Brittle Hair and Nails: What to Know

Hair that breaks easily and nails that split, peel, or crack may share an exposure such as frequent wet work, solvents, heat, or chemical treatments. Nutrition, absorption problems, thyroid disorders, skin disease, and some medicines can also affect both tissues. The appearance alone cannot identify the cause. Note whether nails have grooves, colour change, pain, or lifting, and whether hair is snapping or coming out from the root.

Protect hands with gloves for cleaning and prolonged water exposure, moisturise nails and surrounding skin, and keep nails at a comfortable short length. Avoid picking off polish, aggressive filing, tight hairstyles, bleaching, and repeated heat. Eat regular meals with varied protein-containing foods unless a clinician has advised a restriction. Do not start high-dose supplements based only on appearance; excess amounts can cause harm or interfere with tests. A clinician may recommend targeted blood work and discuss Hair Supplement Therapy if a deficiency is found.

Book an appointment when hair and nail changes persist, worsen, or began without an obvious exposure. Seek earlier advice for painful or swollen nail folds, a dark streak that changes, nails lifting from the bed, scalp scaling, or smooth patches of missing hair. Fatigue, weight change, temperature intolerance, bowel changes, or breathlessness add useful context and should be mentioned rather than self-diagnosed.

Could one cause explain both hair and nail changes? Which tests fit my symptoms and diet? Are any medicines or treatments contributing? How should I protect the nail plate and hair while waiting for results?