Why Are My Nails Peeling?

Why Are My Nails Peeling?

If your nails seem to peel in layers, feel thin at the tips or never seem to grow past a certain length, you are not alone. Peeling nails are one of the most common nail health concerns clients bring to us at The Nail and Beauty Lounge. The good news is that peeling nails are usually a sign of dryness, damage or small everyday habits rather than anything serious, and with the right care they can be repaired.

Here is everything you need to know about why nails peel and what you can do to strengthen them.

1. Dehydration of the Nail Plate

Peeling usually happens when the nail plate becomes dry and brittle. Frequent hand washing, harsh soaps and lack of moisture can strip the natural oils from your nails.

How to fix this:
Apply cuticle oil morning and night
Use hand cream after every wash
Avoid excessive alcohol-based hand sanitiser
Switch to gentle, moisturising soaps
Use gloves for washing dishes or cleaning

Hydrated nails are far less likely to peel or split.

2. Over-Exposure to Water

Nails are porous, which means they absorb water and expand. When they dry, they contract again. This constant swelling and shrinking weakens the layers of the nail, leading to peeling.

What helps:
Reduce long soaks in the bath
Wear gloves when cleaning or washing up
Moisturise immediately after water exposure
Keep nails short while they recover

This small change alone can prevent a huge amount of peeling.

3. Over-Filing or Incorrect Nail Shaping

Filing nails too aggressively or using a back-and-forth sawing motion can separate the layers of the nail plate.

Improve your filing technique by:
Using a soft, high-quality file
Filing only in one direction
Avoiding over-shaping or thinning the edges
Shaping nails only when they are dry
Choosing a rounded or oval shape for strength

This protects the delicate layers of the nail and reduces peeling at the tips.

4. Picking or Peeling Gel Polish

Removing gel polish or enhancements by picking them off removes layers of your natural nail along with it. This is one of the fastest ways to weaken nails.

What to do instead:
Always have gels, BIAB or enhancements removed professionally
Book removal and reapplication appointments in advance
Use strengthening treatments between sets
File snags instead of pulling them

If peeling started after a removal, this is likely the cause.

5. Nutrient Deficiencies

Lack of certain nutrients can also lead to peeling, brittle or weak nails. The most common include low iron, low biotin and insufficient protein.

How to support nail growth:
Eat a balanced, protein-rich diet
Include leafy greens, eggs, nuts and fish
Consider a biotin supplement if recommended
Stay hydrated throughout the day
Speak to your GP if you suspect a deficiency

Healthy nails start from within.

6. Environmental Damage

Everyday habits can cause small amounts of damage that add up over time, leading to peeling.

Common examples include:
Typing heavily with your nails
Using nails as tools
Opening cans or packaging with your nails
Catching them on fabrics
Over-buffing the nail surface

Try to:
Use your fingertips instead of nails
Keep nails short if they peel easily
Stop buffing unless professionally advised
File the moment you notice a snag

Awareness of these habits helps reduce preventable damage.

7. Lack of Strengthening Treatments

If your nails are naturally thin or prone to peeling, they may simply need the extra support of a strengthening overlay such as BIAB.

Why BIAB helps:
Creates a strong barrier over the nail
Prevents peeling while the natural nail grows
Improves flexibility
Helps reshape and rebuild damaged nails
Offers long-term protection

Many clients with peeling nails see a dramatic improvement with regular strengthening treatments.

When to Seek Professional Support

If your nails have been peeling for months, feel painful, or improve only temporarily, it may be time to seek professional help.

At The Nail and Beauty Lounge, we can:
Identify the cause of the peeling
Recommend strengthening treatments
Create a personalised nail care plan
Help rebuild damaged or weakened nails
Support long-term nail health and growth

Ready to Repair Your Peeling Nails?

Peeling nails do not have to be something you put up with. With the right care, simple daily habits and expert support, your nails can become stronger, healthier and far more resilient.

Book your nail health appointment with The Nail and Beauty Lounge:
https://thenailandbeautylounge.book.app/book-now