Like hair, our nails are mainly made of keratin, a type of fibrous protein structure that we must maintain at optimal levels so that they are strong and resistant.

By following a series of simple tips, it will be easier to restore the health of your nails and keep them in good condition after aggressive processes such as removing semi-permanent manicures.

There are situations in which nails may appear brittle or cracked, due to incorrect formation of keratin or exposure to external factors that affect their structure.

Remember that, just like skin or hair, nails are a reflection of your own health, so it is worth investing in habits that can keep them cared for and healthy.

What Can Cause Nails to Be More Brittle?

The truth is that there is no single reason why nails are more brittle, since the causes are very diverse. However, the accumulation of conditions could promote their deterioration, so it is important to learn to identify them and take measures to avoid and reverse their wear.

One of the main causes of cracked nails is having exposed them to chemical substances. This is the case with low-quality enamels, aggressive cleaning products or, above all, semi-permanent manicures. In this last case, the nails are weakened not only by the substances used for this type of manicure but, especially, by the acetone or mechanical procedures used to remove them.

Although sometimes it may go unnoticed, a very important cause also appears on the list, which is an unhealthy diet.

Your body needs nutrients such as vitamins – including vitamins A, B5, B6, B12, C and D – and other nutrients such as iron, zinc or calcium – at adequate levels. Therefore, it is essential that your diet is varied, rich in fruits, vegetables, proteins and fiber so that your nails remain strong and have a healthy appearance.

Genetics and certain diseases also affect the health of the nails. Some examples are anemia, some alterations of the thyroid gland or fungal infections. In these cases, the solution involves correcting the underlying disorder, and your doctor will carry out the diagnosis and propose the most appropriate treatment. Subsequently, good care and hydration are important to accelerate recovery.

Recommendations for Having Strong and Healthy Nails

• Take care of your nails regularly. Once a week or every ten days you should spend some time trimming, cleaning and filing them. For the latter, use a fine-grit file.
• If you want to show off enameled nails, you should opt for quality products and professionals you can trust. As we have already mentioned, semi-permanent manicure can be very harmful if you tend to have weak and brittle nails. If this is your case, it is best to avoid it at all costs.
• It is not advisable to always have enameled nails, so from time to time it is advisable to leave them in the air, without enamel, so that they “breathe” and regenerate naturally.
• Avoid contact with chemical substances that can weaken your nails. For this, a good measure is to put on gloves when handling abrasive cleaning products.
• Try not to have them submerged in water for too long, as the keratin bonds can weaken.
• Don’t bite your nails. If you have this habit, go to a professional who can recommend one of the treatments that exist to avoid it.
• Wear gloves when it is very cold, since very low temperatures can also cause your nails to be more brittle.
• Follow a healthy diet so that your nutrients from the diet remain at the recommended values. This will not only benefit your nails, but your whole body.
• Use products to strengthen your nails and keep them strong, flexible and healthy. These alternatives will not only help you take care of their well-being, but also to recover them after having been exposed to a semi-permanent manicure.
  • Pilopeptan® Intensive is a food supplement based on hydrolyzed collagen, vitamins B5, B6 and zinc in the form of drinkable sachets. Taking 1 sachet a day for 1 month helps stimulate keratin synthesis and promote proper nail formation. In addition, it is effective in cases of acute hair loss, stopping hair loss and giving the hair a healthy and shiny appearance.
  • In addition, Pilopeptan® Woman Nail Repair Gel is an easily absorbed gel based on a high content of vitamins, proteins and minerals. Its specific formula is highly effective in strengthening, smoothing and moisturizing fragile, damaged or brittle nails. It nourishes and repairs your nails from the matrix so that they are born healthy and strong, restoring a homogeneous and healthy appearance and preventing breakage and peeling. Its brush-shaped applicator allows it to be applied comfortably on the nails.

Bibliography

1. Mayo Clinic. Nails: what you should and shouldn’t do for healthy nails
https://www.mayoclinic.org/es-es/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/nails/art-20044954

2. Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. All about nails https://aedv.es/comunicacion/notas-de-prensa/todo-sobre-las-unas/

3. Dermatology and Therapy. Chessa M et al. Pathogenesis, Clinical Signs and Treatment Recommendations in Brittle Nails: A Review https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13555-019-00338-x

4. Clinics in Dermatology. Cashman M et al. Nutrition and Nail Disease https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0738081X10000611