Brittle fingernails are a common condition, occurring in about 20 % of people; more women than men develop brittle nails.  Brittle nails usually break or peel off in horizontal layers, starting at the nail's free end. The term brittle nails can also refer to a condition in which lengthwise splits appear in the nail. In either case, the nail's structure is faulty.

Brittleness in the nail may be caused by trauma, such as repeated wetting and drying, repeated exposure to detergents and water, and excessive exposure to harsh solvents, such as those found in nail polish remover. If your nails are regularly exposed to such stresses, it may be worth trying protective gloves when washing dishes and doing other chores. In the case of nail polish remover, gentler, less toxic brands are available. Check with retailers of natural cosmetic products.

Nail brittleness may also be caused by an underlying medical condition, such as Raynaud's Disease, low thyroid function ( Hypothyroidism ), or lung conditions. Other possible causes include skin diseases ( psoriasis , lichen planus, alopecia areata) as well as endocrine disorders, tuberculosis, Sjogren's syndrome , and malnutrition. 6Selenium poisoning can also cause brittle nails.

Home Remedies for Brittle Nails
Honey Mixture:
Mix together a teaspoon of lemon juice with a teaspoon of honey. Apply this to your fingernails and toenails. Leave on for at least 1 hour and then wash away with warm water. Mixing together a teaspoon of olive oil, a teaspoon of castor oil, a teaspoon of honey, and ? cup of shelled, ground walnuts is also a good option.

Petroleum Jelly
Apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly to your hands and fingernails at bedtime. Slip on a pair of clean, cotton gloves and wear these overnight. You can do this treatment nightly if you wish.

Olive Oil Mixture
Mix together a teaspoon of olive oil with a teaspoon of almond oil. Warm in the microwave, and soak nails in this for 20 to 40 minutes. Another option is to mix a capsule of vitamin E oil with ? teaspoon of warm olive oil. Mixing together a few drops of olive oil with a teaspoon of honey also works.

Salt, Tea and Wheat Oil
To fix up a wheat oil soak, prepare a mixture of a teaspoon of wheat oil, a teaspoon of black tea, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and apply to the nails. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes – time for it to soak into the fingernails. Remove excess oil mixture with a soft cloth or cotton swab.

Eat a Balanced Diet
Biotin is a necessary component for strengthening nails. Get this nutrient by drinking soy milk, eating peanuts, walnuts, or lentils. Also, increase your vitamin C intake by eating more citrus fruits and get iron from red cuts of meat, ingest more calcium through dairy products, and improve your zinc intake by eating wheat germ, peanuts, and crab meat.