Experts outline why nails become weak and how to fix them

Weak, peeling nails have become a growing concern in the UK, even as salons flourish and nail art remains popular. Industry data from Statista show the nail sector generated about £271 million in revenue in 2025, underscoring how widespread nail services have become. But experts warn that the same trends fueling trends in polish and extensions can also contribute to brittle nails. Gel manicures, in particular, are cited as a common culprit because of the preparation and removal process. Margaret Dabbs, chief executive and founder of a London nail clinic, says over-buffing, acetone remover and scraping off product strip the nail of natural oils and damage keratin, leaving nails thin, dry and prone to peeling.

Beyond salon services, nails can weaken from multiple everyday factors. Consultant dermatologist Dr. Vani Agarwal notes that repeated wetting and drying, along with exposure to household detergents and solvents, can take a toll. Gaelle Lebrat-Personnaz, chief executive and co-founder of Manicurist, adds that nail-biting or using nails as tools also contributes. While diet matters, Dr. Agarwal cautions that true nutritional deficiencies are relatively rare in the UK. Still, a varied diet and plenty of water benefit hair, skin and nails alike. When nails peel, it is typically a sign of dehydrated nails—layers of the nail plate lose moisture and separate. The same triggers apply: overexposure to water, harsh nail products and mechanical trauma from frequent filing and buffing. This issue is particularly common among people who wash their hands frequently for work.

As people age, nails often become drier, more brittle and slower to grow. Dabbs explains that reduced cell turnover in the nail bed, along with less efficient blood flow and nutrients to the extremities, contributes to a duller, ridged or discolored appearance. Hormonal changes and general wear and tear also play a part. Lebrat-Personnaz counters that with the right products and routine, it is absolutely possible to maintain strong, healthy nails at any age.

To strengthen fragile nails, experts advise giving nails a break from routine gel appointments to let them breathe and repair. Daily hydration with nourishing oils and the use of a nourishing base coat when polish is applied are recommended. Dabbs also urges professional removal of gel manicures to limit damage, and swapping emery boards for high-quality crystal files to promote healthy growth and prevent splitting. Dr. Agarwal’s practical tips include wearing cotton-lined gloves during cleaning, moisturizing hands and nails daily with glycerin-based creams and oils, keeping nails cut short, and applying Vaseline to the cuticles to lock in moisture. The emphasis across advice is consistent: protect, hydrate, and minimize trauma to the nail plate.

Lifestyle changes play a crucial role in nail health. Some experts voiced caution about supplements for nails. Lebrat-Personnaz suggests biotin, zinc or plant-based keratin as potential aids, while Dr. Agarwal notes that a balanced diet rich in protein, iron and fresh fruits and vegetables is the foundation. She adds that supplements rarely transform nail health unless a true deficiency exists, though there is some evidence that biotin taken consistently may help strengthen brittle nails. If nails remain persistently weak or break easily, professionals recommend seeing an expert-led clinic or dermatologist to rule out conditions such as psoriasis, lichen planus, anaemia or fungal nail infections, which can be linked to poor nails but are treatable when addressed.

In sum, the path to stronger nails hinges on a combination of careful product use, mindful grooming, and a diet that supports overall health. The right routine can help maintain or restore strength at any age, even as nails naturally change with time. Health-focused practices—such as limiting harsh removers, opting for gentle filing, protecting hands during chores, and hydrating nails daily—are central to reducing breakage and peeling over the long term.