Why your nails are breaking— and what to do about it
After years of getting nail extensions, my nails had basically given up on me. They were thin, flimsy, and they bent at the slightest pressure (like paper that had been through one too many art projects). So I decided to do something radical and actually give them a break. No extensions, no gels, no polish, no shortcuts. Just six full months of intentional nail rehab.
And trust me, I’m serious this time. Serious enough to walk around bare-nailed (with cuticle oil in my bag, of course) and commit to giving my nails the kind of care I normally reserve for my skin.
What I learned along the way? Nail breakage isn’t just about polish choices. It’s a whole system—your habits, your products, and even your diet. And if your nails are cracking, peeling, or splitting on repeat, you’re not alone.
It’s more than just the polish
Let’s start with the biggest myth: that nail polish alone is the problem. Yes, layering gels and acrylics back to back without pause can wear down your nail plate but even the removal process, especially when rushed or done improperly, can do more damage than the polish itself. Acetone-based removers are notoriously drying, stripping the nail of its natural oils and weakening the keratin structure.
But even “gentle” removers can be damaging when used frequently. I was guilty of using remover more than once a week—convinced that keeping polish fresh made it all look healthier. In truth, I was only masking the decline.
Beyond remover, how we treat our nails daily has a cumulative effect. Most people wouldn’t dream of skipping moisturizer on their face, yet the average person completely ignores their nails unless something breaks. Dry nails are brittle nails, and that dryness leads to the kind of micro-cracks that make your polish chip early and your nails snap mid-typing.
Once I made cuticle oil part of my routine, I could see the difference—not just in hydration, but also in texture, strength, and even growth.
And then there’s filing. Before my nail rehab, I was using whatever nail file I had lying around, often an old, coarse emery board from some long-lost manicure kit. I filed haphazardly, back and forth, in every direction. What I didn’t realize was that I was creating tiny tears with every sawing motion, causing the nail to split and peel days later.
Switching to a fine-grit glass file and only filing in one direction helped me maintain shape without compromising structure. It sounds like a small change, but it made a big difference in how my nails looked and held up between trims.
Nail strength starts from within
Topical treatments can only go so far; true nail health begins with what’s happening inside the body. Brittle, slow-growing, or easily damaged nails may be signs of nutritional deficiencies, particularly in biotin, iron, zinc, or protein.
Since nails are made primarily of keratin—a type of protein—maintaining a protein-rich diet is essential for strong, healthy growth. Foods like eggs, leafy greens, fatty fish such as salmon, and nuts are all packed with nail-supportive nutrients that help reinforce the nail matrix from within.
For an extra boost, consider incorporating a daily collagen supplement into your routine. Collagen contains amino acids that contribute to keratin production and may help reduce nail brittleness over time. While results won’t be instant, consistent dietary support can lead to visible improvements in texture, strength, and resilience—less flaking, fewer ridges, and a naturally healthy shine. When paired with regular hydration and gentle care, this nutritional support creates the ideal foundation for long-term nail strength.
But what made the biggest difference, honestly, was giving my nails time to rest. I never realized how much damage was accumulating from constantly covering them up. Even minimal gels, which I once considered “safe,” involve buffing and layers that prevent your nail from ever fully breathing. By month two of staying bare, I noticed less peeling. By month four, I saw new growth coming in healthier, with a smooth texture I hadn’t seen in years. By month six, I could finally go a day without cuticle oil and not feel like something was missing.
There’s nothing wrong with loving a good manicure—trust me, I still do. But I’ve learned to think of nail care the same way I think of skincare: as something that needs balance. Just like your face can’t always be under full glam without the occasional reset, your nails need time off, time to recover and time to be taken care of without embellishment.
The results? Stronger, healthier nails that actually last longer when you do decide to go back to color. And that, to me, is worth the bare phase.
