How To Heal Weak, Brittle Nails, According To A Doctor (2024)

Brittle nails (medically referred to as “onychoschizia”) is a common dermatological complaint, says Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry, who spoke to Elite Daily for this article. He says the best nail oils for brittle nails contain vitamin E (which can also help prevent the yellowing of your nails), jojoba oil, almond oil, castor oil, clove oil, sunflower oil, and/or olive oil. These rich oils can stop the progression of nail damage and prevent new nail growth from becoming brittle, Dr. Chaudhry explains. He adds that preventing the flaking, crumbling, and splitting of nails that’s caused by a loss of elasticity in skin will most likely require a combination of lifestyle adjustments and the use of certain skin care products, such as the nail oils featured below.

Apply your oil three times a day, Dr. Chaudhry says. “Massaging oil regularly helps in the absorption of essential nail-softening nutrients from the surface of the nail into the body,” he explains. Also, Dr. Chaudhry says that applying oil onto your cuticles will keep the growing edge of the nail soft, moisturize the nail beds, and promote healthy nail growth, so don’t forget to apply your oil onto your cuticles, as well.

Another tip from Dr. Chaudhry: Some hand lotions can actually make your nails worse, so if you use hand creams, look for ones that have dermatologically tested formulas, and don’t use those in place of a nail oil. And as a rule, oils can penetrate moisturizers, so the doctor says it's better to apply your nail oil after you use lotion on your hands, not before.

Finally, our nails tell us about many things about our bodies, says the doctor. If using a good nail oil, paired with lifestyle modifications (e.g. wearing gloves when cleaning and washing dishes, and avoiding acetone if possible) doesn’t help, speak with a dermatologist to see if there’s an underlying condition causing your brittle nails.

1. Dermatologist’s Pick: Best Nail Oil For Brittle Nails

Dr. Chaudhry likes that this Sally Hansen nail and cuticle Oil is an “amalgam of essential vitamins like vitamin E, coconut oil, and nail [moisturizers that] greatly [impact] healing and prevention against nail brittleness.” He says the blend of nourishing ingredients, which also includes apricot, safflower seed, wheat germ, and aloe, helps to protect your nails from damage and keep them soft. At just $6 on Amazon, it also happens to be one of the most affordable nail oils out there, too.

2. Dermatologist’s Pick: Runner Up

Dr. Chaudhry also recommends Pura D'Or’s nail and cuticle oil, which is full of nourishing ingredients like argan, sunflower, and jojoba oils, as well as vitamin E, that help counteract the loss of elasticity in your nails. Honey and almond milk provide additional moisture and nourishment, and finally, this oil contains biotin, which may help promote nail growth. It comes with a dropper dispenser and you only need a dab of product per each nail, so this affordable bottle will last you forever.

3. Nail Pro’s Pick: Best Nail Oil For Brittle Nails

Jennifer Bell, the senior marketing manager at Bellacures, a chain of nail salons favored by celebrities, says that the pros she works with use Dazzle Dry Mend Oil on clients with dry, damaged nails. “Like all Dazzle Dry products, Mend is made of natural ingredients and free from harsh chemicals,” she says. It’s made from a blend of squalane (sourced from olives), oat kernel oil, tea tree oil, lemongrass, and celery seed extract, and it’s a gentle and effective way to treat your nails, cuticles, and hands.

You may already be familiar with Dazzle Dry’s four-part nail system, but this repairing treatment was especially designed for people who have weak, thin nails and white spots caused by damage and dryness.

4. Best Scented Nail Oil (& The Best Nail Oil According To Amazon Reviewers)

With over 80,000 five-star ratings, this is one of the most popular nail and cuticle oils on Amazon. It contains all sorts of nourishing ingredients, like safflower oil, sunflower oil, and vitamin E, but what really makes it such a crowdpleaser is the delightful range of scents in which it’s offered. Choose from milk and honey, citrus and wild berry, lavender and chamomile, mango and bergamot, peach and vanilla, pomegranate and fig, sweet almond, or vanilla bean and sugar.

5. The Best Nail Oil Pen

Stick The Body Shop’s drip-free nail oil pen into your bag to use on the go. Made from sweet almond oil, almond milk, olive oil, and shea butter, this convenient little pen is easy to handle and apply without spilling, and has the added bonus of a rubber top that doubles as a gentle cuticle pusher. One Amazon reviewer reported, “This stuff is miraculous. I have weak, peeling nails and this oil transforms them into strong and healthy talons.”

6. Honorable Mention

You’ve certainly seen CND SolarOil around somewhere. The popular, award-winning oil has over 14,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, with fans reporting that the blend of jojoba oil, vitamin E, and sweet almond oil is a miracle worker for their brittle nails. It has a nice, lightweight feel and a yummy almond scent, and if you buff your nails and then apply this oil, you’ll look like you’ve got a coat of sheer polish on your fingers.

Experts:

Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry, M.B.B.S., UK-Board-Certified Dermatologist, Scandinavian Biolabs

Jennifer Bell, Senior Marketing Manager, Bellacures

Studies referenced:

Clinical and Instrumental Objective Evidence of the Efficacy of a New Water-Based Nail-Strengthening Solution Containing Pistacia lentiscus and Hyaluronic Acid Applied for Up to 6 Months to Improve the Appearance of Weak, Brittle Nails. Dermatology and Therapy, 10(1), 119. Piraccini, B. M., Granger, C., Alessandrini, A., Brandi, N., Bruni, F., Mandel, V. D., Pellacani, G., & Starace, M. (2020). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/337401201_Clinical_and_Instrumental_Objective_Evidence_of_the_Efficacy_of_a_New_Water-Based_Nail-Strengthening_Solution_Containing_Pistacia_lentiscus_and_Hyaluronic_Acid_Applied_for_Up_to_6_Months_to_Improve_th

How To Heal Weak, Brittle Nails, According To A Doctor (2024)

FAQs

How To Heal Weak, Brittle Nails, According To A Doctor? ›

Applying a nail hardener might help strengthen nails. Ask your doctor about biotin. Some research suggests that the nutritional supplement biotin might help strengthen weak or brittle fingernails.

What do dermatologists recommend for weak nails? ›

Cuticle oil helps to repair, nourish, and moisturize weak nails as well, says North Carolina-based board-certified dermatologist Sheel Desai Solomon, M.D.. “I recommend L'Occitane Shea Nourishing Nail & Cuticle Oil,” she says.

How do you fix weak brittle nails? ›

How To Fix Brittle Nails
  1. Moisturizing your hands and nails with a cream or lotion containing lanolin or alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs)
  2. Taking daily biotin (vitamin B7) supplements.
  3. Applying a thin coat of nail strengthener containing nylon fibers to your nails once a week.
Sep 27, 2023

When should I see a doctor about brittle nails? ›

Usually, brittle nails don't require a doctor visit, but these conditions warrant a call: Grooving or separation of your nail plate. Redness, swelling or soreness of the skin folds around your nail.

What is the prescription medication for weak nails? ›

Drug Summary

Nuvail (lauric acid liquid) is polymeric solution which forms a uniform film when applied to the nail indicated for managing signs and symptoms of nail dystrophy, i.e., nail splitting and nail fragility, for intact or damaged nails.

How to get your nails healthy again? ›

Fingernail care: Do's
  1. Keep fingernails dry and clean. This prevents bacteria from growing under your fingernails. ...
  2. Practice good nail hygiene. Use a sharp manicure scissors or clippers. ...
  3. Use moisturizer. ...
  4. Apply a protective layer. ...
  5. Ask your doctor about biotin.

How can I harden my weak nails fast? ›

Here are 12 tips that you can use to help strengthen your nails in no time.
  1. Take a biotin supplement. ...
  2. Minimize exposure to water. ...
  3. Stay hydrated. ...
  4. Pay attention to your diet. ...
  5. Be careful about the products you use. ...
  6. Avoid using gel or acrylic nails, if possible. ...
  7. Give your nails a break from polish.

What vitamin am I lacking if I have brittle nails? ›

- A deficiency in B-complex vitamins, especially biotin, will produce ridges along the nail bed. - A diet lacking in calcium contributes to dry, brittle nails. - A lack of folic acid and vitamin C can lead to hangnails. - Insufficient dietary essential oils, like omega-3, cause cracking.

Can brittle nails be healed? ›

Biotin (a vitamin) taken by mouth is beneficial in some people. Get the "Biotin ultra" 1 mg. size as it also comes as much smaller pills and take 2 or 3 a day. It takes at least 6 months, but does really help at least 1/3 of the time.

What blood test is done for brittle nails? ›

In a brittle nail workup, physicians may be inclined to order thyroid studies, an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (marker of acute inflammation), complete blood cell counts, a comprehensive metabolic panel (which includes glucose, electrolytes, and markers of renal and hepatic function), antinuclear antibody titers, and ...

What autoimmune disease causes brittle nails? ›

Brittle nails: It is not uncommon for a person with lupus to develop a skin condition known as lichen planus. This can result in brittle nails that may split .

What do B12 deficiency nails look like? ›

2 Nail changes in vitamin B12 deficiency present as hyperpigmentation of nails like bluish discoloration of nails, blue-black pigmentation with dark longitudinal streaks, and longitudinal and reticulate darkened streaks. The nail pigmentation associated with B12 deficiency is more frequent in patients with dark skin.

How do you fix super brittle nails? ›

Before bed, put urea cream or mineral oil on your nails and cuticles, and then put on cotton gloves. During the day, put on lotion after you wash your hands or shower. If that isn't enough, your dermatologist may be able to prescribe a stronger treatment. Nail polish and nail polish remover can have strong chemicals.

Does Vaseline help brittle nails? ›

Moisturizing the nails at least once a day helps combat brittleness. Vaseline works, and so does any cream that that seals in moisture like Eucerin or Aquaphor, dermatologists say.

How do you fix weak damaged nails? ›

How to repair damaged nails for good
  1. Damage caused by gel polish and acrylic nails, explained. ...
  2. Ways to strengthen and repair damaged nails. ...
  3. 1) Keep your nails short. ...
  4. 2) Apply a daily nail strengthening treatment. ...
  5. 3) Try a professional treatment. ...
  6. 4) Use a strengthening base coat. ...
  7. 5) Keep nails hydrated.
Jun 7, 2023

Do dermatologists deal with nail problems? ›

Still, it's important to see a board-certified dermatologist if you notice any changes. Board-certified dermatologists specialize in diagnosing and treating the skin, hair, and nails. They have the expertise to tell you whether the change is harmless or requires medical testing.

What is the best nail method for weak nails? ›

Plexigel is a semi-hard gel, making it more durable than the soft nail gel manicure. This method is newer, and can be a problem-solver for flat, brittle, or torn nails. Plexigel is a flexible, yet tough, coating that plumps, lengthens, or repairs a multitude of nail issues.

What can I put on my nails to make them stronger? ›

Nails that are dry and brittle easily break and split. To make your nails stronger and prevent them from breaking, massage your nails with tea tree oil, almond oil, jojoba oil, flaxseed oil, pumpkin seed oil, or vitamin E oil. Do this every day for about 10 minutes.

What is the best vitamin for weak nails? ›

Biotin (vitamin B7) is crucial to nail health as it helps form keratin, the main protein that makes up nails. It helps to keep nails strong and prevents brittleness. It can also help to speed up nail growth and enhance nail strength. Sources of biotin include eggs, nuts, salmon, avocados, and dark leafy greens.

References

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