Sometimes, brittle nails are simply the result of frequent handwashing, prolonged exposure to water, cleaning products, nail polish, or physical trauma. In other cases, changes in the nails can be associated with nutrition, aging, skin conditions, hormonal changes, or certain medical problems.
The appearance of your nails can provide useful clues—but brittle nails alone cannot tell you exactly what’s wrong.
Here are some common possibilities.
1. Your Nails May Be Getting Too Much Water and Chemicals
Repeated wetting and drying can weaken the nail structure.
People who frequently wash dishes, clean, swim, or wash their hands may notice more splitting or peeling.
Cleaning products, solvents, acetone-based nail-polish removers, and some nail treatments can also contribute to dryness and brittleness.
Wearing protective gloves during household cleaning and moisturizing your hands and nails regularly may help.
