Top Causes of Weak Nails and How to Prevent Them
Beautiful, strong nails look great and are a sign of good health. However, many struggle with brittle, weak nails that will not grow. What causes nails to be weak and split? The good news is that understanding the common causes can help you take action to strengthen your nails.
Poor Nutrition
One of the top reasons for weak nails is poor nutrition. Your nails need specific vitamins and minerals to thrive. Insufficient iron, vitamin C, zinc, biotin, or protein can lead to weak and cracked nails. Eating a balanced diet high in these nutrients helps fortify nails.
Foods rich in these nail-healthy nutrients include citrus fruits, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, eggs, meat, fish, and legumes. Taking a daily multivitamin also safeguards against deficiency.
Not Enough Moisture
Staying hydrated is crucial for strong nails. When you are dehydrated, your nails become brittle and dry. Take eight glasses of water daily to keep your nails flexible. It also helps to apply a moisturizing hand cream several times a day. Jada's strengthening and anti-peeling nail serum penetrates deeply to hydrate nails and cuticles.
Overexposure to Water
While moisture is good, too much water exposure can damage nails. Spending prolonged periods with wet nails causes the layers to expand and weaken. Try to limit the time you spend with your hands immersed in water. Wear vinyl gloves to protect nails from excess moisture when washing dishes or cleaning.
Harsh Chemicals
Household cleaners, solvents, and other chemicals are harsh on nails. The ingredients can dry out and irritate nail beds. Wear protective gloves when using harsh chemicals. Avoid very hot water, which dries out nails, and use a moisturizer after handwashing.
Aggressive Filing and Buffing
It is tempting to vigorously file and buff your nails to make them look neat. But this can do more harm than good. Aggressively filing or buffing too often thins and weakens the nail plate. This causes peeling and breakage. Be gentle when shaping nails, only lightly buffing. Use Jada’s nano glass nail file and file in one direction.
Picking and Peeling
Many people pick at or peel their nail polish or snag nails on surfaces. This constant stress causes nails to split and flake. Try to keep your hands busy so you are not mindlessly picking. Use a nail file to smooth imperfections rather than picking. Keep nails polished or buffed so they are less prone to peeling and tempting to pick at.
Health Conditions
Sometimes, nail issues arise from underlying health conditions. Fungal infections, psoriasis, and hypothyroidism can show symptoms in nails. See your doctor if your nails seem very weak without an external cause. Get checked for nutritional deficiencies and illnesses. Treating the underlying condition improves nail appearance. Your doctor may also prescribe special medicated nail polish or ointments.
Other causes of weak nails include:
- Age
- Smoking
- Cold Temperatures
- Stress
Some of the best Jada’s products for strengthening weak nails include:
- Jada Strengthening and Anti-Peeling Serum: This serum has silica and other essential minerals to promote healthy nail growth.
- Jada Protein Nail Rescue: This hardener helps to strengthen weak nails and prevent them from breaking or splitting.
- Jada Cuticle Salve: Cuticle oil helps to keep the cuticles hydrated and healthy, which can also help to strengthen the nails.
Keep Your Nails Strong
Do not let weak nails prevent you from showing off colorful, polished nails or getting nail enhancements. Understanding what causes nail damage is the first step toward prevention.
Check out Jada's premium line of nail salves, cuticle oils, polishes, and more specially formulated to nourish nails. Our plant-based ingredients repair damage while strengthening nails naturally. Get the gorgeous, strong nails you deserve.