Common Problems Affecting Nail Health and Natural Growth

Nails reflect both beauty and health — they are not just a cosmetic feature but also an important indicator of the body’s overall well-being. Slow nail growth or changes in their appearance can signal internal health issues or unhealthy daily habits that affect their structure.

Many factors can influence nail growth and strength, including physical health conditions such as illnesses or hormonal imbalances, as well as personal habits like nail biting or excessive use of artificial nails. This article highlights the main causes of nail weakness and explains how to keep your nails strong and healthy in a natural and safe way.

Diseases and Their Impact on Nail Growth

Slow or weak nail growth is often linked to physical stress or certain illnesses. When the body is fighting an infection, high fever, or acute illness, it redirects its energy and resources toward healing the affected area, reducing the nutrients available for nail growth. During this time, nail growth may temporarily stop. Once health is restored, nail growth resumes, often leaving behind horizontal lines known as Beau’s lines, which indicate this period of interruption.

Hormonal Influence on Nails

Hormonal balance plays a key role in nail health and growth speed. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, hormonal imbalances can slow nail growth and make nails more fragile. Even natural hormonal fluctuations in healthy individuals can affect growth: nails often grow faster during pregnancy or before menstruation, and their growth tends to slow down during breastfeeding.

Nail Biting and Its Harmful Effects

Biting nails repeatedly affects more than just appearance — it can cause viral or bacterial infections around the nails, leading to permanent damage and making regrowth difficult. To prevent this, it’s recommended to trim nails regularly with proper tools to keep them healthy and encourage natural growth.

Artificial Nails and Their Effects on Natural Nails

Frequent use of artificial nails and nail glue can weaken natural nails over time, making them more brittle and prone to breakage. To avoid this, it’s best to use non-toxic, water-based nail polishes and avoid harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde, toluene, and dibutyl phthalate (DBP), which can negatively impact nail health.