Your nails are a reflection of your health. So, it is important to take care of them. Whether they are brittle, ridged, or simply dull, simple steps can transform the appearance of your damaged nails. Here are some tips and effective nail care techniques to keep you looking beautiful to the tips of your fingers.
What are the effects of poor nail care?
Let's start by determining the consequences of poor nail care. They can become brittle, split, or turn yellow. All of this can be caused by a lack of hydration, repeated exposure to water and chemicals, and poor filing technique. By following a proper nail care routine, you can prevent these problems and restore your nails to their former strength and shine.
Here are the essential steps for strong, beautiful nails:
1 - Cuticle care
Are they invading the surface of your nails? Push them back... gently. To avoid damaging them (or damaging your fingers!), start by softening them. There are two options:
- Coat them with an emollient gel and leave it on for a few minutes.
- Soak in lukewarm water. Make sure your nails are bare, free of any traces of nail polish or other products.
Once the cuticles have softened, gently push them back using a wooden cuticle pusher. Since they form a protective barrier against bacteria, cutting or tearing them off is out of the question!
Tip: If your cuticles tend to harden or crack, treat them daily with a nourishing oil to avoid painful (and sometimes bloody) surprises. You can also apply the oil to polished nails.
Looky
Cuticule Softener, 15 ml
Softens and moisturizes the cuticles in order to easily remove them before the application of the varnish.
Sally Hansen
Instant Cuticle Remover, 29.5 ml
Maximum strength, ultra-fast remover on cuticles and calluses.
2 - Nourish and moisturize your nails
When your nails break at the slightest impact and become ridged, there's no doubt about it: They're hungry and thirsty! To perk them up, fill your water bottle and watch what you eat. To do this, here are some tips for everyday life:
- Choose foods rich in vitamins A and C (citrus fruits, carrots, green vegetables, etc.).
- Fill up on biotin and fatty acids.
If your nails are splitting, you most likely need to revise your filing technique. The correct way to do this is to file from the outside toward the centre, avoiding back-and-forth movements, that create irregularities. Cardboard files are preferable to metal files, which are more likely to damage keratin, and you should refrain from touching your nails after a shower or bath, as they are more fragile when wet.
Why are my nails ridged?
- Vertical ridges (from the base to the tip) are generally caused by natural aging or dehydration. They are often not serious.
- Horizontal lines, on the other hand, can indicate stress, nutritional deficiencies (iron, zinc, vitamin B), or a recent illness.
Tip: To reduce ridges, moisturize your nails daily with a nourishing oil, make sure you eat a balanced diet and use a polishing block gently. If ridges persist or worsen, consult a healthcare professional.
Nourishing oils for healthy nails
Revitalize your nails by soaking them in a mixture of sweet almond oil and lavender essence, or apply a strengthening treatment once or twice a day for a few weeks. Castor oil is also excellent for strengthening brittle nails: Apply a few drops every evening, massaging gently. These natural oils penetrate deep and nourish keratin.
You can also apply a strengthening treatment once or twice a day for a few weeks. Be sure to follow the recommended treatment time: Excessive use of the hardener will make the nail surface even more brittle. The opposite of what you want!
3 - Stimulate nail growth
Your nails grow too slowly or, worse, you bite them? Give them a little boost with an ultra-hydrating treatment rich in keratin and collagen, which both protects them and stimulates growth. And above all, don't bite them! In addition to damaging them, this bad habit can alter tooth enamel and promote the spread of bacteria. Banish the habit!
4 - Prevent yellowing
Dark polishes are ultraglam... but, if you're not careful, they leave nails yellowish (not so glam!). To avoid this problem, take the time to apply a base coat to your fingertips before applying dark nail polish. The damage is already done? No need to panic! Rather than attempting a camouflage operation by applying more polish, use a product that will tone down the yellow and restore your nails to their natural shine.
5 - Moisturize your hands
Your nails are tough on the outside but soft on the inside: Our nails are tough on the outside but soft on the inside: They need moisture, just like your skin! So remember to moisturize them as often as you moisturize your hands, using a creamy formula rich in natural oils and repairing active ingredients—powerful allies against the drying effects of nail polish and nail polish remover. Every time you apply a treatment, continue the movement to the tips of your fingers and gently massage each nail for a few seconds. Daily moisturizing means increased radiance and resistance! No more dry hands!
Karine Joncas
4 In 1 Hand Cream With Collagen, 75 ml
4 in 1 Intense Hydration Ultra-Repair, 24H Hydration Rejuvenating Hand Care, Nail & Cuticle Strengthener Areas with very dry or damaged skin due to dry skin.
Caudalie
Vinotherapist Hand & Nail Repairing Cream, 75 ml
The Vinotherapist hand and nail repairing cream nourishes and repairs dry hands without leaving them feeling greasy, all while protecting them from dehydration and external stressors. Feelings of tightness are soothed, the skin is softer and the nails and cuticles are strengthened.
Clarins
Hand and Nail Treatment Cream, 100 ml
Soothes, hydrates and protects dry skin on hands and around nails
6 - Clean under your nails regularly
Nail hygiene also involves gently cleaning under the nails. Dirt and bacteria easily accumulate in this area. Use a soft nailbrush and mild soap as part of your hand-washing routine. Avoid sharp or metallic objects that could damage the nail bed.
Good to know: Daily cleaning, combined with keeping your nails trimmed to a reasonable length, limits the accumulation of residue and keeps your hands looking impeccable.
7 - Protect your nails every day
Your nails are constantly exposed to harsh conditions: Water, household products, cold weather, etc. To preserve their beauty, adopt a few simple habits.
- Wear protective gloves when washing dishes, cleaning, or using chemicals. Hot water and detergents dry out nails and soften cuticles.
- In winter, protect your hands from the cold with gloves: The cold weakens nails and can make them brittle.
How can I have beautiful nails without polish?
For naturally beautiful nails, focus on moisturizing and buffing.
- After trimming and filing your nails to the desired shape, use a nail buffer to smooth the surface and give them a natural shine.
- Then apply a nourishing oil (sweet almond or castor oil) daily.
Tip: Keep your nails at an even, neat length, and don't forget to gently push back your cuticles. Well-maintained nails shine naturally!
What is the best nail treatment?
There is no miracle solution, except for a combination of good hydration, nutrition and protection. Use a fortifying serum enriched with keratin and vitamins several times a week, complemented by a nourishing oil applied daily. A protective base coat before applying nail polish prevents yellowing.
Don't forget professional care: A monthly manicure at a salon provides thorough maintenance and some well-deserved relaxation!
What is the best natural nail care?
Vegetable oils are your best allies for 100% natural nail care. Castor oil strengthens brittle nails, while sweet almond oil deeply nourishes. Olive oil, rich in vitamin E, moisturizes and softens cuticles. For a complete treatment, mix a few drops of lemon juice (for whitening) with olive oil, and soak your nails for 10 minutes. Rinse and massage with a nourishing oil.
Are these treatments also suitable for feet?
Absolutely! Your toenails deserve the same attention as your fingernails. Follow the same principles: Moisturize regularly with a nourishing oil, file straight across (never round to avoid ingrown nails), and gently push back the cuticles.
Remember to dry between your toes thoroughly after showering and wear comfortable shoes that don't squeeze your toes. A weekly foot bath with sweet almond oil will work wonders!
How do you make homemade nail care products?
- Make a revitalizing bath and mix 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon castor oil and a few drops lemon juice in a bowl of warm water. Soak your nails for 10-15 minutes.
- Gently exfoliate. To do this, mix fine sugar with sweet almond oil. Massage hands and nails to gently exfoliate.
- Apply a nourishing mask with pure castor oil to your nails and cuticles. Massage in and leave on overnight if possible.
- Don't forget to buff your nails using a nail buffer to give them a natural shine.
To achieve the most effective, visible and long-lasting results, it is recommended to repeat this treatment once a week.
How do I care for my nails after chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy treatments can significantly weaken nails: They become brittle, ridged, may peel off, or develop spots. Here's how to care for them:
- Hydrate intensely and apply a rich cream or nourishing oil (castor, sweet almond) to your nails and cuticles several times a day.
- Protect them by wearing gloves for all household chores and avoid trauma (shocks, harsh manicures).
- Cut your nails short and they'll be less likely to break or snag.
- Avoid harsh products: To do this, avoid false nails, semi-permanent nail polish, or acetone-based nail polish removers during and after treatment.
- Be patient: Regrowing healthy nails takes time. With regular, gentle care, your nails will gradually regain their strength.
Beautiful nails require a simple routine: Moisturizing, protection, a balanced diet and gentle care. Whether you prefer natural skincare or specialized products, the important thing is regularity. Your nails will thank you!
Need personalized nail care advice? Come and see us at one of our stores! Our cosmetics specialists will be happy to help you find the best products for your needs.
