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Nail inspiration often comes in the form of perfectly glittery manicures – chrome-dipped stiletto nails that are perfectly smooth and shaped.
But behind the color and shine, our nails can reveal a lot about what’s going on beneath the surface.
Your manicurist may be able to tell you earlier. According to award-winning nail artist Jessica White, founder of Blank Studio“The earliest signs I look for are changes in color, texture and growth.”
She explains that “yellow or blue nails may indicate circulatory problems, while yellow nails may point to fungal concerns”.
Other changes – such as ridges, pits or sudden changes in nail thickness – may also flag health concerns. “Nail breakage, excessive peeling or lifting from the nail bed are other red flags that need attention,” says White. “Our nails respond slowly, so these changes often reflect what’s happening inside the body over time.”
So what does this mean when it comes to our nails? A doctor and a nail technician explain what you should pay attention to.
When is it cosmetic and when is it not
Of course, not every ragged edge or discolored nails indicates a health crisis. Both experts emphasize that it is important to distinguish between a purely cosmetic appearance and any systemic symptoms.
Dr. Dave Reilly, Senior Scientist absolute collagenSays, “Most nail changes are nothing to worry about, but if something looks unusual or doesn’t heal, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor.
“If they suddenly become weak or brittle, it may be linked to lifestyle factors such as poor diet, dehydration or possibly a nutrient deficiency of biotin or iron.”
White explains that “cosmetic issues are usually associated with external factors such as stains from polish, dehydration from remover, or breakage after gels.” These usually improve with gentle care and hydration.
“Concerns begin to arise when changes appear suddenly, affect multiple nails, or do not improve for several weeks,” she says.
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lifestyle link
Diet, stress and hydration are all surprisingly visible at your fingertips. NailsAfter all, they’re made of keratin – a protein also found in hair and skin – and depend on nutrition and moisture for strength.
“When you’re properly hydrated, your nail plate is actually about 18 percent water. When moisture levels drop, that’s when you start to see brittle nails, flaking, and breakage,” says Reilly.
He points out that diet plays an equally important role: “Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is an essential B vitamin that can help with nail growth.”
For meat eaters, he recommends “egg yolks, salmon and liver”, while for vegetarians or vegans, “sweet potatoes, mushrooms, bananas, broccoli and avocados” all provide rich sources of nutrients.
Tension And disease can also leave its mark.
Horizontal ridges, known as Beau’s lines, may appear after the body experiences stress or illness that temporarily disrupts nail growth. “These often indicate that your body is going through a period of stress, causing a temporary halt in nail growth,” he says.
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Your daily nail-care is non-negotiable
Both experts agree that good nail health starts with everyday habits, not just salon visits.
White’s mantra is simple — “Daily cuticle oil is my number one recommendation because it keeps the nail bed flexible and resistant to splitting.” She also suggests pairing it with “a gentle nail strengthener to support structure and avoid over-filing or aggressive buffing.”
Keeping nails at the proper length helps prevent breakage and White is firm when it comes to acetone-based nail polish remover: “Always use it sparingly to avoid dehydration.”
Reilly recommends thinking of nails like skin—they need both protection and nourishment.
“Start protecting your hands by wearing gloves to prevent brittleness in cold weather, and avoid harsh chemicals and hot water when handling tasks like handling utensils or gardening,” he says.
,collagen It contains the essential amino acids needed to make keratin, which is the protein your nails are made of.” Since collagen production naturally decreases around age 25, Reilly says supplements can help maintain nail strength and flexibility.
Hydration goes beyond drinking water. “Use a rich, nourishing hand cream regularly, focusing on your cuticles. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter or glycerin for intense hydration,” he says.
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