Your nails can be a reflection of your overall health and beauty. Having strong and healthy nails is not only aesthetically pleasing but also an indication of your well-being.

However, many people struggle with brittle nails that are prone to breakage, peeling, and splitting. If you find yourself dealing with weak nails, it’s essential to understand the habits that may be causing this problem.

In this article, we will explore ten common habits that can make your nails brittle and provide tips on how to improve their health.

1. Using Harsh Nail Polish Removers

The regular use of nail polish removers containing harsh chemicals such as acetone can strip your nails of their natural oils and moisture. This can weaken the nail bed, making it more prone to brittleness and breakage.

Opt for acetone-free nail polish removers or natural alternatives like lemon juice or vinegar to remove your nail polish.

2. Overusing Hand Sanitizers

Hand sanitizers might be essential for keeping germs at bay, but they can also contribute to brittle nails. Most hand sanitizers contain high levels of alcohol, which dehydrates the nails and causes them to become weak and brittle.

Try washing your hands with soap and water whenever possible, and reserve the use of hand sanitizers for occasions when you don’t have access to soap and water.

3. Excessive Water Exposure

Constantly exposing your nails to water can leave them soft and prone to breakage. Whether it’s washing the dishes, cleaning, or swimming, extended water exposure can strip your nails of natural oils and make them weak.

To protect your nails, wear gloves when doing household chores and use a waterproof nail polish or top coat to create a barrier against water.

4. Not Moisturizing Nails and Cuticles

Just like the skin, your nails need moisture to stay healthy. Lack of moisture can lead to dry and brittle nails.

Regularly moisturize your nails and cuticles with a nail oil or moisturizer containing hydrating ingredients like jojoba oil, vitamin E, and shea butter. Pay special attention to your cuticles, as dry and damaged cuticles can cause weak and frail nails.

5. Poor Diet and Nutrient Deficiencies

Your nails require proper nutrition to grow strong and healthy. A deficiency in essential nutrients like biotin, vitamin E, iron, and calcium can lead to weak and brittle nails.

Including a variety of nutrient-rich foods in your diet, such as lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts, can help improve the health of your nails.

6. Biting or Picking at Your Nails

Chronic nail biting or picking can cause damage to the nail bed and cuticles, leading to weak and brittle nails.

It’s a hard habit to break, but finding alternative stress-relieving activities like using stress balls or keeping your hands occupied can help curb the urge to bite or pick at your nails. Regularly trim and shape your nails to prevent uneven edges that may tempt you to bite or pick.

7. Excessive Use of Artificial Nail Enhancements

Artificial nail enhancements like acrylic or gel nails may give you the desired look, but excessive or improper use of these can weaken your natural nails.

The application and removal processes of artificial nails can cause damage, thinning, and dehydration of the natural nails. Give your nails regular breaks between artificial nail applications to allow them time to recover and strengthen.

8. Using Nails as Tools

Using your nails to open cans, scrape off labels, or perform other tasks puts unnecessary strain on them and can cause brittleness and breakage. Avoid using your nails as tools and always reach for the appropriate tools instead.

This will help maintain the integrity of your nails and prevent them from becoming weak.

9. Applying Too Many Layers of Polish

Layering your nails with too many coats of polish can result in excess weight and pressure on the nails, making them more prone to breakage. Try to limit your nail polish application to two coats – a base coat and a color coat.

Additionally, always use a top coat to provide an extra protective layer that can help prevent chipping and peeling.

10. Neglecting Regular Nail Care

If you don’t give your nails the attention they deserve, they are more likely to become weak and brittle.

Regularly file your nails to avoid rough edges, gently buff them to smooth out any ridges, and apply a strengthening nail polish or treatment to help improve their health. Also, remember to trim your nails regularly to maintain a suitable length.