Your nails can tell you a lot about your health, habits, and overall nail care routine.
Whether you’re an aspiring esthetician or someone who loves a good manicure, knowing how to recognize nail damage is key to restoring nail health and helping others do the same.
Here’s how to spot common signs of nail damage, what causes them, and what to do next.
1. Peeling or Flaking Nails
What It Looks Like: Nails that split or peel in thin layers, especially at the tips.
What Causes It:
- Overuse of nail polish remover (especially acetone-based)
- Excessive hand washing or frequent exposure to water
- Vitamin deficiencies or dehydration
- Picking or peeling off gel polish
How to Fix It:
- Use a strengthening base coat and hydrating nail oils
- Wear gloves while cleaning or washing dishes
- Avoid peeling off polish. Soak it off instead
2. White Spots
What It Looks Like: Tiny white dots or lines across the nail surface.
What Causes It:
- Mild trauma to the nail matrix (banging or bumping)
- Allergic reaction to nail products
- In rare cases, zinc or calcium deficiency
How to Fix It:
- Let the nail grow out. White spots are harmless and temporary
- Be gentle with cuticle pushing and manicuring
- Switch to gentler nail products if the issue is recurring
3. Ridges (Vertical or Horizontal)
What It Looks Like: Fine or deep lines running along or across the nail.
What Causes It:
- Vertical ridges (most common) are usually due to aging or dehydration
- Horizontal ridges (Beau’s lines) can be a sign of illness, stress, or nutritional gaps
How to Fix It:
- Buff the surface lightly but don’t overdo it
- Use a ridge-filling base coat for a smoother polish application
- Keep nails and hands moisturized
- If horizontal ridges are deep or recurring, consult a doctor
4. Discolouration (Yellow or Brown Nails)
What It Looks Like: A yellowish tint or brown stains, usually more visible on natural nails.
What Causes It:
- Long-term use of dark nail polishes without a base coat
- Smoking
- Fungal infections
- Nail trauma or underlying health issues
How to Fix It:
- Try a natural nail whitening soak (like baking soda + lemon juice)
- Always use a protective base coat under coloured polish
- If discolouration persists or worsens, seek professional diagnosis
5. Brittle or Thin Nails
What It Looks Like:
Nails that bend, break, or split easily with daily activities.
What Causes It:
- Repeated exposure to water, soap, or harsh chemicals
- Over-buffing or filing
- Low iron levels or thyroid issues
- Improper removal of enhancements (like acrylics or gel)
How to Fix It:
- Keep nails trimmed and filed with a gentle nail file
- Apply nail strengtheners or keratin treatments
- Avoid harsh removers and soaking nails in water for too long
- Rehydrate with cuticle oil and hand creams regularly
Professional Tip: Prevention Is Always Easier Than Repair
For beauty students and estheticians, understanding nail damage is more than just knowledge. It’s a chance to build trust with your clients by educating them on healthy nail practices.
At Modern College, our Esthetics programs dive deep into hands-on nail care training, so you can help others feel confident from fingertips to toes.