Does Chlorine Make Nails Brittle?

30th July 2026

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Not everyone is aware that all of our tap water here in the UK contains trace amounts of chlorine. It’s there to ensure that our water remains bacteriologically safe as it travels through the distribution network, and it’s perfectly safe to drink. And of course, chlorine is present in higher quantities in your local swimming baths. 

 

Unfortunately, even small amounts of chlorine can have negative effects on our hair and skin after repeated exposure. 

 

But does chlorine affect nails too? Find out below, including the effects of chlorine on natural, acrylic and gel nails, and tips for protecting your nails from any damage.

Does Chlorine Damage Nails?

Yes, unfortunately chlorine does damage nails. You may have noticed this after you’ve been on holiday, and spent lots of time in the pool. 

 

Repeated exposure to chlorinated water can strip away the natural oils and moisture from your nails. This leaves them weaker and more prone to damage over time. 

 

Looking at the science on why this happens, it’s mainly because your nails are made of keratin - the same protein your hair is made from. An oxidative chemical like chlorine is able to break down these proteins, and therefore weaken and damage your nails. 

 

Occasional exposure (such as a swim in your local pool every now and again) is unlikely to cause serious problems. But frequent swimming or regular contact with heavily chlorinated water can cause havoc with your nails.

 

This can affect both natural nails as well as acrylic and gel nails - more on that later. 

What Does Chlorine Do To Your Nails?

Chlorine mainly affects your nails by drying them out.

 

Nails contain small amounts of water as well as natural oils that help keep them flexible and strong. Chlorine can remove this moisture, causing the nail structure to become dehydrated.

 

As a result, nails may become:

 

  • Brittle
  • Weak
  • More likely to split
  • More prone to peeling
  • Rough or discoloured. 

 

You may also notice the skin around your nails becoming dry or irritated after long periods in chlorinated water.

 

For people who swim regularly, constant cycles of soaking and drying can make nails even more vulnerable to cracking and breakage.

 

Chlorine exposure can also affect your nail polish, causing it to chip or fade more quickly.

Does Chlorine Affect Acrylic Nails?

We’ve looked at the effect it can have on natural nails, but what does chlorine do to acrylic nails? Unfortunately, it can also cause some damage. 

 

Although acrylic nails are more durable than natural nails, chlorinated water can still weaken the adhesive bond over time.

 

Frequent exposure may lead to:

 

  • Lifting around the edges
  • Reduced durability
  • Discolouration
  • Dryness underneath the acrylic

 

The chemicals in pool water can also make acrylic nails appear dull or faded after repeated swimming. So, it’s best avoided if you’ve just had your nails done!

 

There’s another rather unpleasant issue to be aware of too. If water becomes trapped underneath lifting acrylics, it can sometimes increase the risk of bacterial growth or nail infections. 

 

This is why regular maintenance and proper aftercare are important for people who swim often.

Does Chlorine Affect Gel Nails?

Yes, gel nails can also be affected by chlorine exposure.

 

Chlorinated water may cause gel polish to lose its shine more quickly and increase the likelihood of chipping or peeling.

 

Over time, repeated exposure can even start to weaken the gel coating and dry out the natural nail underneath.

 

Some people may also notice:

 

  • Colour fading
  • Loss of gloss
  • Premature lifting
  • Increased brittleness after gel removal

 

While gel nails generally hold up well in water, regular swimmers may find they need more frequent touch-ups to keep nails looking their best.

How To Protect Your Nails From Chlorine

Even if you’re not a regular swimmer, it can be difficult to avoid chlorine altogether. After all, it comes out of your taps and shower head at home. 

 

The good news though is that there are some ways you can minimise damage and keep your nails healthier.

 

Install a Shower Filter 

 

Upgrade your shower with a clever solution like the Curo Filtered Shower Head, which filters out over 99% of chlorine and heavy metals before it reaches your nails, hair and skin. This means less chlorine exposure at home. It’s easy to install, and if you change the filter regularly it’s a long-term solution. 

 

Moisturise Regularly

 

Using hand cream and cuticle oil regularly can help restore moisture lost through chlorine exposure.

 

Pay particular attention to the nails and surrounding skin after you’ve been swimming.

 

Wear Gloves When Possible

 

If you’re cleaning with chlorinated products or simply doing the washing up in tap water, don those marigolds to reduce your exposure to the chlorine in your tap water.  

 

Rinse Nails After Swimming

 

Rinsing your hands with fresh water after leaving the pool can help remove chlorine residue before it continues drying out your nails.

 

Keep Your Nails Shorter

 

Shorter nails are often less likely to split or break when weakened by repeated water exposure.

 

Use Strengthening Treatments

 

Nail strengtheners or protective base coats may help to reinforce weak or brittle nails.

 

Take Breaks Between Nail Treatments

 

If you regularly wear acrylic or gel nails, having an occasional break can help your natural nails recover and rehydrate.

 

Stay Hydrated

 

Keeping your body hydrated can also support healthier nails from within.

 

With proper care, you can still enjoy swimming and holidays without causing too much long-term damage to your nails.

Try Curo risk-free for 60 days

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from 416 reviews
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I have been using this for 1 month now

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