If your nails are fragile, brittle, and peeling, here are six expert tips you should consider knowing.

      If your nails are frequently peeling, flaking, splitting at the tips, or snagging on everything you touch, you’re not the only one experiencing this. Nail peeling—often referred to as nail lamellar dystrophy or onychoschisis—is a frustrating beauty issue that many of us face (why does it always happen right before a special event?), and the reality is, nail peeling can be quite challenging to remedy in the long run. We often connect peeling nails to maintenance problems (too many gel manicures or not enough cuticle oil), but it can also indicate deeper deficiencies, dehydration, or simply be related to how you're filing your nails. I consulted a dermatologist for a scientific perspective, along with two manicurists to decipher what's going wrong in the salon (or at home) and how to effectively end the nail peeling cycle for good. Here’s what they want you to understand...

      “Peeling nails—medically termed onychoschizia—are typically caused by external trauma,” explains Dr. Jessica Halliley, an aesthetics doctor and founder of Your Beauty Doctor. “This can include repeated soaking in water, harsh filing or buffing, using nails to pry things open, incorrect polish or enhancement removal, and exposure to cleaning products and acetone. Repeated hydration and dehydration cycles—like washing dishes or frequent hand washing—stress the keratin layers, leading to separation and flaking.” Dr. Halliley also notes that sometimes the cause may be internal: “Potential general health issues include nutrient deficiencies, such as iron, zinc, selenium, calcium, and folate.” So, how can we resolve this? It boils down to six relatively simple steps.

      1. **Hydrate Your Nails as You Hydrate Your Face**

      Nails may appear hard, but they aren’t impermeable; in fact, they are porous and can easily lose moisture, making dehydration a major trigger for peeling. “One of the primary culprits is neglecting proper hydration,” says Tinu Bello, senior Mylee ambassador and renowned manicurist. “Like skin, nails require moisture to remain healthy and flexible. Over-washing hands, using harsh chemicals without gloves, or frequently applying hand sanitizer can dry out nails and cause peeling.” Therefore, to replenish moisture to your nail bed, using cuticle oil and hand cream daily can be highly beneficial.

      **Recommended Cuticle Oils:**

      - **Mylee Sweet Almond Cuticle Oil Roller Pen**

      This rollerball may seem unimpressive, but it works diligently to nourish, moisturize, soften your nail bed and cuticles, while also adding shine to the nails. Bello suggests 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 crucial and recommends this product for its nourishing ingredients and convenience of use. Apply it like you would base polish, focusing on your cuticles to enjoy the benefits of this jojoba oil blend.

      2. **Use a Strengthener That Supports, Not Strips**

      The wrong nail strengthener can hinder your recovery before it begins. Many store-bought hardeners utilize formaldehyde, which temporarily toughens nails but eventually leads to brittleness. If you’re committed to a nail-strengthening regimen, treat it similarly to skincare, employing a consistent, layered method. Apply the strengthener as instructed, avoid excessive buffing, and combine it with daily cuticle oil to maintain flexibility. This approach provides your nails with both protection and a soft underlayer, allowing them to bend slightly under pressure without breaking. For severe conditions, Humphrey advises seeking in-salon treatments like IBX Repair, which “penetrates the nail plate to strengthen from within.”

      **Recommended Nail Strengtheners:**

      - **Essie Hard to Resist Nail Strengthener**

      Humphrey recommends this as it strengthens weak nails and helps prevent peeling.

      - **Orly Nailtrition Nail Growth Treatment**

      This strengthening treatment includes collagen, wheat protein, keratin, and bamboo extract, promoting faster and healthier nail growth, while repairing peeling or splitting nails. Use it daily for 14 days to see significant improvements in the appearance and strength of your nails.

      3. **Rethink Your Removal Routine**

      If you’ve ever been tempted to peel off your gel polish, your nails have likely suffered. “It’s akin to pulling tiles from a floor,” says Humphrey. “You’re not merely removing polish; you might be forcibly taking off layers of your natural nail. This leads to thinning, peeling, and a rough surface—avoid this!” For safe at-home removal, Bello recommends: “Gently filing off the top coat first, then wrapping nails in acetone-soaked cotton and foil for 10–15 minutes is the safest technique. Afterward, use a wooden cuticle stick to gently nudge off the softened gel