Filing against the growth of the nail can cause which of the following?

Filing against the growth of the nail can result in splitting, which occurs when the natural layers of the nail become dried out and brittle. This improper filing technique disrupts the smooth structure of the nail, making it more susceptible to fractures along the edges. The nail's inherent flexibility is reduced, and the stress from filing against the growth direction can exacerbate this issue, leading to visible splits and a tendency for the nails to break more easily.

In contrast, waving, pitting, and strengthening of nails do not accurately reflect the result of filing against nail growth. Waves may refer to a cosmetic effect that isn't typically caused by this filing technique, while pitting involves small depressions on the nail surface, usually linked to other conditions like psoriasis. Additionally, improper filing will not contribute to stronger nails; rather, it tends to weaken them by creating structural inconsistencies. Thus, splitting is the direct consequence of this type of filing practice.