Soft, brittle, split, ridged, fragile... do your nails need a helping hand? Here is a short guide to nail care to overcome the most common problems.

For starters, here are some of the most common nail problems

• Brittle nails (onychoschizie): This type of dry nail breaks easily with the slightest impact or when bent. A vitamin or iron deficiency or weakened nail keratin may be to blame.
• Split nails: This problem occurs when the free edge of the nail separates into thin layers of keratin. Causes can include vitamin and mineral deficiencies, poor filing technique or nail-biting habits.
• Ridged nails: These nails have fine vertical or horizontal lines visible on the surface, generally caused by natural aging.
• Soft nails: This type of nail is very flexible and bends easily without breaking. This can happen if you keep your nails in water for too long or wash your hands too often.
• Yellowed nails: These nails take on a yellowish hue and may also thicken. This discolouration can be caused by smoking, frequent use of dark nail polish or a fungal infection.
• Nails with white spots (leuconychia): These nails have small white spots, often due to microtrauma, especially if you bite your nails or if you have repeated manicures.

How can I strengthen brittle or split nails?

In addition to being prone to breakage, brittle nails can also split or crumble. Weakened by daily life, they become more vulnerable to external aggressors (chemicals, cold, heat, etc.). Fortunately, there are simple gestures and targeted solutions to strengthen them and restore their healthy appearance.

Why are my nails brittle?

Brittle or fragile nails can be caused by a number of factors:

• Repeated contact with water, soaps or household products;
• The use of aggressive nail polishes or removers, especially those containing acetone;
• Prolonged exposure to cold, damp or extreme temperatures;
• Natural aging, which makes nails drier and more fragile;
• An unbalanced diet or inadequate hydration;
• Nutritional deficiencies, in particular biotin, iron and zinc;
• Certain health problems, such as hypothyroidism or anemia.

Which vitamin should I take for brittle nails?

Several vitamins and minerals can make a real difference in strengthening nails that break or split:

• Biotin (vitamin B8): Helps produce keratin, a protein essential to nail structure.
• Iron: A lack of iron in your diet can result in soft, brittle or split nails.
• Zinc: Promotes cell regeneration and supports nail growth.
• Vitamins A, C and E: They protect cells and contribute to healthy nails.
• Omega-3s: These fatty acids help deeply nourish and moisturize nails.

Brittle or split nails: Which nail care formula is best?

Apply a collagen or silicon base that will restore your nails' suppleness while increasing their resistance to cracking and breaking. This versatile product can be used on its own, or applied before a coat of colour to maximize hold.

What is the solution for treating soft nails?

Are your nails as flexible as a sheet of paper? It may be due to a lack of nutrients or minerals! To remedy this, treat your nails a few times a week with a product rich in calcium, cellulose or mineral salts. This type of formula restores strength to nails and improves their growth, while making them more resistant to aggression.

What do thin nails need?

Thin nails generally need a boost of moisture! So remember to regularly apply a thirst-quenching treatment containing iron and amino acids. This type of product will quench your nails' thirst while covering them with an ultra-resistant protective film. Goodbye, brittle nails!

Ridged nails: What causes them and how to treat them?

Ridged nails can be caused by a number of factors, depending on the type of ridge (vertical or horizontal).

• Vertical ridges (from the base to the tip of the nail): More common, these benign ridges often appear with age or when the nail is dehydrated. Certain genetic predispositions, as well as inadequate intake of biotin, vitamin B, iron or zinc, can also have an impact.
• Horizontal ridges (from one side of the nail to the other): Less common, these can be caused by chronic stress, temporary illness, physical trauma, certain medications/medical treatments, or severe nutritional deficiencies (particularly in iron, zinc or protein). These ridges generally warrant more attention, especially if they are deep or occur repeatedly.

What skincare routine should I adopt for ridged nails?

Are your nails ridged and dull? Time to polish them! Capable of simultaneously filing, smoothing and buffing, this tool offers the equivalent of a manicure, without the potentially harsh ingredients of nail polish. After polishing, take the time to rub your fingertips with a repair serum enriched with plant oils, ideal for nourishing nails and soothing dry cuticles.

A regular nail care routine, the key to stronger nails

As with your skin and hair, your nails need consistency to regain their vitality. A single treatment is not enough: it's by repeating the right gestures that visible, long-lasting results can be achieved. In addition to strengthening the nail structure, regular nail care helps prevent nail fragility on a daily basis.

Moisturizing, using fortifying care products or massaging the cuticles daily... each step contributes to strengthening the nail structure. Adopt these gestures as a weekly or daily ritual; your nails will thank you!

Other steps to take for proper nail care

Here are some other great ways to promote beautiful, healthy nails :

• Wear rubber or cotton-lined gloves when washing dishes or doing chores: This prevents your fingernails from coming into direct contact with water, detergent or dish soap.
• Massage your nails daily with a hand cream or dry oil.
• Use a fine-grain file, preferably non-metallic, to work nails gently.
• Keep your nails short: nails that are too long are more likely to break or split.
• Avoid applying products that are too strong or abrasive (acrylic gel, acetone remover, etc.).

Stay hydrated and choose what you put on your plate: a balanced diet means healthy nails!

Find the right products and treatments for your brittle or damaged nails!

Visit a Jean Coutu near you to get the best advice from our beauty team on how to take care of your nails the easy, natural way.