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If you're wondering how to strengthen your nails, chances are you're suffering with weak, brittle tips that need a little TLC. But you're not alone: it's estimated that around 1 in 5 of us experience weak nails, with women more likely to suffer.
The medical term for peeling, flaky nails is ‘onychoschizia’ – often caused by trauma to the nail plate, such as chemical exposure, lack of moisture or even nutritional deficiencies. Others may experience thinning, bendy nails due to over-filing or peeling off gel manicures (guilty!) – but either way, your nails are an extension of your skin and need looking after just as carefully.
Best treatments for weak nails
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“Just like we deep-condition and treat dry, over-processed hair, it is crucial to take care of the nail and cuticle,” says Dr. Dana Stern, a US-based dermatologist who specialises in nail health.
If you're suffering with weak, bending or flaking tips, read on to find out everything you need to know about how to strengthen nails and restore them to their former glory…
Meet the experts:
- Dr. Aiza Jamil, consultant dermatologist at SK:N Clinics
- Dr. Dana Stern, dermatologist and founder of nail renewal system Dr. Dana
- Tinu Bello, session nail technician, educator and brand ambassador for Mylee
What are the signs and symptoms of weak nails?
“Weak nails often show up as nails that peel, split or flake at the edges, rather than growing smoothly,” says Dr. Jamil. “People may notice their nails bend very easily, break before they reach any length, or develop ridges and uneven surfaces. In some cases, nails can feel thin, soft or tear rather than snap, which is a classic sign of structural weakness.”
According to Tinu, it's also worth looking at how your manicures are faring. “If your nails never seem to 'hold on' to polish or gel, that’s often a clue they need some TLC too,” she says, adding: “You might also notice nails struggling to grow past the fingertip or looking a bit dull and uneven rather than smooth and glossy.”
What are the main causes of weak nails?
According to Dr. Stern, there are two categories of nail damage. “The first category are the factors that are difficult to control like genetics, ageing and certain medical conditions,” she explains, and so some of this damage is simply unavoidable. The second, and more common category, consists of environmental factors that are easier to control – this might include gel manicures, but also using your nails as tools to open things, exposing them to damage like DIY and chemicals, submerging them in water for long periods of time (like when you do the washing up), or improper filing.
Dr. Jamil adds: “Frequent exposure to water and chemicals – such as hand sanitiser, detergents and cleaning products – is a major factor, as this strips the natural oils from the nail plate. Overuse of gel manicures, acrylics or aggressive nail filing can also thin the nail. Internally, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal changes, stress and certain medical conditions like thyroid disorders or iron deficiency can all contribute. Ageing also plays a role, as nail growth and keratin quality naturally decline over time.”
How to strengthen nails
“The most effective approach is consistency and protection,” says Dr. Jamil. “Keeping nails short while they recover reduces breakage. Wearing gloves for washing up or cleaning is incredibly important too, as excess moisture weakens the nail structure.”
“Nails are extremely absorptive of water, even more so than skin,” adds Dr. Stern. “When the nail absorbs water, it puts tremendous strain on the nail cells, or onychocytes [the cells that form the nail plate], which can lead to peeling, breakage, and weakening.”
“The key is protection + hydration + gentle care," says Tinu, adding: “Oil your nails daily – this is non-negotiable. A nourishing oil like Mylee's Nail & Cuticle Oil keeps the nail flexible so it bends instead of breaks.”
Hand creams are also great for moisturising the nail plate and cuticles – look for creams containing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, shea butter or glycerin for intense hydration. “When looking for a nail and cuticle moisturiser look for products that are rich in phospholipids, which have been shown to increase nail flexibility, thus combatting brittleness,” Dr. Stern agrees. “Massage the product into your cuticles several times daily.”
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“A strengthening treatment or base coat containing ingredients like keratin, biotin or calcium can also help reinforce the nails,” says Dr. Jamil. Always make sure these treatments don't contain formaldehyde, however, which might initially harden the nail but can also lead to weakening and lifting.
You could also try a glycolic acid product before you add your treatment, which is said to help the nourishing ingredients absorb better into the nail. “Glycolic acid has been shown to rejuvenate brittle nails,” confirms Dr. Stern. “Just like we do peels for the skin to remove the superficial layers of dead cells, this strategy is also applicable to the nail,” she says.
Once the damaged layer of nail cells is removed, any product you apply after will be better absorbed – helping to hydrate and fortify the nail. A “peel for the nails” can be done either in a dermatologist’s office or at home, Dr Stern says. However, if you're doing it at home, make sure you don't overdo it, as this can lead to nails drying up, and follow up with a nourishing hand cream (see above).
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In terms of chemical exposure, polish remover is a big one. “Acetone tends to be especially drying to the nail and can make brittle nails worse,” Dr. Stern says, noting that it's best to seek out conditioning formulas that contain ingredients like soy, or have added moisturising benefits from oils. Try the Cutex Non-Acetone Nail Polish Remover, which is enriched with coconut oil, or the Manucurist Green Nail Polish Remover.
“Nails are made of keratin, so adequate protein intake is essential,” says Dr. Jamil. “Iron deficiency is a very common but overlooked cause of weak or brittle nails, particularly in women. Biotin, zinc and B vitamins all support nail growth and strength, while omega-3 fatty acids help improve flexibility and reduce splitting. A balanced diet rich in lean protein, leafy greens, eggs, nuts, seeds and oily fish can make a noticeable difference over time.”
While typical cardboard emery boards tend to be the file of choice due to their affordability and how quickly they work, they're actually not the best choice when it comes to nail health.
“Emery boards cause microscopic openings and splits at the tip of the nail that lead to peeling and cracks,” Dr. Stern explains. “I prefer glass or crystal nail files over cardboard emery boards because they don’t cause microscopic openings or tears and instead create a clean edge at the nail,” she says.
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While manicures aren't the out-and-out cause of brittle nails, they don't always help – no matter how brilliant your nail tech is or how sophisticated the gel products, BIAB or extensions are.
“You don’t necessarily have to avoid manicures altogether, but you do need to be mindful,” says Dr. Jamil. “Continuous gel or acrylic use without breaks can significantly weaken nails due to dehydration and repeated removal. If nails are already damaged, I usually recommend taking a break from gels and extensions for several weeks to allow healthy nail growth. If you do choose gel manicures, spacing them out, avoiding aggressive removal, and keeping nails well-oiled can help reduce damage.”
How long does it take for weak nails to get stronger?
“Nails grow slowly, so patience is key,” says Dr. Jamil. “Fingernails grow around 3 millimetres per month, meaning it can take three to six months to see a significant improvement in strength, depending on the extent of damage. Consistent care, good nutrition and avoiding further trauma during this time make a big difference to the end result.”
“You can feel a difference in two to three weeks with good care, but real strength comes as new nail grows in – that’s around eight to 12 weeks,” adds Tinu, agreeing that consistency is key. “Think of it like skincare: consistency wins. Daily oil, gentle products and protective treatments will give you long-term results.”
