Possible Causes of Brittle Nails & How to Fix Them

Fingernails and toenails are made up of protein keratin layers. They serve as a protective barrier for the tips of your fingers and toes. Keratin, which can also be found in the hair and skin cells, serves as a nail strengthener and protector.

While it is not unusual for nails to break, peel, or crack, certain factors can cause weak nails or brittle nails, also known as onychoschizia.

Ridged and split fingernails, or brittle nails, are more common in women than men and can be due to a variety of factors ranging from the weather, vitamin deficiencies, or serious diseases. Continue reading to learn more about the causes of brittle nails and how to strengthen nails naturally.

What causes brittle nails?

Onychoschizia can be classified as having nails that are either dry and brittle or soft and brittle, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology (AOCD).

Nails often become dry and brittle in dry environments where there is too little moisture in the air. The cold winter months with low humidity can often affect nail health. However, the most common cause of brittle nails is too much moisture from excessive hand washing and drying.

Nail problems can often occur after prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals, such as nail polish, nail polish remover, detergents, and household cleaning products.

These external factors are the most common cause of unwanted nail changes. However, there are other potential causes that could be to blame. Below are the possible health conditions and other factors that can contribute to brittle nails.

Raynaud's syndrome

Raynaud’s syndrome is a condition that causes an exaggerated response to the cold or to emotional stress. It causes circulation problems in the fingers, toes, and other extremities that can have adverse effects on nail health. The affected skin and nail plate can turn blue or white from a lack of oxygen. Your doctor might recommend calcium channel blockers like amlodipine or nifedipine or other medications like losartan, fluoxetine, or sildenafil as alternatives.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism, or a thyroid slowdown, can have many adverse effects. In addition to brittle nails, a deficiency in the thyroid hormone can result in hair loss, fatigue, weight gain, constipation, depression, and dry skin. Your thyroid problems can be treated with certain medications, including levothyroxine, a synthetic thyroid hormone that is taken orally and administered by your doctor.

Iron deficiency

Anemia (iron deficiency) develops when the body does not receive enough iron to form hemoglobin in red blood cells, which is what carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Certain cancer treatments, like chemotherapy, can cause anemia.

To diagnose anemia, your doctor will conduct a blood test to measure your ferritin levels. Ferritin is a protein that stores iron inside your cells. If it’s determined that you do not have enough protein in your blood, they may recommend that you take iron supplements or eat a healthy diet of iron-rich foods, such as red meat.

Age

It's common for fingernails to become brittle and thin as we age. However, toenails typically thicken with age as the growth rate of the nail plate slows.

How to improve nail health

Natural nail changes that occur as a result of aging cannot be prevented. However, you can take measures to help you maintain healthy nails and lessen the likelihood that your nails will split, crack, or become brittle over time. The following tips will help you strengthen brittle nails.

Protect your hands

While doing household chores that require the use of cleaning fluids, wear gloves to protect your skin and nails. Rubber gloves are specifically useful in protecting your hands and fingernails from the harsh chemicals commonly used for cleaning.
Avoid prolonged exposure to cold, dry environments. Wear gloves whenever you go outside in winter to protect your nails and hands.

Use a moisturizer

Regularly use hand moisturizers or nail conditioners that contain lanolin or alpha-hydroxy acids.
Apply lotion after each time you wash your hands to avoid dry skin. Make sure to apply it directly onto your nails and the surrounding skin.
Apply lotion to your hands, feet, and nails before bed to prevent brittle splitting nails while sleeping.

Care for your nails

Keeping your nails trimmed will reduce the surface area exposed to moisture or other harmful substances.
File your nails daily with a fine emery board to smooth out any irregularities and prevent split fingernails.
Refrain from picking at or biting your nail cuticles. You can use a metal instrument to push the cuticle back. Avoid applying the instrument directly to the nail, as this can cause damage to the nail.
Apply nail polish in the same direction that your nails grow.
Try using a nail hardener or nylon fibers to strengthen brittle nails.
When taking off nail polish, avoid acetone-based removers, as these can cause your skin and nails to become dry, brittle, and cracked.

When to consult a doctor

Talk to your primary care provider about the potential benefits of taking supplements for nails, such as biotin. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology (AOCD) reports that taking oral biotin supplements can prevent nail splitting and breakage.

A 2007 study suggests taking 2.5 milligrams of biotin supplements every day can improve nail health.

How quickly do nails grow?

According to research that was conducted in 2010, an adult's fingernail grows 3.47 millimeters (mm) each month on average. Toenails grow at a rate of only 1.62 millimeters per month on average.

In general, it takes about six months for an adult's fingernails to grow out completely, while it takes about twelve months for toenails to do the same.

By following the steps outlined above, you can start to see brittle nails become healthier and stronger in just a few months.

Bottom line

As explained, brittle nails are categorized as either dry and brittle from too little moisture or soft and brittle from too much moisture. However, brittle nails occur in both instances.

If your brittle nails are a result of an external factor such as exposure to cleaning products or cold weather, try home remedies like wearing gloves, applying hand lotion, and keeping your nails trimmed to strengthen your weak nails.

Brittle nails are not necessarily a sign of a serious underlying condition, but when combined with other symptoms, brittle nails could indicate an iron deficiency, hypothyroidism, circulation problems, or other health conditions. If you have concerns, it is important to seek the advice of a medical professional.

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