Why your nails are brittle and dry: The surprising causes and how to fix them ahead of winter

Struggling with dry, brittle nails? Discover what could be causing them and how to fix the problem – both inside and out

Words: Lily Smith | Images: Shutterstock & various brands

Flaking, peeling and splitting nails is a common problem for many – and yet, most of us are not sure where to start when it comes to taking proper care of our nails. Various diet, lifestyle and beauty factors can contribute to lacklustre nails, from getting regular gel manicures to not including enough protein or fatty acids in your diet. And with nails naturally becoming thinner, weaker and more prone to breakages as you age, it’s particularly important to give your nails some extra love in midlife.

On the surface

Brittleness can be caused by a range of internal and external factors, from dietary gaps and dehydration to frequent exposure to water and harsh chemicals – for example, when washing up or cleaning without rubber gloves. Environmental factors such as the weather can also play a significant role. ‘Cold weather and low humidity strip nails of their natural oils, leaving them rigid and prone to splitting,’ explains Lynn Mason, nail expert at Mavala (mavala.co.uk). ‘On the other hand, over-exposure to the sun can weaken keratin – the protein that gives nails their strength.’

Another key cause of weak and brittle nails is regularly using conventional nail polishes, gels and false nails. While adorning your fingertips allows for beautiful-looking nails on the surface, the ingredients found in many conventional products are notorious for damaging the nail plate and cuticle beneath.

‘Your nails are more than just a beauty detail – they reflect how well you’re looking after yourself,’ comment the nail experts at health and wellness booking platform, Fresha (fresha.com). ‘Small changes in routine, like hydrating your cuticles or protecting your hands from chemicals, can make a big difference in keeping them strong and healthy.’

Strength from within

Alongside the external factors, your nail health is also largely determined by your diet, with brittle nails often being a sign you’re missing out on essential nutrients. ‘Nail cells, known as keratinocytes, are among the fastest-growing cells in the body and rely on a steady supply of key nutrients to support healthy growth,’ explains Lola Biggs, registered dietitian at Together Health (togetherhealth.co.uk).

‘When levels of these nutrients are low, nail growth can slow and the nail matrix – which forms both the nail plate and nail bed – may become weaker,’ Lola continues.

To give your nails a boost from the inside out, Lola recommends focusing on improving the nutrient density of your diet through whole foods, quality proteins and healthy fats. Key nutrients to focus on include B vitamins, particularly vitamins B7 (biotin) and B12, along with vitamins A and C, zinc, iron and magnesium.

Alongside altering your diet, certain supplements can also offer a helping hand on your journey towards stronger nails. ‘When choosing a supplement, look for a well-balanced complex containing key vitamins and minerals linked to healthy nail growth,’ Lola recommends.

‘It’s also worth considering a few targeted ingredients that can be harder to obtain consistently through diet alone, such as hyaluronic acid, which can support nail flexibility and reduce brittleness, and natural silica which supports collagen and elastin production, while also aiding calcium absorption.’

Collagen is another key supplement to consider if your nails are feeling weak and brittle. ‘Collagen contains the essential amino acids needed to support keratin production, which is the protein your nails are made of,’ explains Dr Dave Reilly, senior scientist at Absolute Collagen (absolutecollagen.com).

‘The body naturally produces collagen but from the age of 25 that gradually declines. So, adding a collagen supplement to your daily routine can help give an added boost to your nails.’

Your new nailcare routine

Adding the following steps into your beauty routine can help to heal brittle nails and prevent future breakages.

Protect your hands

Regular exposure to environmental stress, harsh chemicals and excessive water can contribute to dryness and breakage. ‘Wearing gloves during household chores will shield nails,’ Lynn says. ‘It’s also wise to limit how often nails are soaked, as the repeated cycle of swelling and drying can weaken their structure over time.’

Choose kinder products

Many conventional nail products contain ingredients that weaken the nail plate and cause dryness over time. If you love having painted nails, try using a fortifying base coat to add a protective barrier or swapping to gentler products: opt for brands with at least “9-Free” on the packaging (up to “21-Free”), which means the products are free from the most common harmful chemicals, including formaldehyde, toluene and parabens.

Moisturise your nails

‘One of the best ways to promote strong nails is by regularly applying a cuticle oil or nail cream and massaging it into the base of the nail. Nourishing this area supports healthy nail cell growth and encourages proper keratinisation, helping to form stronger, more resilient nails,’ explains Lynn.

3 nailcare products to try

Mavala Nailactan Nail Cream

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OPI Nail Envy

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Castle Apothecary Scotland Gardener’s Nail & Cuticle Oil

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Eat to beat brittleness

Dr Dave Reilly, senior scientist at Absolute Collagen, shares his top five foods for healthy nails.

Eggs

They are packed with protein, which supports nail plate structure, and biotin, which fuels keratin production, strengthening your nails and boosting growth.

Salmon

Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein to promote growth, fatty fish such as salmon is excellent for keeping nails moisturised and healthy from within.

Spinach 

Rated as a superfood, spinach is full of iron, folate, and vitamins A and C, which are all helpful in preventing nail breakages.

Nuts

Rich in fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium and zinc, the nutrients in nuts help to nourish nail beds and promote growth.

Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, which your body converts to vitamin A. This helps with cell turnover and prevents
nail dryness while also improving skin texture.

3 of the best… supplements for strong nails

Absolute Collagen

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Together Health Beautiful Hair, Skin & Nail Capsules

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Arella Collagen

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