Caleb Foster
Soft, brittle nails are unhealthy nails that can be caused by a variety of factors, including overexposure to moisture or chemicals, vitamin deficiencies, and repeated wetting and drying of the fingernails. To address this issue, it is important to identify the underlying cause and take the necessary steps to strengthen and nourish your nails. This may involve making changes to your diet, incorporating supplements, and adopting proper nail care techniques. In this article, we will explore the common causes of soft fingernails and provide comprehensive solutions to help you achieve strong and healthy nails.
Characteristics and their Values to deal with soft finger nails
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | External trauma to the nail, vitamin B8 (biotin), B12 or C deficiency, iron, zinc or magnesium deficiency, overexposure to moisture or chemicals |
| Solutions | Use a treatment base coat enriched with AHAs, use lotions with alpha hydroxy acids or lanolin, wear gloves while washing dishes, moisturize nails with hand cream, file nails in one direction, take biotin supplements, drink water, eat a nutrient-dense and high-protein diet, use nail oils, see a dermatologist |
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What You'll Learn
Soft nails can be caused by overexposure to moisture or chemicals
Soft nails are fragile and unhealthy nails that need special care. They can be caused by overexposure to moisture or chemicals. Household chores and certain chemicals can harm your nails or dry them out. This includes chemicals such as acetone (nail polish remover), acetonitrile (fingernail glue remover), butyl acetate (nail polish and nail polish remover), and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) (nail polish). Long-term exposure to these chemicals can cause serious health issues, including nausea, dizziness, and irritated eyes, skin, nose, mouth, and throat. Nail salon workers are particularly at risk of overexposure to chemicals, as they work with these products daily and often in spaces with poor ventilation.
To protect your nails from moisture and chemicals, it is recommended to wear gloves when doing household chores or handling chemicals. It is also advised to avoid washing your hands too frequently and to use an acetone-free nail polish remover.
In addition to external factors, soft nails can also be caused by internal factors such as vitamin deficiencies and chronic conditions. Dr. Sara Norris, a naturopathic doctor, explains that "brittle, weak, and peeling nails are...more often the result of a poor diet than of systemic disease." An unbalanced diet can lead to deficiencies in vitamin A, vitamin B8, iron, zinc, and magnesium, which are all necessary for producing keratin, the protein that makes up the layers of the nail.
To address soft nails caused by internal factors, it is recommended to adopt a balanced diet rich in nutrients and proteins. Taking biotin supplements and consuming iron-rich foods can also help strengthen nails. Additionally, moisturizing your nails daily with natural products suitable for your nail type can help nourish and protect them.
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Vitamin B8 (biotin), B12 or C deficiencies can lead to soft nails
Soft nails can be a sign of vitamin B8 (biotin), B12, or vitamin C deficiency. Vitamin B8, also known as biotin, is one of the B vitamins that the body needs to consume daily as it is water-soluble and not stored by the body. Biotin is essential for overall nail health, and its deficiency can lead to soft and brittle nails. Vitamin B12 is another crucial vitamin for nail health, and its insufficiency can cause changes in nail structure, making nails more prone to splitting, cracking, and peeling. Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in cell division and growth, including nail development.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can also lead to reduced red blood cell production, resulting in anemia. Anemia can cause pale or yellowish discoloration of the nails and, in severe cases, bluish nails due to reduced tissue oxygenation. While vitamin B12 deficiency can affect nail health, it is important to note that nail health is influenced by various factors, including genetics, age, hormonal factors, and overall health. Correcting vitamin B12 deficiency through supplementation or dietary changes may improve overall nail health but may not significantly increase nail growth beyond an individual's normal rate.
Vitamin C is also essential for nail health, as it helps in the production of collagen, which provides structure and strength to nails. A deficiency in vitamin C can lead to soft, brittle nails that break easily. It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional or a dermatologist if you notice persistent nail problems, especially if you have tried various remedies without success. They can assess your nails, ask about your overall health and routine, and prescribe prescription-strength nail treatments if necessary.
Additionally, maintaining proper nail care practices, such as avoiding using your nails as tools, filing them gently in one direction, and moisturizing them regularly, can help keep your nails strong and healthy.
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Iron, zinc or magnesium deficiencies may also be the cause
Soft nails can break easily or bend before snapping. They might be caused by overexposure to moisture or chemicals such as detergent, cleaning fluids, nail treatments, and nail polish or polish remover. Weak nails might also be associated with a deficiency in iron, zinc, or magnesium.
Iron deficiency can cause spoon nails, where the nail appears concave either horizontally or vertically. Spoon nails can affect both the fingernails and toenails. If you observe spoon nails, it is recommended that you see a doctor as this condition may be associated with other conditions such as inflammatory skin diseases like psoriasis, hypo- or hyperthyroidism, or autoimmune disorders.
Zinc is an essential nutrient that can contribute to hair, skin, and nail health. A zinc deficiency, which may be due to a lack of zinc in the diet or an underlying medical condition, can cause nail dystrophy, or the discoloration and distortion of a person's nails. This can include brittle nails, thin nails that break very easily, and lines appearing on the nail. In extreme cases, a person may lose their nails completely.
Magnesium is another essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in nail health. A deficiency in magnesium can lead to soft and brittle nails. Including magnesium-rich foods in your diet or taking magnesium supplements can help improve nail health and overall well-being.
If you suspect that your soft nails are due to a deficiency in iron, zinc, or magnesium, it is recommended that you consult a healthcare professional. They can assess your symptoms, rule out other potential causes, and provide guidance on the appropriate course of action. This may include recommending dietary changes, suggesting specific supplements, or prescribing treatment options to address the underlying deficiency.
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Try using nail hardeners to strengthen your nails
If you have soft or brittle nails, you may want to try using nail hardeners to strengthen them. Nail strengtheners can help fortify cuticles and harden nails, protecting them from peeling and breaking with regular use over time.
There are two main types of nail strengtheners: hardeners and treatments. Hardeners create a protective barrier on the nail itself, while treatments nourish the nail from the inside out.
When selecting a nail strengthener, it is recommended to avoid formaldehyde. While formaldehyde will initially harden nails, over time, the nail becomes paradoxically brittle, and formaldehyde can also cause severe allergic reactions. Instead, look for ingredients like calcium, nylon, and sulfhydryl protein, which can crosslink keratin without having toxic and detrimental effects on your nails. Wheat protein and keratin are two common and effective options, and biotin is another tried-and-true nail-enhancing ingredient proven to promote healthy nail growth.
There are many nail hardeners on the market that can help strengthen your nails. For example, Londontown's Nail Hardener and Base Coat is a hardening polish made with rapeseed oil, vitamin A, vitamin E, and biotin, which leaves nails hydrated and nourished. It can also be used as a base coat under your regular nail polish. Another option is the Nailtiques Nail Protein Formula 2, which contains keratin, gelatin, and calcium. It can be used as a base or top coat and provides a subtle shine to your nails while improving their texture and strength. If you're looking for a cheaper option, the CND Nail Strengthener RXx Daily Keratin Treatment is an affordable Amazon find. This nail-strengthening polish contains keratin and jojoba oil to support nail bed health and promote more flexibility, resulting in less breakage.
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Apply moisturising lotions or oils to your nails and cuticles
Keeping your nails and cuticles moisturised is essential for maintaining nail health. Dry and splitting nails can be treated in the same way as dry and chapped skin. This means using a moisturiser to trap water. Creams, oils, and ointments are all effective at moisturising nails.
You can use a variety of products to moisturise your nails and cuticles, including:
- Cuticle oil: This is a moisturising product specifically designed for your nails and cuticles. It is typically made from vegetable oils and may contain vitamins and citric acid. Cuticle oil can help restore your nails and cuticles to health by moisturising them and protecting them from trauma.
- Hand cream: You can use a regular hand cream to moisturise your nails and cuticles. Look for creams that contain hydrating ingredients like shea butter, glycerin, glycolic acid, phospholipids, or natural oils such as jojoba oil or avocado oil.
- Bag Balm: This product contains wool alcohol (lanolin) and is recommended by doctors for treating dry and splitting nails.
- Vitamin E: You can rub vitamin E into your cuticles to keep them moisturised.
It is best to apply moisturisers to your nails and cuticles immediately after water exposure, such as after washing your hands or taking a shower. Applying moisturisers to dry nails may not be as effective. You can also wear cotton gloves at night to keep the product in place and prevent it from rubbing off.
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Frequently asked questions
Soft fingernails can be a sign of an unhealthy nail. The layers of keratin that form the nail may have deteriorated, causing weakness and easy breakage or splitting.
Soft fingernails can be a sign of a deficiency in vitamin B8 (biotin), B12 or C, as well as a deficiency in iron, zinc or magnesium. Taking a multivitamin or a hair, skin and nails supplement with nutrients like vitamin B, folic acid, calcium and biotin can help.
Natural remedies include soaking your hands in natural oils such as coconut, argan or olive oil mixed with tea tree or vitamin E oil. You can also try moisturising your nails with hand cream or cuticle oil.
Avoid using your nails as tools, as this can lead to breakage and chipping. Wear gloves when washing dishes or doing other water-heavy tasks to prevent repeated wetting and drying of the nails.
If you have tried various remedies and have not noticed any improvement in your nails after 3-6 months, it is recommended that you see a doctor or dermatologist to determine if there is an underlying issue.
