Causes of Hair Loss and Brittle Nails

Hair can shed after a major illness, emotional strain, rapid weight change, or a shift in hormones. Nails may become thin when they are repeatedly wet, exposed to cleaning products, filed aggressively, or covered with artificial nails. Low iron or other nutritional problems can affect both hair and nails, but symptoms alone cannot identify a deficiency.

Hair loss in patches, scalp scale, broken hairs, or nail thickening and discoloration point toward a dermatological cause. Nail fungus is one possible cause of changing nails and may need different care from simple dryness.

Note when shedding began, whether it is diffuse or patchy, and whether nails split, peel, thicken, or change color. Use gentle shampoo, avoid tight hairstyles and frequent heat, wear gloves for prolonged water or chemical exposure, and moisturize nails and cuticles. A clinician can examine the scalp and nails and decide whether blood tests or a sample is useful; avoid starting high-dose supplements without advice.

Arrange an assessment for sudden or rapidly worsening loss, smooth bald patches, scalp pain, redness, crusting, or marked itching. Seek care for nails that are painful, lifting, draining, or changing in one area, especially with swelling. Hair loss accompanied by unusual fatigue, breathlessness, temperature intolerance, or other new symptoms also deserves medical review.

Ask whether the pattern suggests shedding, breakage, infection, or an inflammatory condition; whether recent illness, diet, hormones, or medicines could contribute; and which tests or nail examination would clarify the cause.