Healthy, strong nails don’t just happen - they require the same attention we give our skin and hair. But many women unknowingly do things every day that damage their nails, making them brittle, thin or prone to splitting.
Here are the most common nail destroyers and how to avoid them:
1. UV GEL MANICURE & SKIPPING THE BREAK
We all love how shiny, durable and convenient UV gel manicures are - but there’s a red alert every woman should know about. Dermatologists, including the American Academy of Dermatology, warn that gel manicures can cause serious nail problems, such as:
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Brittleness
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Peeling
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Cracking
And it’s not just the nails. Frequent use of UV/LED lamps to cure gel polish may increase the risk of skin damage, including premature aging, dark spots and in rare cases, a possible increased risk of skin cancer on the hands.
The biggest risk comes not from the gel itself, but from the process which can be even more harmful. Aggressive preparation and rough removal can lead to thinning, tearing, and long-term weakness. If there’s any gap between the gel and the natural nail, moisture and bacteria can get in, creating the perfect environment for infection.
Wearing UV gel back-to-back without breaks can push nails to the point where they simply can’t take anymore. They become brittle and weak. And recovery is slow - it can take up to 6 months for nails to fully grow out and rebuild their strength.
2. AGING & HORMONAL CHANGES (Including Menopause)
Our nails, just like our skin, go through an aging process. And one of the biggest factors behind weakening nails in women over 40 is something almost no one talks about: hormones. Hormonal changes directly affect the thickness, moisture, and growth speed of nails.
During menopause, estrogen levels drop - and that shift has a huge impact on nail health.
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Slower nail growth
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Increased brittleness
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Peeling and splitting
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Nails that bend more easily
This is one of the biggest causes of weak nails in women 40+.
3. FREQUENT EXPOSURE TO WATER/CHEMICALS
Ironically, too much water dehydrates nails. When nails repeatedly swell (from water) and then shrink (when dried), they become soft and easy to tear. Washing dishes, long showers, and household chores can dramatically weaken them.
4. HARSH NAIL PRODUCTS & ACETONE
Many nail polish removers - especially pure acetone - strip natural oils from the nail plate. This leads to dryness and thinning. If you want to protect your nail health, always choose a non-acetone remover. It’s gentler, preserves moisture, and helps keep your nails stronger over time.
5. NUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES
Your nails reflect your internal health. Lack of key nutrients results in:
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Weak, soft nails (low protein/keratin)
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Slow growth (low biotin, vitamins B + D)
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Dryness (low essential fatty acids)
6. NOT MOISTURIZING YOUR NAILS & CUTICLES
Nails need hydration just like skin. When neglected, they become rigid, dry, and fragile. A nourishing oil or Colostrum based booster can dramatically improve strength over time.