WHAT DO NAILS SAY ABOUT YOUR HEALTH? EXPERTS REVEAL WHAT TO LOOK FOR AND HOW TO FIX ISSUES

A nail artist and a doctor share the telltale signs of poor health, from fingertip colour changes to ridges, plus simple tips for nail care

Nail inspiration online often comes in the form of perfectly manicured nails - shiny, painted talons that are smooth and shaped.

However, behind the colour and shine, our nails can reveal a great deal about what is going on beneath the surface.

Your manicurist may be able to detect a problem before you do.

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"The earliest signs I look for are changes in colour, texture and growth," says nail artist Jessica White, founder of Blanc Studios salon and training academy in Leeds, England.

"Pale or blue-tinged nails can suggest circulation issues, while yellowing nails may point to fungal concerns."

Other shifts, such as ridges, pitting or sudden changes in nail thickness, can also indicate health concerns.

"Brittle nails, excessive peeling or lifting from the nail bed are other red flags that deserve attention," says White. "Our nails respond slowly, so these changes often reflect what's happening inside the body over time."

So, what does that mean when it comes to our nails? White and Dr Dave Reilly, a senior scientist at Absolute Collagen in London, reveal what you should be looking out for.

Not every chipped edge or discoloured nail signals a health crisis. Both experts stress the importance of distinguishing between purely cosmetic wear and signs of something systemic.

"Most nail changes aren't anything to worry about, but if something looks unusual or doesn't go away, it's a good idea to speak to a doctor," Reilly says.

"If they suddenly become weak or brittle, it could be linked to lifestyle factors such as poor diet, dehydration, or possibly a nutrient deficiency of biotin or iron."

White says: "Cosmetic issues are usually linked to external factors such as staining from polish, dehydration from removers, or breakage after gels." These usually improve with gentle care and hydration.

"Concerns begin to arise when changes appear suddenly, affect multiple nails, or don't improve over several weeks," she adds.

Diet, stress and hydration are surprisingly visible on your fingertips. Our nails are made of keratin - a protein also found in hair and skin - and they depend on nutrition and moisture for strength.

"When you're properly hydrated, your nail plate is actually about 18 per cent water," Reilly says. "When that moisture level drops, that's when you start seeing brittle nails, flakiness and breakage."

He explains that diet plays an equally vital 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 avocado all provide rich sources of the nutrient.

Stress and illness can also leave their own imprint. Horizontal ridges, known as Beau's lines, can appear after the body experiences strain or illness that temporarily interrupts nail growth.

"These often signal that your body has gone through a period of stress, causing a temporary pause in nail growth," Reilly says.

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 as it keeps the nail bed flexible and resistant to splitting."

She also suggests pairing this with "a gentle nail strengthener to support structure, and avoiding over-filing or aggressive buffing".

Keeping nails at a sensible length helps prevent breaks, and White is firm when it comes to acetone-based nail polish removers: "Always use it sparingly to avoid dehydration."

Reilly recommends thinking of nails like skin - they need both protection and nourishment.

"Start by protecting your hands by wearing gloves in cold weather to prevent brittleness, and for chores like dishes or gardening to avoid harsh chemicals and hot water," he says.

"Collagen contains the essential amino acids needed to form keratin, which is the protein your nails are made of." As collagen production naturally declines from age 25, Reilly says supplements can help support nail strength and elasticity.

Hydration, too, goes beyond drinking water.

"Regularly use a rich, nourishing hand cream, focusing on your cuticles," Reilly says. "Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter or glycerine for intense hydration."

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This article originally appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), the leading news media reporting on China and Asia.

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2025-12-02T23:18:45Z