What does it mean when your nails begin to chip off the top layer?

It starts at the tip and it's almost like the top layer peels off. Am I dehydrated?? Or vitamin defitient?What does it mean when your nails begin to chip off the top layer?
Flaking nails are caused by exposure to water. Water soaks into the nails and as it evaporates it weakens the nail %26amp; takes away the nails' protective oils.





Do not use a nail clipper. Only use a nail file to shape and shorten them. Protect your nails with thicker moisturizers to protect them from exposure to water which dries them out %26amp; makes them brittle.





Try Revlon's disposable files made for weak nails. File in one direction only. Start on one side and file towards the middle, then go to the other side and file towards the middle of your nail. Smooth the nail into a squoval that mirrors you cuticle or the shape of the white part of your nail bed. Avoid filing down the sides of the nail.





Finish the edges of the nail with a hindo stone, a smooth ceramic/stone nail file or the finest grit nail file you can find. You want to make the edges really smooth.





Also, avoid using metal nail files. I recommend using disposable nail files and changing them frequently. The fresher the grit, the less the drag which leads to tearing and peeling.





I also use a cuticle balm or nail oil to moisturize my nails and protect them from water since I wash my hands frequently.


(ex. Solar Oil, OPI Avoplex)





Vit E oil, jojoba oil, Aquaphor Healing Ointment, Vaseline or plain Chapstick will work too.





Avoid products w/ formaldehyde or toluene, they are very hard on nails.





If you are not eating a balanced diet consider taking vitamins. Some women swear by taking pre-natal vitamins.What does it mean when your nails begin to chip off the top layer?
I have this problem when my nails are weak. I don't think it's due to dehydration; although it could be vitamin deficiency. In my experience, though - it tends to happen more when I'm stressed, for whatever reason.