Healthy, beautiful and strong nails are a goal that women in particular seek, as women are interested in maintaining their beauty and attractiveness on an ongoing basis. Nails are one of the most prominent aspects of beauty for women, as they are considered the crown of the hands, which requires taking care of them and not neglecting them. The problem of nail breakage is one of the challenges that many face. Therefore, knowing the causes of nail breakage, ways to treat them and protect them from damage and cracks can help you keep your nails strong, healthy and attractive. Your nails can also reflect potential health problems or reflect daily habits that you practice. In this article, we will review the most important causes of nail breakage, weakness and cracking, ways to treat them, in addition to the most important vitamins that enhance nail health.

**What are nails made of?**

 

Nails are mainly composed of a protein known as keratin, which protects the nail from damage and gives it strength. This protein is also found in the surface layer of the skin and hair. Nails also contain a percentage of water and fats, as the balance between the components of this formula maintains the flexibility of the nail and its ability to resist external factors. New nail cells grow to push out old, dead cells, which are the visible part of the nail. There are also capillaries under the nail bed, through which blood flows to nourish new cells and give the nail its pink color. In addition, nails contain a layer of dermis rich in nerve endings, which makes pressure on the nail very painful.

**What are brittle nails?**

Brittle nails are a common problem that affects nails, and include cracking, breaking, splitting, weakness, and thinning. This condition is more common in women than men, and is often the result of chemical and environmental challenges such as frequent washing and drying of nails. Soft and weak nails are caused by excessive exposure to moisture and chemicals such as detergents and nail polish removers. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies in the body can also be one of the main causes of brittle nails.

**What are brittle nails?**

Brittle nails are a common problem in women more than men, as they break easily and appear cracked. This condition is attributed to excessive exposure to moisture, in addition to environmental and chemical factors. Brittle nails may also indicate iron deficiency (anemia) or thyroid problems.

**How ​​does this problem occur?**

Factors such as aging and poor nutrition can lead to dry and thin nails. There are also some treatments and medical conditions that may cause them to become brittle. But don't worry, proper care can make a big difference in the health and strength of your nails.

**When does cracked nails become serious?**

Usually, cracked nails do not indicate a serious disease, but are considered a natural sign of aging, according to doctors. However, if this problem occurs suddenly and without clear causes, it is advisable to visit a specialist doctor to determine the cause.

**Body health through nails**

Nails are an important indicator of the health of the body, as some health problems can be detected by examining their condition and shape. The most prominent signs that may indicate certain diseases are:

- **Iron deficiency:** Brittle and peeling nails may indicate iron deficiency.
- **Thyroid problems:** Brittle, cracked nails may indicate thyroid problems.
- **Vitamin D deficiency:** Weak nails may indicate vitamin D deficiency.
- **Kidney problems:** Yellow nails may indicate kidney problems.
- **Liver problems:** Yellow or green nails may indicate liver problems.
- **Diabetes:** White, light nails may indicate diabetes.
- **Heart problems:** Blue nails may indicate heart problems.

Healthy nails are a reflection of your health, and any change in the growth or appearance of your nails may be an indication of something wrong. Nail deformities can be caused by certain health conditions, but they are not serious and are usually easily treated. Here are some common deformities, their possible causes, and when to see a doctor:

- **Broken nails:** Nails become more brittle with age, and lifestyle factors such as constant manual labor and prolonged exposure to water can also contribute to breakage. This condition may be a sign of malnutrition or skin disorders. Diseases that may contribute to brittle nails include: thyroid disease, fungal infections, and psoriasis.

- **White spots on nails:** These spots are considered harmless.

- **Horizontal lines on nails (Beau's lines):** May be caused by measles, mumps, pneumonia, diabetes, zinc deficiency, or chemotherapy.

- **Nail curvature:** May occur as a result of low blood oxygen levels.

- **Blue nails:** They turn blue as a result of a lack of oxygen in the body, which may be due to problems with the lungs, heart, or blood circulation.

- **Yellow nails:** They are yellow and thicker than usual, and do not grow as quickly as normal nails, and may indicate internal malignant tumors, rheumatoid arthritis, or respiratory diseases.

**What causes longitudinal cracking of nails?**

 

Longitudinal cracking of nails is a problem that affects the appearance of nails, making them look unattractive. However, it is not limited to the external appearance only, but it may be an indication of the presence of health problems. The most prominent causes of nail cracking lengthwise are:

- Infection or fungal or bacterial inflammation.
- Exposure of nails to injury or shocks from hard surfaces.
- Nail biting due to stress or anxiety.
- Infection with some diseases related to the kidneys or liver.

**What are the causes of broken nails in children?**

There are many causes of broken nails in children, and they can be the result of several factors, including:

- **Nutritional deficiency:** Lack of essential nutrients such as proteins and vitamins (such as vitamin A 

C, E, and Biotin) can lead to nail breakage.
- **Dryness:** Not moisturizing the nails enough makes them brittle and prone to breakage easily.
- **Fungal infection:** Fungi that infect the nails can weaken them and cause them to break.
- **Exposure to chemicals:** Using strong detergents or other chemicals frequently without wearing protective gloves can damage the nails.
- **Bad habits:** Such as biting nails or using them to open things, which leads to damage.
- **Exposure to shocks and injuries:** Children may be exposed to shocks that lead to nail breakage.
- **Hormonal changes:** In some cases, hormonal changes, such as those that occur during adolescence, can affect nail health and make them brittle.

 Causes of nail breakage

 

The causes of nail breakage are many and vary from one person to another. Here are the most prominent possible causes:

**Vitamin deficiency**: If your nails are weak and break easily, this may be due to a deficiency of some essential vitamins in your body. This deficiency is often due to not eating a balanced diet. Vitamin A and vitamin E are important vitamins for maintaining strong nails, and can be obtained from sources such as carrots, spinach, and avocados. It is also recommended to eat foods rich in calcium such as milk, in addition to omega-3 found in seafood. It is also preferable to eat nuts, eggs, and whole grains to compensate for the deficiency of vitamins necessary for the health of the body.

**Protein deficiency**: Foods rich in protein play an important role in strengthening nails and protecting them from breakage. To obtain protein, it is recommended to eat red meat, chicken, fish, eggs, and beans.

**Diseases**: Some diseases affect the health of nails, making them weak and brittle. Among these diseases are:
- **Thyroid diseases**: Hypothyroidism and insufficient production of hormones can lead to nail breakage.
- **Liver diseases**.
- **Kidney diseases**.
- **Skin cancer**.

**Not drinking water**: Not drinking enough water daily can contribute to brittle and broken nails. So it is recommended to drink 8 glasses of water daily, even in winter, as this is considered one of the main causes of nail breakage.

**Aging**: As we age, nails become thinner and less strong, making them more prone to breakage.

**Thyroid disorder**: Thyroid disorder can lead to nail problems, including brittleness, as the thyroid gland plays a role in regulating metabolism and nail growth.

**Anemia**: This condition occurs when the body does not produce enough hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen to parts of the body. Iron deficiency can also lead to anemia.

**Environmental causes**: Although the skin is waterproof, nails absorb moisture. Frequent hand washing can lead to dry and brittle nails.

**Nutritional causes**: Iron, protein, calcium deficiency or malnutrition can lead to brittle nails. Selenium is an important nutrient, and is found in abundance in seafood.

**Removing dead skin around the nails**: Removing dead skin around the nails is essential for their beauty, but it should not be removed completely, as this skin protects the nails from fungi and infection. It is recommended to disinfect and moisturize the nails after removing the dead skin.

**Not moisturizing the nails**: Some girls ignore the importance of moisturizing the nails, which makes them weak and prone to breakage. It is recommended to use nail moisturizing creams or coconut oil to maintain their moisture.

Frequent exposure of nails to water and detergents can weaken them and increase their susceptibility to breakage, especially when washing dishes and using harsh detergents to remove grease. Therefore, it is important not to neglect wearing special gloves during cleaning processes.

As for applying nail polish for long periods, nails, like skin, contain pores and need to breathe. Covering them with nail polish hinders this process, so it is preferable not to leave the polish on the nails for more than 5 days, then it should be removed and the nails should be allowed to breathe for a few days before reapplying it.

Excessive moisture can lead to brittle and loose nails, as the presence of a large amount of moisture, in addition to excessive exposure to detergents and nail polish removers, may contribute to this.

On the other hand, a lack of moisture can make nails hard and brittle, as frequent hand washing or activities that require moisturizing and drying the nails lead to loss of moisture.

Nails are made up of keratin, calcium, water, fats and other elements necessary to maintain their health. When the following symptoms appear, they indicate weak and brittle nails:

- Lack of flexibility and dryness: Small bumps on the nails may indicate a loss of their flexibility and moisture.
- Nails break easily: This is a clear sign of brittle nails, as they can easily break into several layers.
- The appearance of longitudinal bumps and cracks: In some cases, cracks may appear on the outer edge of the nail and get worse.
- Nail separation: This occurs when the nail separates from its bed, and this may be due to a deficiency in the components of the nail or exposure to a strong shock.

**Home Recipes to Strengthen Nails**

 

After reviewing the most important causes of nail breakage, here are some home recipes that will help you strengthen your nails and make them less prone to breakage:

1. **Olive Oil and Lemon**: Mix a tablespoon of olive oil with a teaspoon of lemon juice, then rub your nails with this mixture and leave it for 15 minutes before rinsing it with warm water. It is preferable to repeat this recipe two to three times a week.

2. **Vitamin E Oil and Sesame Oil**: Mix equal amounts of vitamin E oil and sesame oil, then apply the mixture to your nails for 15 minutes. Repeat this recipe three times a week.

3. **Lavender Oil and Avocado Oil**: Mix three drops of 

Mix lavender oil with a tablespoon of avocado oil, and apply the mixture to your nails once or twice a week.

4. **Beer Soak**: Beer is an effective natural remedy for brittle nails, as it contains important minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, and selenium, which promote healthy nails.

5. **Coconut Oil Massage**: Massaging nails with coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer, as it helps prevent nail infections and maintains their moisture, and improves blood circulation.

6. **Apple Cider Vinegar Soak**: Apple cider vinegar contains minerals such as iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium, in addition to vitamins necessary to strengthen nails and reduce inflammation.

7. **Tea Tree Oil Drops**: Tea tree oil is a natural remedy for skin and nail problems, as it helps treat fungal infections.

8. **Egg Yolk and Milk Soak**: Lack of nutrients, protein, and calcium are among the causes of brittle nails. Soaking egg yolks and milk is an excellent natural source of protein that strengthens nails.

9. **Herbal Nail Mask**: This nourishing herbal nail mask is a natural manicure, providing stronger and thicker nails after several uses. Add a teaspoon of chamomile and peppermint tea to a cup of boiling water, let it steep for two hours, then strain.

**Vitamins to strengthen nails**

 

Many vitamins and minerals help support the growth and strengthening of new nails. Changes in the appearance, texture, or shape of nails may indicate a deficiency in certain nutrients. Here are the most important vitamins that promote healthy nails:

- **Biotin**: Known as vitamin B7, it promotes healthy cell growth and helps in the metabolism of amino acids responsible for building proteins necessary for nail growth. Foods and supplements rich in biotin can help strengthen nails, as it is found in abundance in organ meats such as liver, egg yolks, dairy products, yeast, salmon, avocados, sweet potatoes, nuts, and seeds.

B vitamins include a group of vitamins that are important for nail health, including vitamin B12, which plays a vital role in the absorption of iron, both of which are essential for maintaining healthy nails. Iron is an essential component of red blood cells that carry oxygen to organs and cells, including nails, helping to strengthen and maintain their health.

Magnesium contributes to vital reactions within the body, including the production of proteins necessary for nail growth. As for keratin, it is a structural protein that is the main component of nails, giving them strength and flexibility and protecting them from damage and stress.

Omega-3 fatty acids play a role in moisturizing nails, giving them a shiny appearance and enhancing the health of nail cells. Vitamin C is essential for the production of collagen, which is the protein responsible for the shape, strength and integrity of most tissues, including nails, hair and teeth.

Zinc is essential for nail growth, as nails are made up of rapidly dividing cells, which requires a constant supply of zinc to promote their healthy growth. Horsetail contains a high percentage of silica, which is a vital mineral for strengthening nails, and also helps get rid of white spots that may appear on them.

To prepare a treatment using horsetail, you can add two teaspoons of the dried plant to a cup of hot water, then cover it and leave it for ten minutes. After it cools, you can soak your nails in it for twenty minutes, then dry your hands and massage your nails with olive oil, and wear gloves all night. In the morning, wash your hands with soap and water, and this recipe can be repeated three to four times a week.

Sea salt contains many minerals that are beneficial for nails, as it helps strengthen brittle nails and gives them shine and luster. You can mix two tablespoons of sea salt with warm water, add two drops of wheat germ oil and lemon oil, then soak your fingers in the solution for 10-15 minutes. After that, you should wash your hands well with warm water and dry them, then apply a moisturizing cream. It is recommended to repeat this recipe two to three times a week for quick results.

Biotin is an essential element for strengthening the structure of nails. Studies have shown that taking nutritional supplements rich in biotin can enhance nail strength by 25% when taking 2.5 mg daily for six months.