Brittle Nails: Reasons For It And How To Strengthen

BySabrina Cooklin
Brittle nail

Have you ever noticed your nails breaking easier than a twig? If the answer is yes, the issue here is brittle nails. Don’t fret – you are not alone. People usually face this nail condition, nail brittleness, due to various factors, including genetics, aging, and certain medical conditions.

Fortunately, there are some easy and effective steps to help strengthen your nails and reduce weakness. Here, we will be breaking down the causes of weak, fragile nails and giving you the lowdown on giving them some love and making them stronger than ever. So let’s get to it.

Table Of Contents

Brittle Nails: Causes

Brittle Nails – What are the reasons behind your weak and fragile tips? Let’s take a deep look at the major culprits behind this condition.

  • Aging: As we get older, our nails naturally become drier and weaker.
  • Genetics: Just like hair and eye color, the texture and strength of your nails can be inherited.
  • Exposure To Harsh Chemicals: Frequent use of nail polish, polish removers, and other chemicals can strip the nails of their natural oils, making them crumbly.
  • Overuse Of Acrylic Nails: Artificial nails can weaken and damage your natural nails, leading to weak nails.
  • Health Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid problems, Reynaud’s syndrome, and anemia, can lead to nail fragility.
  • Nutritional Deficiency: Biotin, iron, protein, vitamin C, and zinc deficiency can cause cracking fingernails.
  • Moisture Loss: Cold and dry weather and frequent hand washing can cause nails to lose moisture, leading to brittleness.

By understanding the causes, you can work on finding a solution that works best for you and your nails.

What Vitamins Are Good For Brittle Nails?

If you want to boost your weak nails, vitamins can be a solid place to start. Brittle nails can be a real bummer, but don’t worry; some vitamins can help. Let’s dive into the vitamins you should focus on when dealing with easily-breakable nails.

  • Biotin: Biotin or vitamin H is one of the key vitamins for promoting healthy and strong nails.
  • Vitamin B5: Vitamin B5, also known as pantothenic acid, is all about cell metabolism and stress reduction. If stress is the major cause of your fragile and cracking nails, adding vitamin B5 to your regimen can help keep your nails healthy.
  • Vitamin C: Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, helps keep your nails strong. It also helps your body produce collagen, a key component in keeping your nails flexible.
  • Vitamin D: Vitamin D helps with calcium absorption, which is necessary for nail growth. Vitamin D deficiency may lead to delicate and weak nails.
  • Vitamin E: Vitamin E is known for its moisturizing and antioxidant properties that can benefit brittle nails. This vitamin can also nourish and protect your nails from damage, promoting their growth and strength.

Sometimes, taking too many vitamins may become harmful to your health and nails. So, it is essential to speak with your doctor before starting any supplement regimen. Know the right dosage for your specific needs and ensure that it won’t create any potential interactions with the medicines you are taking.

How Do You Strengthen Brittle Fingernails?

To toughen up your brittle fingernails, check out these tips:

  • Keep Them Moisturized: Dry nails can lead to breakage, so keeping them hydrated is the key. Use a moisturizing cream or oil for your nails and cuticles, and steer clear of harsh chemicals and soaps that can strip your nails of their natural oils.
  • Eat A Healthy Diet: A balanced diet with vitamins and minerals is important for nail health. Include biotin, vitamins C and D, calcium, zinc, and iron to improve the strength and quality of your nails.
  • Say No To Nail Biting: Biting your nails can weaken and damage them, so best to ditch this habit.
  • Gloves On: Put on gloves when doing household chores or handling chemicals to protect your nails from damage.
  • Limit Harsh Chemical Exposure: Avoid exposing your nails to harsh chemicals, like cleaning products and nail polish removers, as much as possible. If you want to use these products, wear gloves or a moisturizing cream or oil to counteract the drying effects.
  • Reduce Nail Treatments: Overusing artificial nails, gels, and acrylics can weaken your natural nails. Give your nails a break, and don’t overdo it.

Keep these points in mind and take care of your nails – they’ll thank you for it!

Sometimes, brittle nails indicate health conditions, like a thyroid problem or fungal infection. So, if these tips don’t help and your nails are still weak, talk to a doctor to find out the internal cause and get the right treatment plan.

How Can You Fix Brittle Nails Naturally?

We have got some natural options for fixing brittle nails. These ingredients can be found in most grocery stores and used as a cost-effective way to improve your nail’s health.

Let’s take a look at some ingredients.

  • Olive Oil: Olive oil is a natural moisturizer that can help strengthen and improve the health of your nails. Just massage a little olive oil into your nails and cuticles daily to hydrate and strengthen them.
  • Eggs: Eggs are a good source of biotin, which is crucial for nail health. Mix an egg yolk with olive oil and slather it on your nails for 10 minutes for a strengthening treatment.
  • Avocado: Avocados are loaded with vitamins and minerals important for nail health. Mash up an avocado and add a few drops of olive oil to it to create a nourishing treatment for your nails.
  • Milk: Milk, a rich source of calcium, is a great option for treating your unhealthy nails. Soak your nails in warm milk for 10 minutes to help toughen them.
  • Lemon: Lemons are high in vitamin C and can help improve the durability and quality of your nails. Soak your nails in lemon juice for 10 minutes to help strengthen them.
  • Honey: Honey, a natural moisturizer, helps improve the health and strength of your nails. Mix honey with warm water and soak your nails for 10 minutes.

Give Your Fragile Nails Love And Care

Brittle nails are not a permanent condition. With a little care, you can get them back to tip-top shape. Remember, hydration is key whether drinking plenty of H2O or using a moisturizing treatment. And when it comes to nail polish, take breaks from the heavy-duty chemicals and opt for gentler formulas.

With these tips, you’ll be rocking strong, healthy nails in no time! So go forth and show off your mani with pride!

FAQs

Q: Can brittle nails be a symptom of any major health issue?

A: Yes, they can be a symptom of a larger health issue such as thyroid disease, anemia, or psoriasis.

Q: Is it possible for brittle nails to become normal again?

A: Yes, you can turn them normal with proper care and treatment. Improving your overall health and utilizing natural treatments can help improve the structure of your nails.

References

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