Weak or Brittle Nails: What Your Body Is Trying to Tell You

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# Weak or Brittle Nails: What Your Body Is Trying to Tell You

Your nails might seem like a small, purely cosmetic detail, but they can actually reveal a surprising amount about your overall health. Weak, brittle, peeling, or splitting nails are incredibly common—and while occasional breakage isn’t usually a cause for concern, persistent nail problems may be your body’s way of signaling that something is off.

From nutritional deficiencies to underlying health conditions, your nails often reflect what’s happening beneath the surface. Learning how to “read” these signs can help you take better care of your body long before more serious symptoms appear.

So if you’ve been wondering why your nails won’t grow, keep breaking, or look unhealthy no matter what you do, here’s what your body may be trying to tell you.

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## What Are Weak or Brittle Nails?

Weak or brittle nails typically break easily, split at the tips, peel in layers, or feel thin and fragile. Some people notice vertical ridges, rough textures, or nails that bend instead of staying
firm.

Medically, brittle nails are known as *onychorrhexis*, and they affect a large portion of thepopulation—especially women and older adults.

While external factors like water exposure or nail products can play a role, long-term nail weakness is often linked to internal health factors.
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