3 Things You Should Do If Your Nails Keep Breaking

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This year is shaping up to be another one full of cutting-edge manicure trends. Earthy tones and clean neutrals are some of the nail colors we're seeing everywhere in 2025, but in order to rock these trendy hues, you'll need a set of good, strong nails. For those who say no to dip powder, acrylics, and press-ons, an all-natural manicure is possible — if you can stop your nails from breaking. 

In an exclusive chat with Glam, dermatologist Dr. Aanand Geria of Geria Dermatology in New Jersey reveals that there are a few steps you can take if unsightly splits are getting in the way of your natural nail dreams. Most importantly, you need to hydrate your nails to avoid them drying out. Next, it's key to protect them from outside damage. Finally, it helps to understand what causes nail breakage in the first place so you can avoid the most harmful factors. "Nails can break quite easily from particular health issues, truly bad habits, or serious exposure to surrounding things," Dr. Geria explains. "Frequent exposure to water can weaken nails over time. This exposure can result from multiple instances of hand washing, dishwashing, or extended showers." 

The dermatologist adds that hand sanitizers containing alcohol, nail polish removers made with harsh ingredients like acetone, and even cold weather can contribute to nail breakage. Physical stress on the nails can come from sources such as frequent gel and acrylic manicures, while using your nails for everyday tasks is another thing you probably didn't realize is damaging your nails. Dr. Geria emphasizes that unexplained nail breakage or weakness can come down to underlying medical conditions, including hypothyroidism, fungal infections, psoriasis, and iron deficiency anemia. If you're taking all the right steps to heal your nails and they're still breaking, it's worth a visit to your doctor. 

Nails that are deprived of hydration and moisture will never be healthy, so the first step Dr. Aanand Geria advises us to follow is to keep them moisturized just like you keep your skin and hair moisturized. "To help restore hydration, use a cuticle oil that features jojoba or vitamin E," he shares exclusively with Glam. "For stronger, healthier nails, hydration and nourishment are key."

There are several great cuticle oils on the market, but Dr. Geria recommends the CND SolarOil for keeping the nails and cuticles moisturized. If your nails are severely peeling or weak, he suggests the Nailtiques Formula 2. You'll also want to add in a hydrating hand cream for extra moisture — Dr. Geria likes the Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream. "When combined with proper nail care habits, these products can help keep your nails strong, hydrated, and far less prone to breakage," he says. Along with hydrating your nails, using a hand cream is one of the best ways to combat dry skin on your hands, so it's worth the investment. If you need more recommendations, check out or list of top lotions to keep your hands moisturized and crack-free, based on Amazon reviews. 

Keeping your nails moisturized is only half the battle. Since so much nail damage comes from external sources, it's also important to protect them from all that stress. "Protect your nails from too much water by wearing gloves when cleaning or washing dishes," Dr. Aanand Geria tells us in our exclusive chat. "Limit harsh nail polish removers, especially those with acetone. Take breaks from gel manicures to prevent more damage." The manicure trend known as "nail cycling" keeps your nails healthy by following the same logic; taking regular breathers from harsher manicures can help you avoid a buildup of damage.

Protecting your nails from stress is key, but you'll also want to strengthen them from the inside out. Dr. Aanand Geria points out that substantial amounts of protein, iron, and biotin are vital for healthy nail growth, whether they come from your diet or from supplements. In terms of nail-strengthening supplements, Dr. Geria recommends Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides, which can strengthen them over time. However, before taking any supplements, be sure to have a doctor look over your bloodwork and find out what you may be lacking in; getting more vitamins and minerals than you need can actually be harmful, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, gastrointestinal problems, hair loss, and even nerve damage.