20% off €35

000000s
Code:EXTRA
 

20% off €35

000000s

Code:EXTRA

🏷️ Buy 1 Get 1 Half PriceOffersOffers HubBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 Free2 for €74 Mix & MatchVitamins & SupplementsVitamins & Supplements HubVitamins & Supplements Shop AllCBDCollagen & SilicaHair, Skin & NailsShop all Hair, Skin & NailsHair GrowthFunctional MushroomsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KVitamin DrinksMineralsShop all MineralsMagnesiumIronZincCalciumSeleniumChromiumSupplementsShop all SupplementsFibre SupplementsAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaPeppermint OilGrapeseed ExtractLecithinCollagen & SilicaOmega & Fish OilsPlant Sourced SupplementsSuperfood SupplementsArnicaApple CiderRaspberry KetonesAloe VeraChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Evening Primrose OilGarlicGlucosamineGlucomannanSeaweed, Kelps and AquaceuticalsDigestive EnzymesSaw palmettoCharcoalWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthMenopauseMenstrual SupportUrinary Tract HealthPregnancy & ConceptionMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthChildren's HealthConditionShop all ConditionWater RetentionCholesterolAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthMuscle Support & Joint PainBrain & Memory SupportWomen's HealthMen's HealthChildren's HealthCold & Immune SupportFatigueDigestive HealthHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMood SupportSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesValerianRescue RemedyAshwagandhaEchinaceaMilk ThistleGinseng & GuaranaHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesRescue RemedyTissue SaltsFlower RemediesVegan Vitamins & SupplementsBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeSave up to 1/2 priceHolland & BarrettVitabioticsSolgarNew NordicBetterYouNatures AidBioglanGrass & Co.Bach Original Flower RemediesPE NutritionDairy FreeGluten FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inFood & DrinkFood & Drink HubFood & Drink Shop AllEasterVegan FoodHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsManuka HoneyHoneyJams & ChutneysNut ButtersSpreadsPateTeas & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas & Hot BeveragesCoffee & Coffee SubstituteMushroom DrinksGreen TeaPeppermint TeaHerbal TeaFruit TeaSlimming TeaSleep & Relaxation TeaTeaDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsNutsDried FruitSeedsMixesSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsSpirulinaSuperfood PowdersGoji BerriesBaobabMoringa PowderChia SeedsSnacksShop all SnacksLow Calorie SnacksChocolate, Cakes & BiscuitsSavoury SnacksSweet SnacksSnack BarsCrisps & ChipsFlapjacksPopcornFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardCondiments & SaucesApple Cider VinegarSuperfoodsBreakfast CerealsHoney, Jams & SpreadsTinned FoodsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeBreakfast BarsDrinksShop all DrinksKombuchaNatural Energy DrinksJuicesSoft DrinksWaterAlcohol Free DrinksCookingShop all CookingCooking IngredientsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesSoya & Meat AlternativeSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsHerbs, Spices & SeasoningGravy & StockHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking MixesBreadFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesEgg SubstitutesDairy AlternativesShop all Dairy AlternativesOat, Rice & Hemp DrinksSoya DrinksNut DrinksCoconut DrinksNutritionally Complete FoodBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeHolland & BarrettNaturyaPukkaGrenadeHeath & HeatherTwiningsMeridianOptimum NutritionNakdPhDGluten FreeDairy FreeEgg FreeMilk FreeWheat FreeMustard FreeCelery FreeCrustaceans FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeNew inSports NutritionSports Nutrition HubSports Nutrition Shop AllProteinShop all ProteinClear ProteinProtein VeganMeal ReplacementsWhey ProteinMass GainersDiet ProteinCaseinBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksNutritionally Complete FoodMeal Replacement ShakesPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyPre WorkoutAmino Energy DrinksAmino Energy PowdersIntra WorkoutKetoPost WorkoutAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsBCAAL-LysineGlutamineArginineCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine PowderSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsTestosteroneSports CollagenRehydrationShop all RehydrationElectrolytesEnergy GelsVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness GoalShop all Fitness GoalRecoveryMuscle & StrengthLean MuscleEnergy & EnduranceDiet & Weight LossKetoBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 price2 for €74 Mix & MatchPE NutritionOptimum NutritionUSNGrenadePhDApplied NutritionFoodspringHuelSiSHigh5Dairy FreeGluten FreeSugar FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inBeautyBeauty HubNatural Beauty Shop AllAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomePure Essential OilsBlended Essential OilsBase & Carrier OilsHolisticSkincareShop all SkincarePremium SkincareFace CareBody CareSun CareTanning & BronzingEye CareLip CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareCBD BeautyHair Skin & NailsShop all Hair Skin & NailsNail ConditionsSkin ConditionsCollagenWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingShampoo & ConditionerBathing AccessoriesShower Gel & Body WashDeodorantDentalHand WashSoapBath Soak & OilBody ScrubBath Bombs & SaltsFeminine CareIncontinence SupportHair CareShop all Hair CareShampoo & ConditionerHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair Spray, Gel & MousseHair AccessoriesMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesMakeupElectrical WellnessSexual WellnessBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 priceLast chance to buyDr OrganicFaith in NatureWeledaNaturtintTisserandMiaromaQ+AEthiqueTrilogyChilds FarmAlcohol FreeParfum FreeParaben FreeSLS FreePalm Oil FreeGluten FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeNew inWeight ManagementWeight Management HubWeight Management Shop AllSlimming TabletsFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsFat BurnersFat BindersAppetite SuppressantsShakes & Weight Management ShotsShop all Shakes & Weight Management ShotsMeal Replacement ShakesWeight Management ShotsDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkDiet FoodLow Calorie SnacksSlimming TeaExercise SupportBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 price2 for €74 Mix & MatchGrenadeOptimum NutritionHolland & BarrettPulsinPhDUSNEat WaterNatures AidSlimExpertApplied NutritionDairy FreeGluten FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeNew inHealth & WellnessShop all Health & WellnessJoints Bones & MusclesGut HealthShop all Gut HealthGut Health FoodGut Health SkincareHair Skin & NailsShop all Hair Skin & NailsNail ConditionsSkin ConditionsCollagenStress AnxietyShop all Stress AnxietyEnergy SupportSleep & RelaxationShop all Sleep & RelaxationRelaxationFood & DietShop all Food & DietKeto FoodMenopauseBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeHolland & BarrettDr OrganicVitabioticsNaturtintWeledaNew NordicSolgarHeath & HeatherOptimum NutritionEthiqueDairy FreeGluten FreeParaben FreeSLS FreeAlcohol FreeParfum FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeNew inShop for your WellnessImmunityGut HealthMenopauseWomen's HealthFood & DietMuscle & Joint PainSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefHealthy HeartEnergyLow Mood & DepressionConcentration & AlertnessEye HealthSexual HealthChildren's HealthLearn about WellnessImmunityGut HealthMenopauseFood & DietJoints, Bones & MusclesSports & FitnessSleep & RelaxationHair Skin & NailsAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcast
Beautiful hands on a white towel

Top tips to tackle brittle nails

23 Nov 2022 • 11 min read

Are your nails prone to chipping and breaking? Discover the best ways to nurse them back to health Did grandmother always tell you to put on the Marigolds before doing the dishes? She may have had a point about protecting your nails. Find out how to look after your nails, with these simple steps.

What causes brittle nails?

Around one in five people have brittle nails, and it affects more women than men.1 Nails are made from layers of the protein keratin, placed on top of one another like roof tiles. If air gets into the spaces between them, for example from cold winds, they swell, causing the nail to break, chip or split.2,3 In the same way, regularly immersing your fingers in water swells the gaps between the keratin. When the water then leaves, it triggers dry, brittle nails.4 It’s very common for nails to break more easily as we age too. Our nails can also change during pregnancy, becoming softer, harder or more brittle.5,6

Handpicked content: Find out what your nails could be saying about your health

The golden rule: gloves and moisturiser

Handling chemicals? Or do you spend a lot of time with wet hands, or your fingers immersed in water? You need to protect your healthy nails with rubber or latex gloves.7 Slather your hands and nails in moisturiser every day too. Look for a hand cream that contains a humectant to draw in moisture, for example glycerine or honey, plus an emollient, such as shea butter, olive oil or coconut oil, to seal in water.8,9

Avoid acetone nail polish remover

Acetone – found in certain nail polish removers – has a drying effect on nails. Make sure you buy acetone-free versions, or ask your beautician to use acetone-free remover when you have a manicure.10 You could have a break, and go for natural nails, for a short while too.

See your GP

Sometimes brittle nails are a symptom of an underlying condition, like hypothyroidism or Raynaud’s syndrome. See your GP to rule these out.11,12 Ask for a blood test too, as zinc deficiency and iron-deficiency anaemia can both cause nail problems. Zinc is needed for cell growth, while iron-deficiency anaemia can trigger a brittle nail condition called koilonychia.13,14,15

Handpicked content: Why you should start taking zinc – today

Bump up your biotin

Researchers think that taking biotin, or vitamin B7, could also be a useful way to tackle brittle nails. A Swiss study published in the journal Cutis in 1993 gave 35 patients with brittle nails a daily supplement of biotin. After six months, 63% saw an improvement in nail thickness.16 A 2017 review from the Journal of Dermatological Treatment, concluded that taking biotin could make your fingernails harder and thicker.17

Avoid alcohol-based hand-sanitiser

An investigation carried out in two Leeds teaching hospitals in 2011 found that the alcohol in alcohol-based hand sanitiser gels was an irritant in 88% of participants, causing flaking, brittle nails.18 If you can, wash your hands using a tea tree oil soap instead as it has natural antiseptic and antibacterial properties.19

Sources

1. Abdullah L. Common nail changes and disorders in older people. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3038811/
2. New York Times. New Ways to moisturize those brittle nails. Available from: https://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/06/fashion/thursdaystyles/new-ways-to-moisturize-those-brittle-nails.html
3. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Brittle splitting nails. Available from: http://www.aocd.org/?page=BrittleSplittingNail
4. As Source 2
5. As Source 1
6. NHS Choices. Nail problems. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nail-problems/#indented-spoon-shaped-nails-koilonychia
7. As Source 3
8. As Source 2
9. Sethi A, et al. Moisturizers: The Slippery Road. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4885180/
10. As Source 3
11. MedicineNet.com. Brittle Nails: Symptoms and Signs. Available from: https://www.medicinenet.com/brittle_nails/symptoms.htm
12. Solomons HD. Raynaud’s phenomenon. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3721961/
13. Ambooken B, Binitha MP, Sarita S. Zinc Deficiency Associated with Hypothyroidism: An Overlooked Cause of Severe Alopecia. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3746228/
14. Moiz B. Spoon nails: still seen in today’s world. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/29531740/
15. NHS Choices. Vitamins and minerals: zinc. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/others/
16. Hochman LG, Scher RK, Meyerson MS. Brittle nails: response to daily biotin supplementation. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8477615
17. Lipner SR, Scher RK. Biotin for the treatment of nail disease: what is the evidence? Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29057689
18. McKenzie SN, et al. Alcohol hand abuse: a cross-sectional survey of skin complaints and usage patterns at a large UK teaching hospital. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3166264/
19. Mantil E, Daly G, Avis TJ. Effect of tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) oil as a natural antimicrobial agent in lipophilic formulations. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25515896
 

Disclaimer

 
  • Visa
  • MasterCard
  • AmericanExpress
  • PayPal
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
Copyright © Holland & Barrett Limited, 2023. All rights reserved. hollandandbarrett.ie is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Limited. Registered office: 45 Henry Street, Dublin, Dublin 1, D01 E9X8. Registered in Ireland: Company no. 79819. Registered VAT no. 4682002U.