Why Are My Nails Peeling? Dermatologists Weigh In (2025)

You can tell a lot about a person from their nails—their sense of style and maybe even insight into their personality. But more importantly, nails can also indicate the general state of your health. If you often think to yourself "Why are my nails peeling?" you're not alone. Weak and brittle nails (along with breakage, peeling, and splitting) are a common problem that affects nearly 20 percent of the population.

This can be caused by several things, from lack of moisture to improper removal of nail enhancements. Fortunately, however, peeling nails are not only treatable but preventable, too. We tapped two dermatologists and a nail expert to learn more.

Ahead, find out everything there is to know about peeling fingernails, from causes to treatments, and how to prevent them in the first place.

What Causes Nails to Peel?

"So many factors can cause nail peeling, and it’s important to understand what exactly is affecting each person individually," says nail educator Anastasia Totty. According to dermatologist Michele Green, MD, peeling nails (also referred to as onychoschizia) is a disruption in the nail caused by trauma, peeling of nail polish, filing the nail too much, and wearing false nails such as press-on or acrylics. Totty elaborates: "Another very big issue could be improper removal of nail enhancements like acrylics, gel manicures, or even a harsh nail polish remover. If the services are performed by a professional, it should be left up to them to properly remove them after a few weeks of wear."

According to dermatologist Dana Stern, MD, peeling nails are one of the two clinical criteria for brittle nails, with the other being ridging (onychorrhexis). "Peeling nails can be genetic, age-related, product-related, exposure-related (water and chemicals), or behavioral (peeling polish off can lead to peeling nails)," she says.

Dr. Stern likens peeling nails to that of our skin. "When your skin is dry and peeling, you reach for the nearest luffa or Clarisonic brush to exfoliate the dead cells to allow for maximum absorption of your moisturizer. The same concept is true of the nail," she says. "The nail is composed of layers of dead nail cells (onychocytes), so to a certain degree, nail peeling happens due to a lack of exfoliation, just as skin that is in need of exfoliation also has a tendency to peel. If you were to look at a peeling nail under the microscope, you would see that the nail cells are detached, lifted, and separated. This is why the nail peels, splits, and even why polish doesn't always go on so smoothly and has more of a tendency to chip."

Additionally, too much moisture (soft and brittle nails) or too little (dry and brittle nails) may be the culprit. "Having your hands in water constantly softens the nails, and they break off easily and start peeling once the layers of the nail plate dry out," explains Totty. So before you treat your peeling nails with the following remedies, check your toenails, too. If they're also peeling, see a doctor to rule out health-related causes such as iron and other nutritional deficiencies.

How to Treat Peeling Nails

Peeled nails can grow back and there are some at-home treatments to try. "Once you identify the cause of the peeling nails there are several things you could do," says Totty. "It is very important to develop a systemic approach to any of these treatments because none of them will give you a result overnight."

• Try a nail hardener: Nail hardeners can work wonders for peeling nails. "Not only do they help support the nail and protect it from peeling, but many are also made with nutrient-rich formulas that offer up other benefits like moisturizing, strengthening, and protecting," assures Totty. "Your local drugstore will have a section full of such products from different manufacturers," she adds. Try OPI Nail Strengthener—it's formaldehyde-free and contains aloe vera, (which works to rebalance sensitive skin and nails), calcium (to help strengthen), kukui nut oil, and vitamin E, (which prevents nails from peeling).
• Apply strengthening lotions: Look for nail creams with ingredients, such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or lanolin since either will help to rebuild strength. Elon Lanolin-Rich Nail Conditioner is one of our faves. Apply after pre-soaking nails in water for five minutes.
• Consider a cuticle oil: "A good cuticle oil has to be made out of pure essential oils, tea tree, or lavender extract rich in vitamin E, like the Tea Tree Eucalyptus Nobility Vitamin Enriched Cuticle Oil," says Totty. "A little goes a long way, it absorbs very quickly, and if used daily will transform even the most unhealthy nails."
  

How to Prevent Nails From Peeling

Now that you know what causes nails to peel and how to treat them, here are eight ways to keep your nails from peeling, to begin with.

• Eat nutrient-dense foods: Boost your intake of iron- and biotin-rich foods like avocado, whole grains, eggs, cauliflower, and lean meats. Lean meats, in particular, help build strength in the nails, making them less susceptible to peeling, breaking, and bending. Plus, you'll reap more than just nail benefits with such a diet—it can give you more energy and keep you full for longer, too.
• Take a multivitamin: Other nutrients found in vitamins can help build your nails' strength, as they work together with each other and with the foods you eat to keep all your body systems humming. "Vitamins A, C, and E, as well as B vitamins such as B6, are excellent for nail health," says Dr. Green. "Supplements such as keratin are great for nail growth as they strengthen the nail and increase its density." And if you're looking for something to revive dull nails, fish oil can help make them appear shiny. Plus, it serves as an effective anti-aging supplement, as the omega oils found in fish oil stimulate collagen production. "These vitamins are all essential to nail growth as they strengthen the nail matrix, which [ultimately] helps the nail grow," notes Dr. Green.
• Soak nails in essential oil: "Massaging essential oils such as coconut and olive oil into the cuticle and nails creates a protective barrier by offering hydration," explains Dr. Green. "This also locks in moisture to prevent brittle nails and dry cuticles." Coconut oil has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties and can slow the growth of nail fungus. Olive oil, as Dr. Green states, contains major antioxidants that help protect the nails. "It helps restore skin smoothness and protects the nails from ultraviolet light," she explains. It's also rich in vitamin E, omega-3 fatty, acids, and other nutrients that help to maintain and lock the moisture to prevent dryness. To create the soak, pour a few teaspoons of oil into two small bowls (melt the coconut oil for just a few seconds in the microwave), moisten your nails a bit, stick them in the bowls, and switch on your latest Netflix binge for 20 minutes.
• Use a gentle nail polish remover: Peeling nails need all the moisture they can get, and acetone-laden nail polish removers don't do nails any favors. "Acetone, which is found in most nail polish removers, is very drying and strips the nails of its natural moisture," says Dr. Green. "Acetone-free removers, however, get the job done without stripping the nail bed of essential moisture." Olive & June Polish Remover Pot gets our seal of approval.
• Lay off the manicures: "The inability for the nail bed to breathe as a result of the barrier of the nail polish puts you at risk for developing nail fungus," warns Dr. Green. "You also put yourself at risk for developing a skin or nail infection due to the filing down of the nail bed." Going au natural or with breathable polish reduces the drying effects of harsh chemicals found in most nail polishes. And without a layer of polish blocking the sunlight from getting to your nails and cuticles, you'll reap the cell regeneration benefits of going polish-free.
• Use a glass file: Traditional emery boards can damage nails, while glass files finish nails with a smooth, even edge. Dr. Stern recommends the Dr. Dana Precision Glass Nail File, which helps seal in keratin and prevents nails from chipping, splitting, or peeling.
• Buff rough edges: Nail buffers can help smooth out rough edges so that they don't catch so easily. Use gentle, steady movements to remove ridges and create a soft surface on the nail bed. We love this 4-Way Buffer Block from Tropical Shine because it has four levels of grit, ranging from coarse to extra fine, and a cuticle protection edge.

• Avoid nail-biting: While nail-biting doesn't directly lead to peeling nails, it's a habit that can cause other nail issues to arise that could lead to peeling nails, like an infection. "Nail-biting can cause infection of thenail and can put you at risk of spreading germs to your body," says Dr. Green. "This puts you at risk for other health issues due to the exposure of bacteria and viruses, which can be trapped on your fingers and underneath yournails." To kick the habit to the curb, try this No More Biting treatment by Ella + Mila—it's formulated to taste bad with the goal of deterring you from getting your nails anywhere close to your mouth.
• Exfoliate: Removing any damage by exfoliating is key to beautiful, healthy nails. Dr. Stern recommends the Dr. Dana Nail Renewal System, which is the first-ever nail treatment system to incorporate the concept of exfoliation of the nail and glycolic acid (an alpha-hydroxy acid), which has been shown in medical literature to have nail rejuvenation properties. Dr. Stern says of the botanically formulated system: "It's a clinically-proven, once-weekly, three-step nail system that after just 10 minutes, immediately reveals a healthy, hydrated, youthful shiny nail.It’s like a facial for your nails." The on-the-go kit is loaded with super hydrating botanicals, and a natural nail strengthener, and is free of artificial fragrance, dyes, parabens, alcohol, and formaldehyde. "It's perfect for brittle, peeling, weak nails, post gel damage or if you simply want a gorgeous, healthy-looking shine without having to go to the salon," she says.
• Skip the gel polish: Gel polish may last longer than traditional polish, but Dr. Green advises that the process could be detrimental to your nails and lead to peeling. "Gel manicures require UV light to set the gel, and the risk of UV light can be just as damaging to thenailbed as UV light from the sun," she explains. "In addition, gel manicures can causenailfungus. You also put yourself at risk for developing a skin ornailinfection due to the filing down of the nailbed." Instead, go for a super-strong top coat like Seche Vite's Dry Fast Top Coat, and wear gloves anytime you're washing dishes to maintain the life of your manicure.

The Final Takeaway

Peeling nails can be caused by various factors—ranging from genetics to continued exposure to water and chemicals. Thankfully, there are tons of ways to address and prevent nail peeling. You can use nail hardeners, cuticle oils, and nail strengtheners to treat existing damage. To prevent future peeling, you can try methods like taking multivitamins, reducing your manicure frequency, or regularly exfoliating your nails.

However, if peeling doesn’t improve after the above treatments, and the onset of peeling is sudden, then see your primary care physician or board-certified dermatologist for further exploration of the cause.