If your nails are constantly splitting, peeling, or breaking, your body might be signaling something — but it’s not always dramatic. Often it’s external damage. Here’s how to tell the difference.
🔎 Most Common Causes (Not Medical)
1️⃣ Too Much Water Exposure
Frequent handwashing, dishwashing, or cleaning products can dry and weaken nails.
2️⃣ Harsh Chemicals
Acetone removers, gel polish removal, and cleaning agents can cause peeling and splitting.
3️⃣ Over-Filing or Buffing
Thinning the nail plate makes it fragile.
🩺 Possible Nutrient Deficiencies
If your nails are brittle along with other symptoms, it could point to:
🧲 Iron Deficiency
- Brittle or spoon-shaped nails
- Fatigue
- Pale skin
- Shortness of breath
🥚 Low Protein
Nails are made of keratin (a protein). Very low protein intake can weaken them.
🧂 Low Biotin (B7)
- Brittle nails
- Hair thinning
- Skin rash
🥬 Low Magnesium
- Weak nails
- Muscle cramps
- Fatigue
🧴 Low Zinc
- White spots
- Slow growth
- Hair shedding
🧠 Hormonal & Medical Causes
- Hypothyroidism (dry skin, hair thinning, fatigue)
- Aging (natural thinning over time)
- Psoriasis or fungal infection (if nails are discolored, thickened, or painful)
🚨 When to See a Doctor
- Nails change color (yellow, green, dark streaks)
- Sudden severe brittleness
- Nail separation from the nail bed
- Other symptoms like fatigue or hair loss
✅ What Helps
- Wear gloves when cleaning
- Use cuticle oil daily
- Avoid excessive polish removal
- Eat iron-rich and protein-rich foods
- Stay hydrated
If you’d like, tell me:
- Are they peeling in layers or cracking down the middle?
- Any other symptoms like fatigue or hair thinning?
That’ll help narrow it down more specifically.
