What can cause nails to become brittle?

Brittle nails can indeed be caused by exposure to harsh chemicals. Regular contact with substances such as detergents, cleaning agents, or certain nail products can strip the nails of their natural moisture and oil, leading to brittleness and weakness. When nails are frequently exposed to these substances, the protective layers may become damaged, resulting in a dry and fragile condition.

Frequent nail painting, while it can have some effects, doesn’t inherently lead to brittleness if proper nail care practices are followed, such as allowing the nails to breathe and maintaining their moisture. Cutting nails too short can lead to discomfort or splitting, but it does not directly cause brittleness overall. Wearing gloves while washing is generally a protective measure that can help keep nails healthy by preventing exposure to harsh chemicals, so it would likely contribute to maintaining rather than compromising nail integrity.