Treating Weak or Brittle Nails

Treating Weak or Brittle Nails

Overview

Home treatment may help repair weak, brittle, or splitting nails.

  • Wear disposable plastic gloves or rubber gloves with cotton liners.

    This will protect your hands from water or chemicals.

  • Apply moisturizing lotion directly to your nail.
  • Apply a moisturizer at bedtime.

    Cover with a white cotton glove or sock.

  • Apply nail polish to slow the evaporation of water from your nail.

    Do not remove and reapply it more than once a week. Nail polish remover may increase splitting and breaking if used too often.

  • Do not use nail lacquers, polishes, or adhesives if you think your nail problem could be caused by one of these substances.

Credits

Current as of: March 22, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine