Flaking nails are a common concern, and if you’ve ever wondered, “Why Are My Nails Flaking?”, you’re definitely not alone. Brittle nails, characterized by flaking, peeling, breakage, and splitting, affect a significant portion of the population, almost 20 percent to be exact. The good news is that flaking nails are often both treatable and preventable.
To understand more about this condition, we consulted with experts in the field: nail educator Anastasia Totty, and dermatologists Dr. Michele Green and Dr. Dana Stern. Their insights will help us explore the reasons behind nail flaking, how to address it, and most importantly, how to prevent it from happening in the first place.
What Causes Nails to Flake?
“Numerous factors can contribute to nail flaking, and pinpointing the specific cause for each individual is crucial,” explains nail expert Anastasia Totty. Dermatologist Dr. Michele Green adds that flaking nails, clinically known as onychoschizia, are often a result of disruptions to the nail. These disruptions can stem from trauma, the harsh removal of nail polish, excessive nail filing, or the use of artificial nail enhancements like acrylics or press-ons. Totty further clarifies, “Improper removal of nail enhancements such as acrylics, gel manicures, or even using harsh nail polish removers can be a significant issue. When professionally applied, these enhancements should also be professionally removed after a few weeks of wear.”
Alt text: Close-up of flaking fingernails showing damage from gel polish removal.
Dr. Dana Stern points out that nail flaking, along with nail ridging (onychorrhexis), is a key indicator of brittle nails. “Flaking nails can be attributed to genetics, aging, product use, environmental exposures (like water and chemicals), or even behavioral habits such as peeling off nail polish,” she states.
Dr. Stern draws an analogy between flaking nails and skin. “Think about dry, peeling skin. You’d likely reach for an exfoliant to remove dead skin cells, allowing your moisturizer to absorb better. The same principle applies to nails,” she explains. “Nails are made up of layers of dead nail cells (onychocytes). To some extent, nail flaking occurs due to a lack of natural exfoliation, similar to how un-exfoliated skin tends to peel. Under a microscope, flaking nails show detached, lifted, and separated nail cells. This explains why nails peel, split, and why nail polish may not apply smoothly and chips easily.”
Furthermore, an imbalance in moisture levels can also be a culprit. Both excessive moisture (leading to soft, brittle nails) and insufficient moisture (resulting in dry, brittle nails) can cause flaking. “Constantly immersing your hands in water softens the nails, making them prone to breakage and flaking as the nail plate layers dry out,” Totty explains. Before focusing solely on treating your fingernails, examine your toenails as well. If they are also flaking, it’s advisable to consult a doctor to rule out underlying health conditions, such as iron or other nutritional deficiencies.
How to Treat Flaking Nails
Flaking nails can recover, and there are effective at-home treatments you can try. “Once you identify the underlying cause of your flaking nails, you can take targeted steps to address it,” says Totty. “It’s important to adopt a consistent, long-term approach to treatment, as noticeable improvements won’t happen overnight.”
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Use a Nail Hardener: Nail hardeners can be very beneficial for flaking nails. “They not only provide support and protection against further flaking, but many are also formulated with nourishing ingredients that offer moisturizing, strengthening, and protective benefits,” Totty assures. “Drugstores offer a wide variety of nail hardeners from different brands.” Consider OPI Nail Strengthener, a formaldehyde-free option containing aloe vera (to soothe sensitive nails), calcium (for strength), kukui nut oil, and vitamin E (to prevent flaking).
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Apply Strengthening Lotions: Look for nail creams containing ingredients like alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or lanolin, as these can aid in rebuilding nail strength. Elon Lanolin-Rich Nail Conditioner is a recommended choice. Apply it after soaking your nails in water for about five minutes to enhance absorption.
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Consider Cuticle Oil: “A high-quality cuticle oil should be made with pure essential oils, such as tea tree or lavender extract, and be rich in vitamin E, like Tea Tree Eucalyptus Nobility Vitamin Enriched Cuticle Oil,” suggests Totty. “A small amount goes a long way, it absorbs quickly, and daily use can significantly improve even very unhealthy nails.”
Alt text: Woman applying cuticle oil to her flaking nails for treatment.
How to Prevent Nails From Flaking
Now that you understand the causes and treatments for flaking nails, here are several proactive steps you can take to prevent nail flaking from occurring in the first place:
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Consume Nutrient-Rich Foods: Increase your intake of foods rich in iron and biotin, such as avocados, whole grains, eggs, cauliflower, and lean meats. Lean meats, in particular, are beneficial for building nail strength, making them less prone to flaking, breaking, and bending. This diet offers broader health benefits beyond nail health, including increased energy and sustained satiety.
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Take a Multivitamin: Vitamins play a vital role in nail health, working synergistically with each other and with your diet to support overall bodily functions. “Vitamins A, C, and E, as well as B vitamins like B6, are excellent for nail health,” states Dr. Green. “Supplements like keratin are also beneficial for nail growth, strengthening the nail and increasing its density.” Fish oil supplements can also revitalize dull nails and enhance their shine, while the omega oils contribute to collagen production, acting as an effective anti-aging supplement. “These vitamins are essential for nail growth as they fortify the nail matrix, which ultimately promotes healthy nail growth,” Dr. Green notes.
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Soak Nails in Essential Oil: “Massaging essential oils such as coconut and olive oil into the cuticles and nails creates a protective, hydrating barrier,” explains Dr. Green. “This helps lock in moisture, preventing both brittle nails and dry cuticles.” Coconut oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties, potentially slowing down nail fungus growth. Olive oil, rich in antioxidants, protects nails from damage and helps restore skin smoothness, as Dr. Green mentions. It’s also rich in vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients that help maintain and lock in moisture, preventing dryness. For a nail soak, warm a few teaspoons of coconut oil (microwave briefly if solid) or use olive oil in small bowls. Moisten your nails slightly, immerse them in the oil, and relax for 20 minutes.
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Use a Gentle Nail Polish Remover: Flaking nails need moisture retention, and acetone-based nail polish removers are detrimental. “Acetone, common in most nail polish removers, is very drying and strips nails of their natural moisture,” Dr. Green warns. “Acetone-free removers effectively remove polish without depleting the nail bed of essential moisture.” Consider acetone-free options for a gentler approach.
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Reduce Manicure Frequency: “Constantly covering the nail bed with nail polish creates a barrier that prevents it from breathing, increasing the risk of nail fungus,” cautions Dr. Green. “Filing down the nail bed during manicures also increases the risk of skin or nail infections.” Opting for nail polish-free periods or using breathable polishes can minimize the drying effects of harsh chemicals in most nail polishes. Allowing sunlight to reach your nails and cuticles also promotes cell regeneration.
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Use a Glass File: Traditional emery boards can damage nails, while glass files create a smooth, even edge. Dr. Stern recommends glass nail files, which help seal in keratin and prevent chipping, splitting, and flaking.
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Buff Rough Edges: Nail buffers can smooth out rough nail edges, preventing them from catching and snagging. Use gentle, unidirectional movements to remove ridges and create a smooth nail surface. Avoid back-and-forth buffing as it can weaken nail beds and increase flaking.
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Avoid Nail-Biting: While not a direct cause of flaking nails, nail-biting can lead to other nail problems that indirectly contribute to flaking, such as infections. “Nail-biting can cause nail infections and increase the risk of spreading germs throughout your body,” says Dr. Green. “This exposure to bacteria and viruses trapped on fingers and under nails can lead to broader health issues.” To break this habit, consider using anti-nail-biting treatments formulated to have an unpleasant taste, discouraging nail-biting.
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Exfoliate Your Nails: Removing surface damage through exfoliation is crucial for healthy, beautiful nails. Dr. Stern recommends nail exfoliation systems that incorporate glycolic acid (an alpha-hydroxy acid), known for its nail rejuvenating properties. These systems are often clinically proven to reveal healthier, hydrated, and shinier nails in minutes, offering a “facial” for your nails. Look for botanically formulated kits free of harsh chemicals.
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Skip Gel Polish: Gel polish, while long-lasting, can be damaging and contribute to nail flaking, according to Dr. Green. “Gel manicures require UV light to set the gel, and UV exposure can be as damaging to the nail bed as sun exposure,” she explains. “Furthermore, gel manicures can increase the risk of nail fungus and infections due to nail bed filing.” Opt for strong top coats for regular polish and wear gloves when washing dishes to prolong your manicure’s life, instead of relying on gel manicures.
The Final Takeaway
Flaking nails are often caused by a combination of factors, from genetics to environmental exposures. Fortunately, numerous treatments and preventative measures are available. Nail hardeners, cuticle oils, and strengthening lotions can help treat existing damage. For prevention, focus on a nutrient-rich diet, multivitamins, gentle nail care practices, and reducing exposure to harsh chemicals and excessive moisture.
However, if flaking persists despite these treatments, or if it appears suddenly, it’s essential to consult a primary care physician or a board-certified dermatologist to investigate potential underlying causes.
FAQ
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What deficiency causes fingernails to flake?
“Nail flaking can be an indicator of deficiencies in calcium, iron, or biotin,” says Totty. Your body may also require more zinc and B vitamins, as B vitamins support keratin production, which is essential for strong nail tissue.
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What is the cause of nail shedding?
Onychomadesis, or nail shedding, occurs when the top nail layer detaches from the nail fold tissue. This is typically caused by trauma, infection, or underlying medical conditions like thyroid issues.
