What can excessive filing of natural nails cause?

Excessive filing of natural nails can lead to weakness and fragility of the nail structure. When natural nails are filed too much, it can thin the nail plate and compromise its integrity. This excessive filing removes not only the surface layers but also can disrupt the underlying matrix that is crucial for healthy nail growth. As a result, the nails become more prone to breakage, splitting, and other forms of damage, leading to a weakened overall structure.

Strengthening the nails generally involves maintaining their natural thickness and integrity, while excessive filing can do the opposite. Healthy nail care practices include proper filing techniques that do not over-aggressively reduce the thickness of the nail plate, ensuring that nails remain strong and resilient. Enhanced growth rate, improvement in strength, or bruising of the nail bed do not occur as direct consequences of excessive filing, emphasizing why the option regarding weakness and fragility is the correct answer.