Splitting and brittle nails: causes and how to care for them

In short: nails split when the upper layers of the nail plate start to separate. The most common causes are water, household chemicals, cold, overly aggressive filing and a lack of vitamins and minerals. Gloves for housework, regular care with a nail serum, oil or balm and a balanced diet help. If nails split along their whole length, it is worth seeing a doctor.

What splitting nails mean

The upper layers of the nail plate separate and form small cracks and flakes. It looks like tiny "petals" peeling away from the nail, making its surface uneven and more prone to damage.

Causes: hands

• Water and household chemicals — cleaning and washing up without gloves weakens the nail plate.
• Weather — especially cold, which dries the skin and nails.
• Manicure — frequent use of low-quality coatings or harsh filing damages the nail structure.
• Deficiencies — a lack of vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron, zinc and vitamin D.

Causes: feet

• Uncomfortable shoes — pressure and friction can damage the nail plate.
• Lack of care — infrequent or incorrect trimming, no moisturising.
• Fungal changes — nails become brittle and break easily. In that case a doctor is needed.
• Vitamin and mineral deficiencies — as with the hands.

Splitting tips or the whole nail?

Tips usually split because of mechanical damage and incorrect care: frequent contact with water and chemicals, wrong use of a file or tools, dry air, cold and harsh treatments.

The whole length can point to internal causes — vitamin and trace element deficiencies, metabolic disorders or thyroid problems. Then, besides care, it is worth getting checked by a doctor.

Care: what to use

1. Nail serum — the strengthening serum with jojoba oil and vitamins A and E moisturises and nourishes the nail plate and cuticles. Vitamin E helps prevent cracking and splitting, jojoba oil softens cuticles. It absorbs quickly without stickiness.
2. Nail balm — the strengthening balm with bisabolol and eucalyptus nourishes nails, moisturises cuticles, helps prevent brittleness and splitting and protects against detergents.
3. Cuticle oil — e.g. with grapefruit extract and vitamin A or with strawberry extract and vitamin E. With regular use it reduces dryness, improves nail elasticity and helps prevent breakage.
4. Oil for weakened nails — the nail oil with protective effect strengthens a weakened nail plate on hands and feet, including after gel polish removal and frequent contact with detergents.

Prevention: 3 simple rules

• Wear rubber gloves for cleaning, washing up and laundry. Avoid soaking your hands for long periods.
• Care for your nails regularly — with a serum, balm or oil.
• Eat a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, nuts and dairy.

FAQ

Why do nails split at the tips?

Most often because of water, chemicals, cold and harsh filing. Protecting your hands and regular care with an oil or serum help.

What helps with splitting nails?

A serum or oil with vitamins A and E, a strengthening nail balm and gloves for housework.

When should I see a doctor?

When nails split along their whole length, or toenails change in a way typical of a fungal problem (brittleness, breaking) — the cause may be internal.