Why Do Nails Deteriorate After 50? (And Why Only 1 of These 5 Popular Solutions Actually Fixes It)
Try #1 Dermatologist preferred solution for brittle nails
Most women think nail changes are just 'part of aging.' But that's not the whole story.
Your nails grow from a tiny area called the nail matrix, located just under your cuticle. Think of it as a small factory that produces every millimeter of nail you'll ever have.
After menopause, this factory faces multiple challenges that cause brittleness, ridges, and breakage:
- Blood flow to the nail matrix reduces by up to 40% ➔ Less circulation means fewer nutrients reach where your nails are actually made.

- Natural oil production drops significantly âž” The matrix produces less of the oils that keep nails flexible, causing them to snap instead of bend.
- Protein production becomes inconsistent âž” The keratin quality weakens, leading to brittleness and ridges.
The result? Nails that split opening packages, break while gardening, and develop ridges that make your hands look older than you feel.
These nail conditions aren't inevitable. But the solution depends on understanding that the nail you can see is already formed.
Any real improvement has to happen at the source.
Most treatments work on visible nail or ignore the changes that happen after menopause.
We’ve done the research on all the popular solutions out there to bring you a top 5 you can actually trust.
Top 5 solutions for healthier and stronger nails ranked by a dermatologist
#5
Biotin Supplements (Solgar)
#5
Biotin Supplements (Solgar)
Verdict
Biotin is the most commonly recommended solution for nail health, containing biotin plus additional vitamins targeting internal nutritional factors. It's widely available, trusted, and backed by years of consumer use.
However, for women over 50, there's a critical limitation: reduced blood circulation after menopause means oral biotin struggles to reach the nail matrix where nails are actually produced. The nutrients simply can't get where they need to go.
#4
Cuticle Oils (Cutex)
#4
Cuticle Oils (Cutex)
Verdict
Cuticle oils like Cutex get two things right: they target the cuticle area where the nail matrix sits, and they contain lightweight oils like jojoba that actually penetrate into deeper layers.
However, there's a critical gap: while these oils deliver moisture to the nail matrix, they lack the building blocks like keratin and structural proteins that the matrix needs to produce stronger nails.
#3
BIAB Gel Overlay (Builder in a Bottle)
#3
BIAB Gel Overlay (Builder in a Bottle)
Verdict
BIAB has become extremely popular for creating strong, break-resistant nails. It's a professional gel system that builds a hard protective layer over natural nails, giving immediate visual improvement.
However, there's a fundamental problem: BIAB covers your nail issues instead of fixing them and even worse, improper removal can damage your nails further, making them even more brittle than before you started. Additionally, at £70+ per treatment, it's the most expensive option on this list.
#2
Strengtheners (OPI Nail Envy)
#2
Strengtheners (OPI Nail Envy)
Verdict
It's more sophisticated than basic hardeners as it contains nutrients like biotin. However, here's the critical flaw: you apply it to the nail plate, the visible nail that's already formed. Those nutrients never reach the nail matrix underneath the cuticle where new growth is created. You're treating the symptom, not the source.
#1
Nail Growth Pen (NAILA)
#1
Nail Growth Pen (NAILA)
Verdict
The Nail Growth Pen by NAILA is the first solution that addresses what most treatments miss entirely.
It delivers nutrients directly to the nail matrix underneath your cuticle where nails are actually made.
The precision pen bypasses circulation limitations while the formula combines molecular oils (jojoba, squalane, grapeseed) for deep penetration to deliver vitamin E and hydrolyzed keratin—the main building block of your nails—into the matrix to create healthy, strong nail growth.
You're not masking problems or hoping nutrients arrive, you're feeding the source while keeping existing nails hydrated.
The result: nails that grow stronger, resist breakage, and look healthier, with visible results in just 2-3 weeks.
Final words and a quick recap of this review
After trying dozens of solutions, the Nail Growth Pen by NAILA is the first treatments I've seen that actually delivers consistent results.
Here's a quick recap of why it's my #1 choice
when it comes to healing brittle nails:
- Targets the actual source - the nail matrix, not surface symptomsÂ
- Post-menopausal formulation - Still works after menopause
- Practical application - works with shaky hands or busy schedules
- Realistic timeline - first improvement can be seen in weeks, not months
- Cost effective - At under £0.50 per day, it costs less than a weekly coffee.
Important update
Since this article was published on Daily
Beauty Notes, NAILAÂ has gained
tremendous attention and interest. The company has reached out to our
editorial team to inform us that, for a
limited time, they are offering our
readers an exclusive discount on NAILA,
plus a free gift, and a money-back
guarantee.
Take advantage of this
limited-time offer and try
NAILA with a exclusive
discount and a free gift.
Comments (3)
Patricia
3 Jul, 2025 at 10:21 am
I've been using NAILA for about 6 weeks now and the results are incredible! I don't have to worry about my nails chipping anymore and they make my hands look younger.
Jenny
14 Aug, 2025 at 09:30 am
My daughter was skeptical when I ordered the nail growth pen, but even she noticed the difference.. My nails actually look healthy again.
Barbara
23 Sep, 2025 at 06:47 am
I have tried so many things with no results but this explains everything! Thank you so much for sharing!