged exposure to water. Additionally, try to keep your hands out of the water while taking a bath, as excessive soaking can weaken your nails over time.
It is also important to be mindful of the products you use on your nails. Frequent gel or acrylic manicures can cause your nails to peel, weaken, and become brittle. The removal process, which often involves acetone, can be very drying. Therefore, it is advisable to give your nails a break between applications and opt for acetone-free nail polish removers.
In summary, staying hydrated and moisturized are crucial steps in maintaining nail health and preventing brittleness. This includes drinking enough water, using nail oils and lotions, and being mindful of water exposure and product usage. By following these steps and incorporating them into your nail care routine, you can help promote stronger and healthier nails.
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Take supplements and eat a nutrient-dense diet
Brittle nails can be caused by various factors, including nutritional deficiencies, ageing, and exposure to certain chemicals. While nail hardeners and strengtheners can provide temporary solutions, addressing the underlying causes is crucial for achieving healthy and strong nails. One critical aspect is maintaining a nutrient-dense diet and incorporating specific supplements.
Firstly, ensure your diet includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods that promote nail health. Nails are primarily composed of a protein called keratin, so consuming adequate protein is essential. Include lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy, beans, and nuts in your diet. Additionally, focus on foods rich in biotin (vitamin B7), as this water-soluble vitamin is crucial for nail growth and strength. Eggs, nuts, seeds, and avocados are excellent sources of biotin.
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies, such as iron deficiency (anaemia) and hypothyroidism, can also contribute to brittle nails. Consider taking daily multivitamin and mineral supplements to ensure you're meeting your nutritional needs. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements, especially if you have specific health concerns or are taking medications.
In addition to supplements, certain lifestyle changes can further enhance nail health. Stay properly hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day. Water helps maintain nail moisture and prevents dryness and brittleness. However, avoid excessive water exposure during activities like dishwashing or bathing, as prolonged soaking can negatively impact your nails. Wear gloves when necessary to protect your nails from water and harsh chemicals.
While dietary adjustments and supplements form the foundation of nourishing your nails from within, remember that external care is also essential. Moisturise your nails and cuticles regularly with natural oils like jojoba oil or almond oil. This helps keep the keratin layers bonded together, preventing peeling and breakage.
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Wear gloves when washing dishes or taking a bath
Water is one of the worst enemies of your nails. Nails can absorb about 1/3 of their weight in water, which pushes apart the layers of keratin and causes delamination (peeling). This makes your nails weak and brittle.
Therefore, it is important to wear gloves when washing dishes or taking a bath to protect your nails from water. Try to keep your hands out of the water when taking a bath. While it is impossible to avoid water, being mindful of your exposure to it can help prevent brittle nails.
You can also apply a good cuticle and nail oil to moisturize your nails and help seal them. Well-oiled nails help repel water. Applying oil at least once a day, or even 2-3 times a day, will nourish your cuticles and help keep your nails strong.
In addition to wearing gloves and moisturizing, addressing any nutritional deficiencies or underlying health conditions that may be causing brittle nails is important. Vitamin deficiencies, such as iron deficiency (anaemia), can lead to brittle nails. Speak to your doctor about any concerns and consider taking a biotin supplement to support nail health.
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Consult a doctor for prescription strengtheners
If you're struggling with brittle nails that just won't grow, it might be time to consult a doctor. They can examine your nails and determine if any underlying health conditions are causing the problem. Sometimes, persistent nail brittleness can indicate more serious issues, such as thyroid problems or nutritional deficiencies. Your doctor can run the necessary tests to check for these and other potential causes. If the issue is indeed related to an underlying health condition, treating that condition will likely improve your nail health, too.
During your appointment, your doctor may also recommend prescription nail strengtheners. These are typically more potent than over-the-counter options and can help promote nail growth and strength. One example is a prescription vitamin or nail cream that contains ingredients like biotin, calcium, or protein. These nutrients are essential for nail health, and sometimes a targeted approach is needed to ensure your body is absorbing and utilizing them effectively.
Topical prescriptions might also be recommended, such as a nail lacquer or nail hardener. These products can protect your nails from the environment and help them retain moisture, which is key to preventing brittleness. In some cases, your doctor may even suggest a custom-made nail product tailored to your specific needs, ensuring that you're getting the right combination of ingredients to support healthy nail growth.
It's important to follow your doctor's instructions when using prescription strengtheners. They may advise you to apply the product a certain number of times per day or week and provide guidance on how to properly care for your nails during the treatment process. Regular follow-up appointments may also be recommended to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. Remember, everyone's nail health journey is unique, so working closely with your doctor can help ensure you're giving your nails the support they need.
Lastly, don't be afraid to ask your doctor any questions or share any concerns you may have. Understanding the reasons behind your nail issues and the treatment plan can help ease any anxieties and empower you to take an active role in improving your nail health. With their expertise and your dedication to following the prescribed treatment plan, you'll be well on your way to achieving stronger, healthier nails.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to help strengthen brittle nails at home. Firstly, staying hydrated is essential for nail health, so drinking enough water is key. You can also try moisturising your nails with a good cuticle and nail oil, such as jojoba oil or almond oil, to help seal your nails and keep the layers of keratin bonded together. Additionally, consider taking a biotin supplement, as biotin is said to improve nail growth.
If you regularly get gel manicures, consider skipping them for a while, as the UV light required for gel polish has been identified as a risk factor for cancer and can age the skin that supports a healthy nail. Frequent gel manicures can also cause your nails to peel, weakening them. If you must get them, be sure to give your nails a break in between applications. It is also recommended to use nail polish remover that is acetone-free, as acetone can cause dryness, peeling, splitting, and white marks.
If your nails are brittle due to an underlying health issue, it is important to address the root cause. There are specific conditions, such as iron deficiency (anaemia), hypothyroidism, psoriasis, and Raynaud's Syndrome, that can affect nail strength. If your nails are not responding to at-home remedies, consider seeing a board-certified dermatologist, who can advise on any underlying issues and recommend prescription nail strengtheners if necessary.
