Strong and healthy nails are a true sign of the health of the hands and, in general, of the well-being of the organism. Healthy nails are recognized by a nice pink color, given by the horny scales made of keratin (the protein that hair is also made of), and by a smooth, homogeneous and regular surface [1].
However, many people experience – at various stages of life – a weakening of the nails, caused by various factors and at the root of numerous problems, including excessive fragility and frequent breakages. Those who find themselves in this condition cannot underestimate the problem: in fact, it is not just an aesthetic issue, but also – and above all – a real disorder to be treated, in order to avoid incurring infections, lesions or pathological conditions more serious than a simple broken nail.
In this article, therefore, we will examine the problem of brittle nails from various points of view: we will try to list the main causes of weakened nails and some of the most useful natural remedies for their healing. We will also try to understand the role of nutrition in the process of strengthening and preserving the health of the nail and, finally, we will give some practical advice for maintaining strong and beautiful nails.
Why do nails become weak?
Nails can become weak due to various factors, often concomitant or connected by mutual relationships. A nutritional deficiency, for example, can make the nail more vulnerable to infections, or a trauma exposes the surface of the nail to more serious consequences when it comes into contact with solvents and aggressive detergents, which in turn can hide underlying pathologies. Even stress and an incorrect or too frenetic lifestyle can affect the health of the nails.
When nails appear dull and not very pink, have flaking or split ends, they are certainly suffering from a particularly fragile condition: it is necessary, first of all, to identify the cause of the problem, the first step on the road to strengthening them. Let's try to list the causes of weakened nails in a more accurate way.
- A nail weakens when it is frequently in contact with water, solvents or detergents [2, 3]. If you expose your nail to high humidity for a long time, or if you regularly practice an activity that involves contact with detergents and other liquids (cleaning, laundry, cooking, sports activities such as swimming, etc.), the risk of having more fragile nails is very high. Even when this condition depends on professional reasons, of course, the incidence is very high, especially if at work you come into contact with dehydrating agents and aggressive chemical substances on a daily basis.
- Sometimes the weakening of the nail is, instead, caused by frequent and corrosive aesthetic treatments, such as the removal of semi-permanent nail polish: much depends on the type of product, but when a file or chemical solvents are used to remove the nail polish, the most superficial layer of the nail, the nail plate, is often damaged or thinned [2]. These are operations that should always be carried out by qualified professionals.
- One of the most frequent causes of weakening of the nail is constituted by specific nutritional deficiencies [2]. In fact, nails are one of the first parts of our organism to suffer from nutritional deficiencies: if an essential nutrient is missing (a vitamin, a specific protein or a mineral), the organism tends to distribute its reserves to the vital tissues, in order to guarantee the correct performance of vital functions, neglecting the supply of peripheral areas, including nails, skin and hair. The latter, therefore, become an excellent indicator of vitamin deficiencies such as vitamin B12 and vitamin C.
- More rarely, but not to be underestimated, are the causes linked to specific previous pathologies [3], such as anemia (iron deficiency), eating disorders (bulimia, anorexia nervosa), hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, psoriasis, and so on. Some incorrect behaviors, such as onychophagia, can increase the vulnerability of an already weak nail [3]. Fungi and bacteria, in the same way, can give rise to onychomycosis and create the right environment for the progressive weakening of the nail [3].
- Finally, when a nail suffers trauma – such as a fall or compression – damage to its internal structures can occur, which in turn causes the nail to become more vulnerable, leading to problems such as weakening, flaking or breaking.
It is important to keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list of all possible causes of weakened nails, and that it is always best to consult your doctor if symptoms persist.
Natural remedies to strengthen brittle nails
Once you have identified the cause or causes underlying brittle and flaking nails, you need to find the remedy that best suits the picture. Sometimes it is enough to correct your diet: we have emphasized how a diet rich in nutrients is also essential for the health of your nails, so it is good to make sure you consume ideal doses of proteins, vitamins (such as biotin), mineral salts (such as calcium, zinc and iron) and omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and nuts. The effects will not be immediate, but the benefits will be long-term.
Equally important is good hydration, which must occur both by drinking at least a liter and a half of water a day (but the doses vary based on body size, diet and lifestyle), and by keeping the nails and surrounding skin well hydrated, with moisturizing creams, olive oil or castor oil to massage into the nails and cuticles.
When nails appear fragile, it is also recommended to limit the use of nail polish and acetone, which can weaken nails; if you cannot avoid wearing nail polish, it is necessary to use a protective base and avoid removing the nail polish too frequently. Even carrying out a more delicate manicure can be important to take care of weak nails [4]: it is recommended cut nails straight and not too short, to prevent breakage; for the same reason, it is good to avoid keeping nails too long. Keep in mind that numerous studies have shown how the application of artificial nails can be correlated with a higher incidence in the transmission of some pathogens, regardless of how you provide for hand hygiene: long and pointed nails - whether natural or artificial - can cause the proliferation of bacteria and further weaken the nail plate [4].
It is also essential, at this stage, to pay attention to nail protection, always wearing gloves when working with aggressive detergents or chemical products, or when in contact with water for a long time. To help the nail regain its natural strength, it is also generally recommended to use ointments and lotions based on natural vegetable oils [3], which perform a double action of hydration and softening of the nail, making it more elastic and resistant to trauma and lesions. Zinc or selenium -based supplements can also be recommended by the doctor or pharmacist as these nutrients contribute to the maintenance of normal nails.
What to eat to keep your nails strong
There are several tips for growing strong and healthy nails [5], which can be adopted as a long-term strategy to prevent their weakening.
- First of all, it is best to avoid direct contact with solvents, chemicals and aggressive detergents as much as possible: it is better to use protective plastic gloves.
- It is also recommended to regularly practice a delicate manicure and pedicure: for a more evident effect, you should massage your nails and cuticles to stimulate circulation, after having thoroughly cleaned your nails and moisturized them with suitable creams and gels. It is good practice to regularly make a compress with cotton gloves [2] and natural ingredients that can be found at home, such as shea butter and lemon juice [1]. When cutting your cuticles, it is important to pay particular attention: you should not push them back too much, as they play an important protective role for the nail [1]. You should also avoid using sharp scissors and metal files because they are too aggressive in their abrasion work, and can thin the nail to the point of encouraging the proliferation of bacteria [2].
- If possible, it is best to avoid onychophagia, that is, the habit of biting one's nails [3]: in addition to having a bad effect on the aesthetic beauty of the hand, it can create continuous microtraumas that increase the indirect fragility of the nail [6].
- Give your nails a few months off from semi-permanent polish and gel (between the two, however, the former has a more delicate impact on the nail) [1].
How to take care of your nails daily
There are several tips for growing strong and healthy nails [5], which can be adopted as a long-term strategy to prevent their weakening.
- First of all, it is best to avoid direct contact with solvents, chemicals and aggressive detergents as much as possible: it is better to use protective plastic gloves.
- It is also recommended to regularly practice a delicate manicure and pedicure: for a more evident effect, you should massage your nails and cuticles to stimulate circulation, after having thoroughly cleaned your nails and moisturized them with suitable creams and gels. It is good practice to regularly make a compress with cotton gloves [2] and natural ingredients that can be found at home, such as shea butter and lemon juice [1]. When cutting your cuticles, it is important to pay particular attention: you should not push them back too much, as they play an important protective role for the nail [1]. You should also avoid using sharp scissors and metal files because they are too aggressive in their abrasion work, and can thin the nail to the point of encouraging the proliferation of bacteria [2].
- If possible, it is best to avoid onychophagia, that is, the habit of biting one's nails [3]: in addition to having a bad effect on the aesthetic beauty of the hand, it can create continuous microtraumas that increase the indirect fragility of the nail [6].
- Give your nails a few months off from semi-permanent polish and gel (between the two, however, the former has a more delicate impact on the nail) [1].
Sources
[1] Gruppo San Donato, Nail problems: the signs not to be underestimated, https://www.grupposandonato.it/news/2022/luglio/problemi-unghie-segnali
[2] Blog of dermatologist Antonino Di Pietro, Brittle nails: the main causes and remedies, https://www.antoninodipietro.it/unghie-fragili-cause-e-rimedi
[3] IRCCS HUMANITAS Research Hospital, Brittle Nails, https://www.humanitas.it/sintomi/unghie-fragili/
[4] Istituto Superiore di SanitÃ, Hand Hygiene, https://www.epicentro.iss.it/igiene-mani/informazioni-generali
[5] Swisse, 8 tips to grow strong nails, https://it.swisse.com/blogs/unghie-perfette/8-consigli-per-far-crescere-le-unghie-forti
[6] How to stop biting your fingernails?, Prof. Antonino Di Pietro, https://www.antoninodipietro.it/mangiarsi-le-unghie-delle-mani