Why Are My Nails Flimsy? Find out now!

Prolonged Exposure to moisture and harmful chemicals is responsible for making your nails flimsy. Then, your nails can be adversely affected by a lack of essential vitamins and minerals. Avoid working too much in the moisture-prone environment and always make sure to wear gloves for manual labor work. Along with this, make sure your diet includes multivitamins with vitamin B and calcium to prevent flimsy nails.

That’s not all. There are more reasons regarding the question of why are my nails flimsy. Hang tight to the article to know all of them. 

Key Takeaways 

Why Are My Nails Flimsy: 7 Top Reasons And Remedies

Nails are an essential part of our overall appearance. If you are having flimsy nails, it may make your hands look less polished and well-groomed. 

This can be frustrating, especially when you’re trying to grow your nails or maintain a certain nail length.

To get over the situation, you need to know the reasons along with the remedies. Before going to discuss them in a comprehensive manner, let’s have a sneak peek first.

Reasons Solutions 
Exposure to moisture and chemicals Avoid having chemicals around your nails
Deficiency in vitamin B, calcium, and iron Take multivitamins with vitamin B and calcium 
Too much working with handsUse gloves 
Using too much Acetone, Gels, AcrylicsTake an occasional break  
Diseases issues (Thyroid or anemia)  Maintain hydration 
Genetics Focus on topical treatments 
Natural aging Maintain a regular nail care routine 

The next step is to describe the reasons in a descriptive manner. The solutions will also be presented in a proper way that will assist you in getting over the problem. 

Reason 1: Exposure to Moisture And Chemicals

The first possible reason is exposing your nails to moisture and chemicals. Repeated exposure to moisture causes the nail plate to swell.

Nails contain onychocytes that absorb water more than the skin, causing the expansion and contraction of nail cells. This weakens nail bonds, resulting in peeling and splitting. 

When nails come into prolonged contact with water, this is also the foremost reason why your nails are bendy. Remember, water is only a matter of concern if someone spends a lot of time in it. This includes someone doing the dishes constantly or performing water aerobics.

Why Are My Nails Flimsy

Source: https://business.medtecs.com

Then, excessive exposure to harsh chemicals present in cleaning products can lead to flexible or bendy nails. You may come into contact with these chemicals while working or cleaning.

Remedy 

To safeguard your nails from becoming soft in water, you can use rubber or vinyl gloves while washing up. You can also avoid weak nails by limiting the prolonged immersion of your nails in water. Also, swimming and water activities are fine, but using nail polish helps.  It helps strengthen weak bonds between nail cells.

Also, steer clear of exposing your nails to chemicals. Opt for a more natural approach to allow your nails the opportunity to rejuvenate and recover. Gloves should be worn by anyone who has to work with chemicals or beauty products.

Reason 2: Deficiency in Vitamin B, Calcium, And Iron

This is another significant reason for having flimsy nails. Insufficient intake of essential vitamins and minerals can adversely affect your nails. 

Your nails may suffer if your diet lacks these elements or your body is incapable of producing them. The reason why your nails are crooked can also be attributed to it.

Vitamin B12 deficiency is linked to weak and brittle nails. Iron deficiency can lead to sudden nail flimsiness and brown-gray nail discoloration. Calcium is crucial for maintaining strong nails, and a lack of it can cause weakness and brittleness

As a matter of fact, your nails can provide valuable insights into both your physical and mental well-being.

For example, the presence of soft fingernails may be indicative of chronic stress and anxiety. Stress can impact nutrient absorption in the body, contributing to the pliability of the nails.

Remedy 

Adequate levels of calcium, iron, fatty acids, biotin, and B complex vitamins are vital for maintaining healthy nails. Because nails heavily rely on these nutrients to thrive.

Vitamin B7 can promote healthy nail growth through supplements or foods like egg yolks, fish, dairy, nuts, and whole grains. To get more calcium in your diet, consume dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified plant milk.

Healthy nail growth depends on maintaining a balanced iron level. In order to achieve and maintain beautiful, healthy nails, it is important to prioritize the right nutrients. See some of our recommended vitamin supplements for strengthening your nail health.

Product NameFeatures
21st Century Extra Strength TabletsContain 5000mcg of biotin per servingRenewal formula with antioxidants, vitamins A, C, E, B-complex
Perfectil Triple Active MultivitaminSuitable for vegetariansActive support with biotin, zinc, and selenium

Reason 3: Too Much Working With Hands

If you work too much with your hand, it can make your nails flimsy. Studies have shown that working in wet conditions can result in heightened nail brittleness. 

Also, frequent exposure to water can lead to nail peeling. Therefore, if your nails exhibit both softness and peeling, this factor might be the primary cause.

Remedy 

If your work involves frequent handwashing or exposure to water. So, it is advisable to consider incorporating gloves into your daily routine or work bag.

Reason 4: Using too Much Acetone, Gels, and Acrylics

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, Acrylic nails cause detrimental effects, with increased brittleness being a notable concern. The presence of acrylic tips makes it evident whether they are applied or not.

It is essential to understand that these effects can have lasting consequences. Even after discontinuing acrylic and gel manicures, your nails might remain brittle for several months.

Regularly getting your nails done at a salon may inadvertently lead to nail damage. Because they use too much gels and acrylics.

Remedy 

To get over the situation, try to avoid using acetone, gels, and acrylics. However, if you enjoy the salon look, it is advisable to take occasional breaks to promote overall health. 

It will also help the well-being of your nails. Instead, you can use natural polish if you are a nail fanatic.

    Source: https://www.timesnownews.com 

Reason 5: Diseases Issues (Thyroid Or Anemia)

Certain internal conditions like thyroid disease or anemia can be responsible for brittle nails. Reduced vascularization and oxygen supply to the nail matrix contribute to nail brittleness. That may be linked to conditions like peripheral artery disease.  

Remedy 

Prioritize your health over the aesthetics of your nails. Especially if the cause of nail issues is related to health conditions. 

Always ensuring adequate hydration and following a consistent nail care routine are crucial steps to enhance overall well-being.

Reason 6: Genetics

Apart from all the previous reasons, genetical influence is another significant reason for having flimsy nails. Researchers have found a significant association between family history and the likelihood of having brittle nails. 

Remedy 

There’s no need to worry if this is the case, as keeping your nails short is a viable option. Because in nail characteristics, the half-moon nail matrix is crucial. The trait is inherited, just like thin or thick hair. 

To address and improve nail strength, concentrate on using topical treatments specifically designed for nail strengthening. By prioritizing the right treatments you can enhance the overall health and resilience of your nails.

The nail matrix determines nail size, thickness, quality, and appearance. Nails with smaller matrixes tend to be thinner, while nails with larger matrixes tend to be thicker.

Reason 7: Natural Aging 

Finally, as we age, the cholesterol content of our nails naturally declines, resulting in brittle nails. While this process is inevitable, it can shed light on why your nails may have become thinner. Also, your nails can go fragile as time goes on.

Remedy 

The recommended solution is to maintain a consistent nail care routine. If your nails become brittle and fragile as you age, there’s no need to worry. Because it is a completely normal part of the aging process. 

By adhering to a regular nail care regimen, you can keep your nails in the best possible condition. Also, it helps to improve your nails’ overall condition. 

Tips to Strengthen Filmsy Nails

As we all know prevention is better than cure. Here are a few suggestions to consider.

  • Wear protective gloves while cleaning to shield nails from harsh chemicals.
  • Take a break from invasive nail styling like acrylic tips and gel manicures to promote nail health.
  • Consider adding the best biotin supplement to support healthy nail growth and thickness.

By incorporating these steps consistently into your routine, you can improve the health and strength of your nails.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Are My Nails Peeling? 

Peeling nails are a common issue and can be caused by various factors. Most commonly, psoriasis, fungal infections, certain medications, vitamin deficiencies, and viral infections cause this condition. Also, wearing long, fake nails that rely on harsh glues can also contribute to nail damage.

Why My Nails Are Hard As a Rock? 

Having nails that are strong, rock-hard, and resistant to breakage is generally a positive indicator of good health. Maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and a proper nail care routine can contribute to this favorable condition. 

What Do Healthy Nails Look Like?

Healthy fingernails exhibit a smooth texture, free from pits or grooves, and maintain a consistent, uniform color. They are devoid of spots or discoloration. Occasionally, you can notice harmless vertical ridges may develop from the cuticle to the nail tip. That is absolutely normal.

Conclusion 

Hopefully, the answer to why my nails are flimsy is cleared now. 

To keep your nails healthy, avoid the factors listed in the article. Also, take proper care of your nails to maintain good health and prevent unnecessary issues. 

Katharyn Riedel

Leave a Comment