Suffering from damaged nails? Not only are they less beautiful to look at, but they can also mean your health is in imbalance. Whether you suffer from brittle, split or chunky nails - each type of damage tells its own story.
Discover the different types of damaged nails, what the possible causes are and how to care for and strengthen your nails.
What are the most common types of damaged nails?
Not every damage looks the same-which often also means it has a different cause. The most common types are:
- Brittle nails: These nails feel dry, break easily and can feel thin. They lack flexibility and split easily.
- Split nails: This often involves a horizontal or vertical crack in the nail. This can be painful and often indicates dehydration or structural weakness.
- Fragile nails: The nail surface is irregular, and pieces can break off easily. This is often seen with long-term damage or nail biting.
- Sagging nails: These nails bend easily and feel weak. They are often overexposed to water or chemicals.
- Soft nails: Similar to sagging nails, but often caused by a lack of important nutrients.
Do you recognize any of these types of nail damage in yourself? Then it's time to give your nails some extra love and attention, both from the outside and the inside.
What are the causes of brittle or bad nails?
There are many possible causes for brittle, dry or splitting nails. Consider, for example:
- Nutritional deficiencies: A deficiency of iron, biotin or vitamin B12 can lead to brittle nails.
- External influences: Regular contact with water, detergents or nail polish remover without acetone gives dry nails.
- Excessive filing or nail biting: This can damage the nail structure and lead to splitting nails.
- Hormonal fluctuations or medical conditions: Such as thyroid problems or anemia.
Thus, the cause of bad nails is often a combination of internal and external factors.
What do healthy nails look like?
Healthy nails are firm, light pink in color with a smooth surface and a slight shine. They do not break easily and feel resilient. Unhealthy nails, on the other hand, are often dull, brittle, soft, split or discolored. By recognizing the difference between healthy and unhealthy nails, you can intervene more quickly if something is wrong. After all, our bodies are always telling us when something is not right inside, and your nails can be a very clear signal of that.
What can you do to repair and strengthen damaged nails?
Fortunately, there are many ways to care for and strengthen your nails:
- Moisturize regularly: Use a nourishing nail oil or hand cream, especially after contact with water or drying agents.
- Eat nail-friendly: Ensure adequate intake of iron, biotin and protein through your diet.
- Wear gloves when doing household chores to protect your nails from water and cleaning products.
- Use nail hardeners if necessary, but in moderation. Choose natural formulas without harmful substances.
- Support your nails from within with supplements that contribute to strong nails. For example, consider collagen, which helps maintain a firm nail structure, and silicon, a mineral that supports nail building.
See also our overview page of supplements for strong nails for a complete overview of products that can help. With the right care and a little patience, you can repair brittle nails and prevent them from crumbling further.
