Brittle Nails: Causes and Treatment Tips (Cleveland Clinic)

Tier 1: Established: peer-reviewed research or government health authority
Publisher: Cleveland Clinic · Published: August 27, 2026 · Accessed: August 27, 2026

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Brittle nails become more common with age: nails grow slower, so the nail has more exposure to dry air, water and sanitizers.
Frequent handwashing and sanitizing dry nails out because nails lose water faster than skin does.
Longer nails and regular use of nail cosmetics (especially gel manicures, whose removal damages the nail) increase the chance of split, cracked and broken nails.
Treatment basics: heavy hand cream at bedtime, daytime moisturizing, lanolin nail conditioner (avoiding alcohol-containing conditioners), nail slugging with petroleum jelly, formaldehyde-free clear polish, and leaving cuticles alone.
A daily biotin supplement of about 5,000 micrograms can improve nail health for some people, but it takes six to eight weeks for the nail bed to grow out.
Protein supports nail health; aim for a minimum of about 45 grams a day.
Myths: drinking extra water does not make nails more supple, and consuming gelatin does not improve nail health.
Fragile nails can be a sign of not getting enough protein, iron or vitamin B.
Brittle nails can be an early indicator of thyroid conditions including hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism and Graves' disease.
See a doctor for grooving or separation of the nail plate, or redness, swelling or soreness of the skin folds around the nail; thickened or yellowing nails may indicate fungal infection.