Our nails are living things, and like us, they sometimes get tired and lose their shape. The result: brittle nails, nails that become deformed or easily twisted. And when it comes to nail polish, it’s no picnic, with colors that don’t last very long. Now that we’ve established the facts, it’s time to act, and fast! We’ll help you understand the situation and adopt the right steps to restore beautiful, strong nails.
Why do we have soft nails?
Let’s be clear: soft nails are nails in poor health. The layers of keratin that make up the nails have been damaged, and the nail is weakened. It twists when you apply pressure to the ends, twists, and breaks easily.
The most common contributing factors are:
- Overexposure to water and/or harsh chemicals (household products, strippers, solvents, etc.).
- An unbalanced diet leading to deficiencies in vitamin A and vitamin B8, and/or minerals (iron, zinc, and magnesium, among others) necessary for keratin production.
- Frequent application of semi-permanent gels.
- Removing nail polish or artificial nails that damage the nail plate, such as the use of acetone-based nail polish remover or sanding.
Now that we’ve identified the causes of the problem, we can take action. Solutions for soft nails are within reach. With a few simple tips and proper care, you can avoid soft nails and achieve strong, vibrant nails.
Tips to avoid soft nails
We recommend adopting a few simple habits and actions that will help you maintain strong and resilient nails. Here are several professional tips:
- Eat a balanced diet: Vary your diet to ensure the necessary vitamins, minerals, and proteins needed for the proper functioning of the nail matrix. Eggs, meat, pulses, green vegetables, and dried fruits are all welcome.
- Well-filed nails: Trying to grow long nails when they are soft or brittle can only be frustrating. It’s best to keep them short and file them gently. Choose a fine-grit sanding band and you always use in the same direction, without back-and-forth, to avoid damaging the keratin layers.
- Well-protected nails: Prevention is better than cure, and for that, it’s essential to protect your nails from everyday damage. Wear gloves when doing household chores or handling chemicals. Wash your hands only when necessary and with warm or cold water. Avoid using your nails to scrape, scratch, pick, or lift; there are more appropriate tools for that. And of course, it’s essential to stop biting your nails; a little bitter nail polish will help if it’s too difficult.
- A gentle and long-lasting manicure: Know that a manicure can be a great ally for regaining strong and healthy nails, provided you adopt a respectful manicure routine and use quality nail supplies. For nail polish addicts, choose vegan and bio-sourced nail polish formulas. To remove your nail polish, use a gentle, acetone-free nail polish remover, which preserves the nail’s natural oil and moisturizes the nail surface. Finally, avoid reapplying your nail polish too frequently. Between applications, help strengthen your nails with an Active Bright Fortifying Nail Polish.
As we’ve seen, soft nails are fragile nails that need pampering. When well-hydrated and nourished, filed and protected, they regain their strength and shine, ready for new manicures (without overdoing it, of course!)
Read also: How to Apply False Nails Without Glue?
