Healthy nails are a sign of good health. But brittle and weak nails can be unsightly and easily damaged. While many people think that their nail problems are due to nutrient deficiencies, the truth is that certain habits can weaken your nails.

Here are 10 surprising habits that can cause damage to your nails.

1. Biting Your Nails

Nail-biting is a common nervous habit for many people. But this habit can lead to damaged and infected nails. When you bite your nails, the skin around your nails becomes damaged, allowing bacteria to enter and cause an infection.

Additionally, biting your nails can lead to weakened and brittle nails over time.

2. Overusing Harsh Nail Products

Nail polish, nail polish remover and other nail products containing harsh chemicals can weaken and damage your nails. Overusing these products can dry out your nails, causing them to become brittle and prone to breaking.

It’s important to give your nails a break from the chemicals and use them in moderation.

3. Wearing Acrylic or Gel Nails

While acrylic or gel nails can give you beautiful long nails, they can also cause damage to your natural nails.

These nail enhancements require a lot of maintenance and removal often requires filing or buffing of the natural nails, which can weaken them over time. It’s important to allow your natural nails to breathe by giving them a break from acrylic or gel nails.

4. Filing Your Nails Improperly

Filing your nails the wrong way can lead to split and weakened nails. When filing your nails, it’s important to file in one direction rather than back and forth. Filing back and forth can cause the nail to weaken and potentially split.

Use a natural nail file to minimize damage to the nails.

5. Not Moisturizing Your Nails

Just like your skin needs moisture, your nails need it too. Keeping your nails properly moisturized can help prevent dryness and brittleness. Apply a moisturizing nail oil or cream daily to keep your nails in good health.

6. Picking at Your Cuticles

Your cuticles are important for protecting the nails from bacteria and infection. Picking at your cuticles can damage them, making them more prone to infection. Additionally, picking at your cuticles can lead to damaged and weakened nails.

7. Exposing Your Nails to Water for Long Periods of Time

Exposing your nails to water for too long can cause them to become weak and brittle. This can happen when washing dishes, taking long baths or swimming.

It’s important to limit your exposure to water and dry your nails well after they’ve been exposed to it.

8. Using Your Nails as Tools

Using your nails to open things, scrape things or do other tasks can cause them to become damaged and weakened over time. It’s important to use the right tools for the job and avoid putting unnecessary strain on your nails.

9. Skipping Nail Care

Proper nail care is essential for maintaining healthy nails. Skipping nail care such as regular nail trimming and cleaning can lead to damaged and weakened nails.

It’s important to take care of your nails on a regular basis to keep them in good health.

10. Having an Unhealthy Diet

Your nails need nutrients to stay healthy. A diet lacking in vitamins and minerals can lead to weak and brittle nails. It’s important to eat a balanced diet that includes foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals that promote good nail health.