Taking care of our nails is important, especially if we wash our hands more frequently. Sometimes, our nails can become soft or brittle, whether from overwashing, environmental, or even nutritional reasons.
How to Spot Brittle Nails
Brittle nails are pretty easy to spot. They usually show signs of cracking, peeling, splitting, or being thin and fragile in general. If you notice that your nails are starting to look a little worse for wear, that they split easily, or even hurt at times, it may be good to treat them with a nail conditioner or hardener.
Don’t worry; brittle nails usually don’t indicate something serious. However, if you have other symptoms with brittle nails, it may be a sign of psoriasis or liver disease. If you have concerns about your health, please consult your doctor.
What Causes Brittle Nails
There is no singular cause for brittle nails. Let’s examine a few of the common underlying reasons and then find ways to fix them.
Nails are made from the protein keratin produced by your body and composes your hair and parts of your skin. The keratin in your hair and skin is softer and is assembled in fibers, whereas the keratin in your nails is arranged into sheets, like layered pieces of paper. Nails become brittle when something disrupts these keratin sheets’ natural state or formation.
- Continuously wetting and drying your nails can cause the protein to become soft and to peel more easily. If you have a nutritional deficiency, your body won’t create keratin as effectively as possible, which can make your nails weak and brittle.
- One of the most common reasons for weak or brittle nails is the use of strong cleaning agents. Harsh cleaning products can sometimes lead to a slight separation of keratin, weakening the nails. If you paint your nails a little too often, your nail polish remover might be overpowering, which can also cause brittleness.
- An underlying disease, such as psoriasis, kidney disease, or liver disease, can also cause brittle nails. In cases like these, the nails are usually the least of your worries.

How to Treat Brittle Nails
The good news is that treating and strengthening nails can be painless and easy. The not-so-good news is that it may take a few months to see improvements since your nails are some of the slowest-growing parts of your body. It is important to be patient and remember that, even though it may not look like it at first, your nails are hard at work, healing, and strengthening.
To treat your brittle nails, you must first find the underlying cause. There are a few methods you can use to do this.
- if your fingernails are brittle, but your toenails are fine, you can rule out a nutritional deficiency. A nutritional deficiency would affect all of your keratin the same way, so your toenails, hair, and skin would be affected, too.
- If your toenails are ok, then you know to look for external factors. Try to remember if you’ve been washing your hands frequently, swimming, washing dishes or using cleaning products without gloves, painting your nails often, or doing anything else that might affect nail health.
- Once you know what the culprit is, you can mitigate the brittleness by taking preventative measures and limiting the behavior that is causing brittle nails.
- If you think household cleaning products or general scrubbing action is causing your weak nails, consider wearing gloves when you clean.
- If you think your nail polish remover is the cause for your brittle nails, try using lower-intensity alternatives like isopropyl alcohol or vinegar.
- If your toenails or other keratin areas are also affected, then it’s time to start investigating internal causes.
- Has your diet changed substantially in the last few months? If it has, your brittle nails may be caused by a vitamin or mineral deficiency.
Remember, if you have other symptoms in addition to brittle nails or you think you may be ill, see a medical professional.
Protecting your nails is the only way to prevent them from becoming brittle in the future. If you don’t, they will continue to be brittle, even after you treat them with supplements or lotions. Once you’ve taken steps to prevent further damage, you can start healing the damage that has already occurred. There are some ways to do this.
Treatment of Brittle Nails With Sumlab Products
First, if a nutritional deficiency causes your brittle nails, you must ensure you get the right vitamins. Taking calcium and biotin supplements is a great way to improve nail health. Of course, the best treatment is eating a healthy, balanced, and consistent diet.
If you believe external factors cause this condition, one of the best ways to strengthen your nails is to try a lotion or thick cream like Cutemol Emollient Cream, which is great for cuticle health, or DermaNail nail conditioner.
Summers Laboratories offers a wide range of treatments for brittle nails formulated to help heal them and make them look healthier than ever! All of the products offered come with a 100% money-back guarantee. Your nails will look much better if you take care of them regularly, use the right product(s), and have a little patience.
5 Tips for Stronger Nails
Maintaining strong and healthy nails is not just a matter of cosmetics; it’s an integral part of overall health and wellness. Here are five essential tips to strengthen your nails, incorporating the specified keywords for a comprehensive approach:
- Balanced Diet for Nail Health: Your diet plays a pivotal role in the health of your nails. Foods rich in protein, biotin, and vitamins are crucial. Eggs, nuts, and lean meats provide the protein and biotin needed for healthy keratin formation, which is the primary component of nails. Supplements can also be a choice if your diet lacks these nutrients. However, it’s wise to consult a doctor or dermatologist before starting any supplements.
- Proper Moisturization and Care: Keeping your hands and cuticles moisturized is one of the best ways to prevent nail breakage and brittleness. Oils like jojoba or almond oil can provide moisture and strengthen the nail bed and cuticles. Regular manicures (avoiding harsh chemicals) can also help maintain the health and shape of your fingernails. Paying attention to the ingredients in your nail products, especially your nail polish and nail polish remover is vital. Avoid products with acetone, as it can strip moisture from your nails and lead to peeling and breakage.
- Minimize Exposure to Water and Chemicals: Excessive exposure to water and harsh chemicals can weaken your nails. When doing dishes or cleaning with chemical products, wearing rubber gloves can protect your nails and skin from damage. This simple routine change can make a significant difference in maintaining the strength and health of your nails.
- Avoid Damaging Nail Treatments: Acrylics, gel polishes, and certain types of manicures can cause layers of your nails to weaken or break. Experts often advise giving your nails a break from such treatments to prevent damage and brittleness. When using a nail file, opt for a gentle approach to maintain the shape and strength of your nails.
- Consult a Dermatologist for Nail Changes: If you notice any significant changes in your nails, such as persistent ridges, discoloration, or changes in nail shape, it’s important to consult a dermatologist. These changes can sometimes indicate underlying health issues. A dermatologist can provide personalized advice and treatment options based on your body’s specific needs and rights to wellness.