What are the main causes of brittle nails?

Brittle nails are primarily caused by nutritional deficiencies and excessive exposure to water. A lack of essential vitamins and minerals, such as biotin, vitamin E, and zinc, can significantly weaken the structure of nails, leading to brittleness. Additionally, prolonged or frequent exposure to water, especially without proper moisturizing, can strip the nails of their natural oils and moisture, making them prone to breaking and splitting.

While frequent application of nail polish and using low-quality nail products can contribute to nail health issues, they are not the main causes of brittleness. These factors alone do not account for the overall weakening of the nails to the extent that nutritional flaws and excessive moisture exposure do. Exposure to chemicals alone may also affect nail health, but it does not encompass the full range of causes that contribute to brittleness, particularly in the context of nutrition and hydration. Thus, understanding the combined effects of nutrition and moisture is key to addressing nail brittleness effectively.