Brittle nails with fatigue, weakness, pale skin, or dizziness may be linked to anemia or nutrient deficiencies.
Brittle nails with very dry skin, swelling, or changes in nail growth may be related to thyroid problems.
Brittle nails with finger pain, swelling, or increased sensitivity may be a sign of circulation problems.

Brittle nails can develop from frequent contact with chemicals like detergents or acetone, as well as habits like nail biting that cause repeated damage to the nail. These factors can weaken the nail structure, making it more likely to break, split, or peel.

In some cases, brittle nails may also be linked to health conditions such as vitamin deficiencies, anemia, thyroid disorders, or circulation problems. These conditions often present with other symptoms like fatigue, dry skin, muscle weakness, or swelling in the fingers.

Treatment for brittle nails depends on the cause and may include protecting the nails, improving nutrition, or managing underlying health issues. Medical evaluation may be needed to confirm the cause and guide the most appropriate treatment.

Why are my nails so brittle?

The most common causes of brittle nails include:

1. Nail biting

Biting your nails often can make them more fragile, as repeated small injuries can weaken the nail and cause it to break more easily. It can also increase the risk of infection around the nail.

What to do: Avoid biting your nails and keep them short and filed to reduce the urge to bite. A bitter-tasting nail polish made for nail biting may also help.

Check-out other tips on how to stop biting your nails that you can use.

2. Cleaning products

Using cleaning products without gloves can dry out the skin on your hands and your nails, making them more likely to become brittle. These products contain chemicals that remove natural moisture, leaving nails weaker and more prone to breaking.

Acetone in nail polish remover and formaldehyde found in some nail products can also weaken the nails and cause white spots to appear.

What to do: Protect your hands and nails by wearing gloves when using cleaning products frequently. When removing nail polish, choose a remover that does not contain acetone.

3. Nutritional deficiencies

Nutritional deficiencies, especially low levels of vitamins and minerals like iron, folic acid, vitamin A, vitamin B12, and vitamin C, can lead to weak and brittle nails. These nutrients are essential for producing proteins that help keep nails strong.

Nutritional deficiencies can develop from a low intake of nutrient-rich foods, such as meat and eggs, or from restrictive diets and bariatric surgery, which can affect how nutrients are absorbed in the body.

In addition to weak and brittle nails, these deficiencies may cause symptoms like excessive fatigue, dizziness, pale skin, or changes in vision.

What to do: If a nutrient deficiency is suspected, a healthcare provider should be consulted to order appropriate tests and confirm the diagnosis. Once a deficiency is confirmed, they may recommend seeing a registered dietitian to review your eating habits and suggest dietary changes to correct it.

4. Anemia

Anemia is a common cause of brittle nails and occurs when hemoglobin levels in the blood are low, reducing the amount of oxygen delivered to the body’s tissues.

With less oxygen available, symptoms such as brittle nails, fatigue, weakness, and low mood may develop.

What to do: If anemia is confirmed through blood tests, a healthcare provider can help identify the underlying cause and recommend treatment to improve anemia symptoms.

5. Thyroid conditions

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, thyroid disease can cause nail changes, including thick, dry, brittle nails or nails that lift, crumble, or break easily.

In hypothyroidism, a slower metabolism can affect nail growth and moisture, leaving nails weaker, thinner, and more fragile.

In hyperthyroidism, higher thyroid hormone levels can make nails grow faster, but also weaker and more likely to break.

Learn more about other symptoms of thyroid problems as well as thyroid tests your provider may order.

What to do: Follow the treatment recommended by your primary care provider or endocrinologist. As thyroid hormone levels return to normal, nail strength may gradually improve.

6. Skin infections

Some skin conditions, especially fungal infections, can cause nails to become weak and brittle. These infections may also change the appearance of the nails and cause peeling. In these cases, a dermatologist should evaluate the nails.

What to do: Treatment depends on the underlying cause, so it is important to follow the plan recommended by your doctor. If a fungal infection is confirmed, treatment usually involves applying topical antifungal medication directly to the affected nail.

7. Long-term use of gel nails

Prolonged use of gel nails can weaken the nails and make them more brittle by causing dryness and dehydration.

Improper removal of gel nails, especially at home using tools, acetone, or filing, can further damage the nails, leaving them thinner, weaker, and more prone to breaking.

What to do: Regular maintenance appointments can help keep gel nails and cuticles healthy. It is also important to use a hand moisturizer regularly.

Gel nails should be removed by a professional to prevent damage. After removal, keep nails short and clean, moisturize with oils like grape seed oil, and consider using a strengthening base or light-colored polish. Avoid removing the cuticles, especially during this period.

8. Circulatory problems

Circulatory problems, such as Raynaud's syndrome, can weaken the nails by reducing blood flow and oxygen delivery to the hands and fingers. This may also cause symptoms like swelling, pain, or increased sensitivity.

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, Raynaud’s phenomenon causes blood vessels in the fingers and toes to narrow, which restricts blood flow.

Raynaud’s syndrome may be triggered by prolonged exposure to cold or linked to underlying conditions such as scleroderma, hypothyroidism, or polycythemia vera.

What to do: A primary care provider or vascular specialist should be consulted to confirm the diagnosis and determine the most appropriate treatment. Medications may be prescribed to improve blood circulation and relieve symptoms.

9. Excessively removing cuticles

Cuticles are a thin layer of skin at the base of the nail that helps protect against injury, irritation, and infections caused by bacteria or fungi.

Removing cuticles too aggressively, or biting and pulling at them, can damage the nail base. This can make nails weaker, brittle, uneven, or prone to white spots, and may increase the risk of infections like paronychia or ingrown nails.

What to do: Cuticles should not be removed, as they help protect the nails and keep them strong. Keeping the nails healthy can be done by applying moisturizing hand cream after washing your hands or bathing.

Staying well hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day is also important. Wearing gloves when handling detergents or cleaning products can help prevent damage and dryness.

Brittle Nails: 9 Common Causes & What to Do