Brittle nails: causes and the best tips for prevention

Many of us will be familiar with the problem – brittle nails, sometimes even with noticeable ridges. On the one hand, they're unsightly and can be truly annoying, and on the other, it's clear: the body is lacking something. We'll now tell you what causes brittle nails and what you can do about them.

Brittle fingernails can have several causes. Often, these are external factors such as frequent handwashing or contact with harsh cleaning products. However, an unbalanced diet, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, or health problems such as thyroid disorders can also be the cause. Stress and hormonal fluctuations can also play a role. It's important to determine the exact cause to find the best solutions.

The most common causes of brittle nails

1. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies: Your body needs sufficient nutrients to produce healthy nails. We'll take a closer look at what these nutrients might be in the next section.

2. Frequent contact with water: Too much water can weaken nails and make them brittle.

3. Chemicals: Cleaning products and nail polish removers in particular are often very aggressive and can cause lasting damage to nails.

4. Health problems: Certain diseases, such as thyroid disorders, can cause brittle nails. This is usually due to hypothyroidism. Skin diseases, such as nail fungus, can also be a cause of weak, brittle nails.

5. Age: With increasing age, the nail structure can weaken. As a result, nails become brittle and break more easily.

What kind of deficiency can make fingernails brittle?

Mineral deficiency

Iron deficiency can often be the cause of brittle fingernails. Iron is important for the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to your nails. So, if you notice that your nails are brittle, it could be due to a deficiency of this mineral. A high-quality supplement like the herbal Iron & Vitamin C capsules can help.

Vitamin deficiency

A deficiency in biotin, also known as vitamin B7, can cause your fingernails to become brittle. Biotin helps your body produce keratin, a protein crucial for hair, skin, and nail health. A deficiency in vitamin A, vitamin C, folic acid, or cobalamin can also generally cause your nails to become weaker. However, an overdose of vitamin A can have the same effect, so be careful!

Tips for caring for and strengthening nails

If you suffer from brittle nails, there's no need to worry. There are many simple solutions that can help restore your nails' strength!

1. Moisturize your nails regularly. A good hand cream can work wonders.

2. Pay attention to your diet. Make sure you're getting enough of the nutrients listed above in your diet. It's always a good idea to talk to a doctor or nutritionist if you're concerned about your nutritional needs.

3. Take the right supplements. Our Beauty x Hyaluron capsules contain many important vitamins, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, zinc, and biotin, and support the body's natural collagen production. This will help you regain radiant skin and strong nails and hair in just a few weeks. Our Coco Beauty Sparkle has a similar effect ; you can easily stir it into porridge, vegan milk, or tea in the morning.

4. File carefully instead of clipping. Try to trim your nails carefully to avoid putting too much strain on them. You might also want to try not letting them grow too long, because the longer the nail grows, the more unstable it becomes.

5. Use little or high-quality nail polish. Many nail polishes prevent the nail from breathing and cause it to dry out. Nail polish remover is also very harsh on the nail. Avoid using nail polish and use a strengthening oil instead.

As you can see, there are several ways to rebuild and sustainably strengthen your nails. Be aware that it may take a few weeks before you see any initial progress, as your body needs time to process the new nutrients and information.

Almost all customers who use our Beauty x Hyaluron capsules or our Coco Beauty Sparkle see initial progress after 3-4 weeks.

When does it make sense to see a doctor?

If you continue to have brittle fingernails despite proper care and nutrition, you should consult a doctor. Your fingernails may be a sign of health problems, such as iron deficiency or thyroid problems. A doctor's visit is also advisable if you are experiencing pain or notice noticeable changes to your fingernails. It's always better to be safe than sorry and seek professional advice.