Brittle nails can have many causesage, diet, wearing polish for too long, or just bad luck.

But there are plenty of natural ways it’s possible for you to restore nail health.

Take a collagen or biotin supplement

Studies indicate thatcollagen supplementscan support healthy nail growth.

Alexandra Engler

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The same goes forbiotin, a form of vitamin B that is often used in hair growth supplements.

  • Biotin has been shown tosupport thickness and firmness of nails2.

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If nail growth is a regular issue for you,collagen supplementationmay help.

Keira Barr, M.D.

  • For more supplement suggestions, checkout ournail vitaminroundup.

Traditional hand sanitizers are very drying to your skin.

If your nails are consistently brittle, consider switching to a non-alcohol-based option or just applyhand moisturizersmore regularly.

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The stretch from water can cause the polish to chip prematurely.)

Wear gloves while doing the dishes, and give a shot to keep them dry when possible.

They can yellow, turn brittle, or even develop vertical ridges that can last up to six months.

it’s possible for you to also develop skin cancer under the nail.

Consider your diet

There are a fewnutritional deficiencies that contribute to brittle, damaged nails3research shows.

The most common deficiencies areiron, vitamin B7, B12, magnesium, and proteins.

“Your environment affects all parts of your body, so of course it will affect your skin.

And dry,frayed cuticlesas well as the skin around your cuticles can lead to picking.

Damage to this part of the nail can interfere with growth.

Use a natural exfoliator

Sometimes nails need exfoliation, too.

Don’t take a scrub to your fingers, however (far too abrasive).

Instead, opt for a gentle, natural chemical exfoliator.

Research suggests thatglycolic acid can help with restoring nail strength4.