Why water may be the cause (and what to do instead)
At Bare Hands, our approach to nail care is built on a simple philosophy: support the nail’s natural state with mindful, consistent care. That means avoiding plastic-based treatments—and understanding your body’s subtle shifts from habits that may be causing damage.
One of the most common questions we hear is: “Why are my nails peeling?”
Surprisingly, one of the biggest culprits is something we touch every single day: Water
Why Are My Nails Peeling?
If your nails are constantly flaking or splitting at the tips, it may not be a nutrient issue or a polish reaction—it could be from too much water exposure.
Nails are made of keratin, a porous protein that absorbs water. When wet, your nails swell—and when they dry, they contract. This ongoing cycle weakens the keratin layers, causing them to separate and peel.
The Summer Factor: Chlorine + Saltwater
During summer, peeling often gets worse. Swimming pools and ocean water contain chemicals and salts that strip away your nail’s natural oils, making them even more vulnerable to dehydration and damage.
How to Stop Nails from Peeling: 6 Natural Fixes
Peeling nails can be repaired—with consistent, protective habits. Here’s how we recommend caring for them the Bare Hands way:
1. APPLY OIL BEFORE SWIMMING OR HAND WASHING
Our Cuticle Oil is formulated with castor oil, which helps form a water barrier that protects nails from dehydration. Olive or coconut oil works in a pinch—but it’s messier!
2. AVOID PROLONGED SOAKING
Soaking nails in water—even during manicures or baths—can contribute to peeling. Keep exposure brief and always follow with hydration.
3. MOISTURIZE DAILY WITH OILS (NOT LOTION)
Lotions are often water-based and evaporate quickly. Oils like squalene and castor better mimic your skin’s own lipids, delivering longer-lasting moisture. Your nails have an even smaller lipid layer than skin, so it’s vital to keep it intact.
4. GENTLY FILE
If your nails are already peeling, avoid buffing with our Polisher. This is because the process involves compression between keratin layers. Instead, use a gentle Czech glass file to seal the free edges and prevent further splitting.
5. REAPPLY OIL AFTER WATER EXPOSURE
Post-shower, post-dishwashing, or post-swim—reach for your Cuticle Oil. It’s designed to go wherever you do, for on-the-go repair and moisture.
6. WEARING GLOVES (UGH! WE KNOW)
Nobody likes wearing gloves. My theory is that gloves interfere with one of our key senses (touch) and our body naturally doesn't want to block it. Use that big brain of yours to override the instinct— At least just for washing the dishes!
Who’s Most Vulnerable to Water-Damaged Nails?
Some of the most common cases of peeling nails aren’t caused by polish or nutrient deficiency—they’re the result of frequent water exposure in everyday routines.
Cooks, Bakers, and Ceramicists
Between kneading dough, rinsing produce, and frequent hand-washing, your nails are constantly drying out. Try this: Reapply our Unscented Cuticle Oil after every wash. It’s food-safe and residue-free—perfect for staying moisturized without interrupting your craft.
Healthcare Professionals
With constant scrubbing and sanitizing, nails can become especially dry and fragile. Try this: Oil twice a day—morning and before bed—to reinforce hydration between shifts and prevent splitting.
New Moms
Feeding, bathing, and cleaning creates dozens of small water exposures daily. Try this: Keep our Unscented Cuticle Oil in your diaper bag, at the sink, or changing table. It’s baby-safe and easy to apply with a mess-free brush tip.
A Little-Known Hack to Protect Your Nails from Water
Shampoo is designed to strip oil—which is great for your scalp, but not for your nails. Your fingertips get exposed to strong surfactants that can weaken nail structure. Try wearing nitrile gloves during shampooing, then pat dry thoroughly (before you remove them) to reuse the gloves.
Why We Don’t Recommend Nail Strengtheners for Peeling
It’s tempting to reach for nail strengtheners when your nails are fragile—but most are plastic-based lacquers that trap moisture inside soft, waterlogged nails.
That trapped moisture can prevent proper healing, and unless applied with a flawless seal (which is nearly impossible in real life), water still seeps in underneath, repeating the cycle of damage.
Nail Care That Honors the Natural
We don’t believe in covering up nail damage—we believe in preventing it.
With mindful rituals and consistent care, you can stop peeling, strengthen your nails, and feel confident in their natural, healthy state.
