Brittle nails that chip, peel, or break easily can be more than just annoying – they’re often a sign that your nail care routine needs a little attention. Whether it’s from frequent exposure to water, harsh nail products, or even nutritional gaps, weak nails can leave your hands looking less than their best.
The good news? You don’t need expensive treatments to turn things around. With a few simple habits and the proper care, you can strengthen your nails and bring back their natural shine.
Here’s how to give your nails the boost they deserve.
What Are Brittle Nails and Why Do They Happen?
Brittle Nails refer to a condition where nails easily break, split, peel, or appear to be dull and dry. Some of the common causes of brittle nails are:
- Dehydration or lack of moisture
- Exposure to harsh chemicals, such as detergents or chemical nail polish
- Aging
- Nail biting
- Frequent hand washing or prolonged exposure to water
- Nutritional deficiencies, especially in biotin, zinc, and iron
- Low-quality nail products
- Some medical conditions, such as anemia or thyroid disorder
If your nails break frequently, without a specific reason, you might want to pay extra attention to them or seek professional help.
Effective Ways to Have Strong and Shiny Nails
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Maintain Moisture in Nails and Cuticles
Just like your skin, your nails also need moisture to stay healthy. Cuticle oil, petroleum jelly, or a moisturizing hand cream is very good for your nails, especially if you use it every night before bed.
2. Avoid Prolonged Exposure to Water
Prolonged exposure to water could weaken your nails. Wear gloves when washing dishes or cleaning the house to protect your nails from prolonged exposure to water and chemicals.
3. Do Not Use Products with Harsh Ingredients
Some nail polish and nail polish remover products contain acetone or formaldehyde, which can be very harsh on nails. Opt for non-acetone products by choosing nail polish with “3-Free” or “5-Free” labels, as it means they are free from any harmful chemicals.
4. Trim and Shape Your Nails Correctly
Trim your nails regularly and shape the edge in rounded or oval shapes, as they are more resistant to breakage than sharp or rectangular ones.
5. Don’t Use Your Nails as Tools
Try as much as possible to avoid opening cans, scratching or picking off stickers with your nails.
6. Nutrition from Within the Body
As mentioned previously, nails reflect the condition of your body. Make sure to consume food that contains:
- Iron: Nuts, spinach, red meat
- Biotin: eggs, almonds, salmon
- Vitamins A, C, and E: Help with natural nail growth
If necessary, you may take a biotin supplement or multivitamin at a safe dosage as recommended by your doctor.
7. Give Your Nails a Break
Using nail polish without a break can be one of the causes of your nails turning yellow and becoming brittle.
Let your nails breathe for a few days in a month without using any nail polish to allow them to repair themselves naturally.
8. Use Base and Top Coat
If you are a fan of nail polish, remember to apply a base coat before and a top coat after. The base coat protects your nails from direct staining, while the top coat ensures your nail polish lasts longer and adds shine.
9. Try Natural Treatments at Home
You can use some of the ingredients at home to treat your nails, such as:
- Tea tree oil: Effective for clearing mild nail fungus
- Olive oil: Soak your nails for 10–15 minutes to hydrate them.
- Lemon + baking soda: This mixture can lighten yellowed nails; however, avoid this if you have sensitive skin
10. Get a Safe Manicure Procedure
If you’re getting a manicure at a salon, make sure the equipment used is clean and sterile. Avoid using harsh artificial nails or gels without proper care.
Strong, shiny nails aren’t just about aesthetics; they’re also a sign of a healthy and well-groomed body. By maintaining moisture, choosing the right products, providing adequate nutrition, and not overdoing it with nail polish, you can say goodbye to brittle nails.
