How to Stop Your Weak Nails from Peeling, According to Experts

If your nails are constantly peeling, flaking, splitting at the tips or snagging on everything you touch, you're not alone. Nail peeling—also known as nail lamellar dystrophy or onychoschisis—is one of those annoying beauty woes that we're too frequently reminded of (why is it always when you have a cute event coming up?!), and the gag is, nail peeling is surprisingly hard to fix long term.

We tend to associate peeling nails with upkeep issues (too many gel manicures, not enough cuticle oil application), but it can also point to deeper deficiencies, dehydration or simply be down to how you're filing them. I tapped a dermatologist for the science-y take, plus two manicurists to help decode what’s going wrong at the salon (or at home) and how to actually stop the nail peeling cycle for good. Here's what they want you to know...

“Peeling nails—medically known as onychoschizia—are usually the result of external trauma,” says Dr Jessica Halliley, aesthetics doctor and founder of Your Beauty Doctor. “This includes repeated soaking in water, harsh filing or buffing, using nails to prise things open, improper removal of polish or enhancements, or exposure to cleaning agents and acetone. Repeated cycles of hydration and dehydration—like washing dishes or frequent hand-washing—stress the keratin layers, causing separation and flaking.”

Dr Hailliley also adds that sometimes the cause can be internal: “Possible general health causes include nutrient deficiencies like iron, zinc, selenium, calcium and folate.” So how do we fix it? It comes down to six simple enough steps.

1. Hydrate Your Nails Like You Hydrate Your Face

Nails might be hard/look hard, but they’re not impermeable; in fact, they’re porous and lose moisture easily, which means dehydration is a top trigger for peeling.

“One of the biggest culprits is skipping proper hydration,” says Tinu Bello, senior Mylee ambassador and A-list manicurist. “Nails, like skin, need moisture to stay healthy and flexible. Over-washing hands, using harsh chemicals without gloves, or frequently using hand sanitiser can dry out nails and lead to peeling.” So, in order to restore the much-needed hydration to your nailbed, daily use of cuticle oil and hand cream can go a long way.

Shop Cuticle Oils:

Mylee

Sweet Almond Cuticle Oil Roller Pen

This rollerball might not look like a lot, but trust me, it works ultra hard to leave your nailbed and cuticles feeling nourished, moisturised, softened and also adds shine to the nail itself. Bello recommends applying it “daily, ideally morning and night, and after washing your hands.”

Essie

Apricot Nail & Cuticle Oil Treatment

Celebrity manicurist Michelle Humphrey agrees that daily oiling is essential and suggests this for its nourishing blend and ease of use. Apply it as you would your base polish and pass around your cuticles to reap the benefits of this jojoba oil fusion.

2. Use a Strengthener That Supports, Not Strips

The wrong nail strengthener can sabotage your recovery before it starts. Many drugstore hardeners use formaldehyde, which temporarily stiffens nails but eventually makes them more brittle.