The Most Common Nail Health Problems (And How To Avoid Them)

Nails are more than a canvas for colour — they’re subtle indicators of your overall health, lifestyle and self-care habits. While we often focus on how our nails look, how they feel, grow and respond to care tells a deeper story. Whether you're dealing with brittle nails, clubbed nails or dry cuticles, being proactive about nail health can lead to stronger, more resilient hands (and feet).

In this guide, we’ll cover the most common nail health concerns, simple care tips, and how switching to gentle alternatives like press-on nails can give your natural nails the break they deserve.

What Your Nails Reveal About Your Health

Did you know that your nails can be quiet storytellers of your internal health? Subtle changes in colour, texture and shape can serve as early clues to nutritional deficiencies, hormonal shifts and chronic conditions. Paying attention to these nail health indicators can help you spot imbalances before they become bigger issues.

If you’ve ever looked at a nail health chart, you’ll notice how different symptoms align with various areas of concern — from liver function to thyroid activity to circulation. While most changes aren’t serious, they are worth noting, especially if they appear suddenly or worsen over time.

Think of your nails as a daily check-in with your body: Are they growing slower than usual? Peeling more often? Changing shape or thickness? These observations, when tracked regularly, can help you spot patterns and support your overall wellness long before you step into a clinic. 

The Most Common Nail Health Problems

Brittle, Weak Nails

These are among the most common complaints. Soft, easily broken nails can result from repeated salon treatments, daily exposure to water and detergents or a lack of essential nutrients such as biotin or iron. People who wash their hands with harsh soaps frequently, such as healthcare workers, are especially prone to brittle nails.

Nail Discolouration

From yellow or brown toenails to stained fingernails, discolouration is usually caused by fungus, trauma or prolonged use of nail polish. Overuse of dark polishes without a protective base coat can lead to lingering stains that are tough to remove. Smoking is also a culprit, often leaving a yellow tint on fingernails.

Peeling and Splitting

This often stems from dehydration, either not drinking enough water or repeated wetting and drying of the hands. Aggressive nail treatments or improper removal techniques (especially with acrylics or gels) can also thin the nail plate and cause peeling.

Ingrown nails

More common in the toenail area, ingrown nails can be painful and prone to infection. They’re usually the result of improper trimming (too short or too curved), tight footwear and genetic predisposition. If not treated early, they can lead to swelling, redness and even pus formation.

Infections

Fungal and bacterial infections occur when the skin around the nail is damaged. The most common causes are unsanitised tools, aggressive cuticle cutting and trauma. Symptoms can include redness, swelling and pain, especially near the cuticle or nail fold.

Everyday Habits That Damage Your Nails

Many nail health issues stem from habits we don’t even think about on a daily basis. Common offenders include:

• Overuse of acrylics or gels without recovery periods between sets.
• Skipping base coats when using polish, which can stain and weaken the nail plate.
• Using your nails to peel, pick, or pry.
• Ignoring dry cuticles, which act as a protective seal.
• Following restrictive diets lacking iron, zinc or protein.
• Forgetting to hydrate — dry nails start with dry skin.
• These behaviours compound over time, leading to chronic issues like brittle nails, ridges and even infections. The good news? Most of these issues can be reversed or avoided altogether with a few simple tweaks.

Dos and Don’ts for Healthy Nails

Do’s

Follow these best practices to keep your nails healthy:

• Keep your nails clean and dry. Moist environments are breeding grounds for bacteria and fungi.
• Moisturise daily. Focus on the hands and cuticles — dry nails are more prone to breaking.
• Trim nails regularly. An extra tip: straight across is best for toenails if you wish to prevent ingrowns.
• Use nourishing oils or cuticle creams to maintain nail flexibility and prevent cracking.
• Follow a balanced diet. Nutrients like biotin, iron, vitamin C and protein are crucial for strong, healthy nails.
• Use gentle adhesives if you wear press-on nails — opt for non-damaging tabs when possible.

Don’ts

Wondering how to strengthen your nails? These are the top things NOT to do:

• Don’t bite your nails or cuticles — it introduces bacteria into the surrounding skin and weakens your nail structure.
• Don’t over-file or buff aggressively as this can thin out your natural nails.
• Don’t peel off polish or extensions as this strips layers from your nail plate.
• Don’t ignore pain, swelling or ongoing discolouration that could indicate a deeper issue.
• Don’t rely solely on acrylics or gels. Give your nails regular breaks to breathe and repair.

How Press-on Nails Can Support Nail Health

Contrary to popular belief, press-on nails are not damaging when used properly — in fact, they can be part of your nail recovery plan. Here are some top reasons why:

• Press-ons don’t require harsh chemical primers or drills to apply.
• Application with adhesive tabs or gentle glue allows for quick, pain-free removal using oil soaks or warm water.
• By covering and shielding brittle or damaged nails, press-ons give your natural nails a chance to grow underneath without external stress.
• Using handmade press-on nails means you're wearing a product crafted with care, not mass-produced with aggressive adhesives.
• For those with naturally smaller nails or nails that are recovering from breakage, short press-on nails can provide coverage and protection without pressure or lifting.

Best of all, press-ons allow you to look put-together while prioritising nail recovery — no need to sacrifice style for nail care!

Strong, Healthy Nails Start with Better Choices

Nail care isn’t just about colour and shape — it’s about supporting the health of the entire nail unit. That includes your nail plate and bed as well as the surrounding skin. By paying attention to important nail health indicators, correcting damaging habits and using kinder methods of enhancement, you are giving your nails the best chance to thrive.

Ready to move away from damaging routines and embrace effortless beauty with real benefits? At Claw Creature, we believe nail care should feel as good as it looks. That’s why our press-on nails and nail tools in Singapore are designed to help you protect and celebrate your natural nails, not compromise them. Explore our curated collections, elevate your nail care routine and start building stronger, healthier nails — one stunning set at a time. If you’re not sure which size to get, refer to our nail sizing guide to guide you.

Your nails deserve better. Let Claw Creature show you how.