How do you heal damaged brittle nails? - The Environmental Literacy Council (2025)

Damaged, brittle nails can be frustrating and even painful. The good news is, with the right approach, you can restore your nails to their healthy, strong selves. The key to healing damaged brittle nails involves a multifaceted strategy that includes hydration, nourishment, protection, and patience. You need to focus on addressing both the external and internal factors that contribute to nail damage. This means making changes to your nail care routine, diet, and potentially using specific treatments to help repair and strengthen your nails from within. Below, we explore these different approaches in detail to guide you towards healthier and more resilient nails.

Understanding the Root Causes of Brittle Nails

Before diving into solutions, it’s crucial to understand why your nails become brittle in the first place. Brittle nails can be categorized into two main types: dry and brittle, often caused by lack of moisture, and soft and brittle, frequently due to over-exposure to moisture. Common causes include:

• Repeated wetting and drying: Frequent hand washing, dishwashing, and exposure to cleaning chemicals can strip the nails of their natural oils, leading to dryness and brittleness.
• Low humidity: Dry air, especially during winter or in low-humidity environments, can dehydrate your nails.
• Nutrient deficiencies: A lack of certain vitamins and minerals, such as biotin, vitamin B12, calcium, iron, folic acid, and vitamin C, can impact nail health.
• Harsh nail treatments: Frequent use of gel polish, acrylic nails, and harsh removers can weaken and damage the nail structure.
• Age: As we age, our nails tend to become more brittle and prone to splitting.
• Underlying health conditions: In some cases, brittle nails can be a sign of underlying health issues.

A Multi-Pronged Approach to Healing Brittle Nails

Hydrate and Nourish

One of the most critical steps in restoring brittle nails is consistent hydration. Here’s how to keep your nails moisturized:

• Use Rich Oils and Creams: Apply thick creams, ointments, and oils, such as shea butter, jojoba oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, or olive oil to your nails and cuticles daily. The thicker the product, the better, as it will stay put and provide prolonged hydration.
• Soak Your Nails: Before applying lotions or oils, soak your nails in water for about 5 minutes. This helps the moisturizer penetrate more effectively.
• Petroleum Jelly/Vaseline: Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly (Vaseline) to your nails and cuticles to lock in moisture. It forms a protective barrier against water and other irritants.
• Cuticle Care: Regularly massage your cuticles with oil or cream. Healthy cuticles are essential for healthy nail growth.
• Moisturize at Night: Applying a generous layer of moisturizer before bedtime allows the product to work while you sleep. Consider wearing cotton gloves overnight to help the product absorb.

Dietary and Supplement Support

Diet plays a significant role in nail health. Here’s what you can do from within:

• Biotin: The AOCD recommends biotin supplements, which can strengthen nails. Keep in mind it can take up to 6 months to see results.
• Vitamin B Complex: Ensure your diet includes foods rich in B vitamins to prevent ridges on the nail bed.
• Calcium: Consume calcium-rich foods to combat dry, brittle nails.
• Folic Acid and Vitamin C: A lack of these can lead to hangnails, so incorporate them into your diet or through supplements.
• Iron: Iron deficiency can cause nail splitting, so make sure you get enough iron through diet or supplementation.
• Protein: A lack of protein can contribute to nail splitting, so focus on having protein-rich foods in your diet.
• Vitamin D: A deficiency can lead to brittle nails with vertical ridges so regular sun exposure or a supplement is useful.

External Care and Protection

Protecting your nails from further damage is just as important as hydration and nourishment:

• Keep Nails Short: Shorter nails are less likely to break or split.
• Use a Strengthening Base Coat: Apply a nail-strengthening base coat before applying polish.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Wear gloves when doing household chores or using cleaning products.
• Minimize Nail Polish Use: Give your nails breaks from nail polish, especially gel and acrylics, to allow them to recover.
• Proper Filing: File your nails in one direction to prevent splitting.

Professional Treatments

If home remedies aren’t working, consider seeking professional help:

• Professional Treatments: Nail salons may offer professional strengthening treatments that use products and techniques to improve nail health.
• Consult a Dermatologist: If your nail issues are severe or persistent, consult a dermatologist to rule out underlying medical issues or to get personalized treatment recommendations.

Addressing Specific Issues

• Splitting Nails: Address with rich moisturizers, oil massages, and focus on dietary supplements and foods containing Vitamin B12, iron, and protein.
• Vertical Splits: Patience is required, as it can take up to a year to regrow a healthy nail. Cuticle oils to stimulate cell regeneration can aid the healing process.
• Post-Gel/Acrylic Damage: After removing these artificial nails, it is crucial to cut them short, use a nail hardener, maintain natural shape, be aware of the hyponychium (area of skin under the free edge of the nail), and ensure constant hydration.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can brittle nails be restored?

Yes, brittle nails can be restored with consistent care, proper hydration, and addressing any underlying deficiencies. Patience is crucial as it takes time for nails to grow out.

2. How long does it take to heal damaged nails?

It can take about 4 to 6 months for a new fingernail to grow to replace a lost one, and around 12 months for a toenail. The healing of an existing damaged nail can vary based on the extent of the damage, your care routine, and diet.

3. What is the best oil for hydrating nails?

Oils like jojoba, avocado, coconut, and olive oil are excellent for hydrating nails. Olive oil is particularly good for improving brittleness and reducing breakage.

4. Does Vaseline help damaged nails?

Yes, Vaseline can help damaged nails by locking in moisture and protecting them from irritants. It creates a protective barrier on the skin and nails.

5. What vitamin deficiency causes brittle nails?

Deficiencies in biotin (Vitamin B7), B vitamins, calcium, iron, Vitamin D and protein can cause brittle nails.

6. Why do my nails split down the middle?

Nail splitting can occur due to moisture issues, behavioral factors, injury, infection, age, underlying medical conditions, and nutrient deficits.

7. Can gel nails ruin my nails?

Yes, frequent gel manicures can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking. Repeated use can increase the risk of premature skin aging on the hands.

8. What is nail slugging?

Nail slugging involves applying a thick emollient directly onto your cuticles and gently massaging it in to grow and maintain healthy, stronger nails.

9. How can I make my nails stronger and thicker?

Keep your nails short, file them properly, avoid acetone-based removers, eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, take biotin supplements, minimize water exposure, and avoid acrylic nails to make your nails stronger and thicker.

10. What is the best nail strengthener product?

There are several good nail strengtheners available. Look for products like Duri Rejuvacote Nail Growth System, Olive & June Nail Strengthener, and Orly Nail Defense Nail Strengthener. Keratin based treatments, and base coats are also effective.

11. What natural home remedies can help brittle nails?

Coconut oil masks, Vitamin E massages, lemon juice soaks, tea tree oil applications, sea salt soaks, and olive oil massages can help strengthen and moisturize brittle nails.

12. Is olive oil good for nails?

Yes, olive oil is great for treating brittle nails and ragged cuticles. It helps retain moisture, supports nail growth, and prevents breakage.

13. How can I hydrate my nails at home naturally?

You can use olive oil, coconut oil, or mineral oil to massage your cuticles for natural moisturization.

14. Can you put gel on damaged nails?

Gel can be applied to damaged nails to provide a protective cover and help with pain or tenderness while they heal. However, excessive use of gel on damaged nails can worsen the condition so proceed with caution.

15. Will a vertical nail split ever heal?

Yes, a vertical nail split can heal over time. It can take possibly 6 months to 1 year for the split to grow out. Massaging cuticle oil helps stimulate cell regeneration and circulation which aids in the healing.

By combining these strategies, you can effectively heal damaged, brittle nails and promote healthy, strong growth. Remember that consistency and patience are key to achieving the best results.