Do your nails break easily, peel at the tips, or feel too soft to grow long? If so, you might be dealing with a condition called onychoschizia—a common term used by dermatologists to describe fragile, splitting, or peeling nails.

Brittle nails affect both fingernails and toenails and are especially common in women. While often harmless, they can be a sign of underlying nutritional, environmental, or medical issues. Understanding what’s weakening your nails is the first step to restoring their strength and health.

 

What Causes Brittle Nails?

Several factors can contribute to nail fragility. These include:

1. Physical or Chemical Trauma

Everyday habits can damage the nail plate and strip its protective layers:

• Using nails as tools to open containers or scratch surfaces
• Frequent wetting and drying of hands (e.g., hand washing or cleaning)
• Extreme temperatures—cold weather or dry indoor heat
• Repeated exposure to chemicals like cement, detergents, nail polish removers, nail hardeners, hand sanitizers, acids, and alkalis

These factors can degrade the natural cement between nail cells, making them dry and weak.

2. Overzealous Manicures or Pedicures

Aggressive filing, clipping, or cuticle removal during salon treatments can weaken the nail and make it more prone to infections and breakage.

3. Nutritional Deficiencies

Nails are composed primarily of keratin, a protein. Inadequate intake of:

• Protein
• Biotin (vitamin B7)
• Iron, zinc, and vitamins C, D, and E

can impair nail structure. Despite popular belief, calcium deficiency does not cause brittle nails or white spots.

4. Underlying Medical Conditions

Health issues that can lead to brittle nails include:

• Anaemia
• Thyroid disorders
• Diabetes
• Poor circulation (e.g., during pregnancy)
• Skin conditions such as psoriasis, lichen planus, and alopecia areata

5. Genetic Predisposition

If your parents have always had fragile nails, you may have inherited the tendency. Genetic forms often start early and are usually symmetrical.

6. Ageing

As we age, the moisture content of nails and skin declines, leading to increased dryness and brittleness.

 

Solution

Improving nail health involves a combination of lifestyle changes, protective care, and good nutrition.

1. Balanced Nutrition

Ensure your diet includes:

• High-quality protein sources (e.g., eggs, lentils, dairy)

• Iron, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E

• Biotin-rich foods like eggs, almonds, spinach, and sweet potatoes

  Though biotin supplements are sometimes used, their role in nail strengthening remains debatable and should be guided by your doctor.

2. Daily Nail Care

• Soak dry nails in lukewarm water for 5 minutes daily, then apply moisturizer or coconut oil on nails and cuticles.

• Use gloves while cleaning, gardening, or washing dishes.

• Trim nails regularly to reduce breakage risk.

• Avoid frequent use of nail polish removers and alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

• Wear comfortable shoes with room for toe movement to protect toenails.

• Use a nail file to smooth out minor splits and prevent them from worsening.

3. Protective Nail Lacquers

Some nail-strengthening products contain natural extracts that may help restore thickness and resilience. However, clinical data supporting their effectiveness is still limited.

 

When to See a Dermatologist

Consult a dermatologist if:

• Your nails remain brittle despite following proper care routines.

• You also experience symptoms like hair fall, fatigue, or pallor, which may suggest anaemia or other systemic conditions.

• You notice additional nail changes, such as discoloration, pitting, thickening, roughness, or signs of infection.

Final Thoughts

Brittle nails are often a cosmetic concern, but they may signal something deeper. With the right care, diet, and medical evaluation where necessary, most people can restore nail strength and appearance over time.

If you’re unsure about the cause of your brittle nails, a dermatologist can help identify the underlying issue and offer a targeted treatment plan.