Soft, dull, brittle, ridged nails… When they look tired, it’s often the result of external stressors or an internal imbalance. And if your gel polish isn't lasting, it’s high time to give them some TLC! With a little care and the right habits, your nails can regain all their radiance. Here’s how.
Why Are Your Nails Fragile?
Before trying to strengthen them, you need to understand what weakens them. Because knowing the cause is already half the battle! Your nails' balance depends as much on your environment as on your lifestyle and overall well-being. So, what’s behind these signs of weakness?
The Impact of the Environment on Your Nails
Did you know that our nails are made of 90% keratin? This natural protein, produced by the nail matrix (and also found in hair and skin), acts as a protective shield. But this defense isn't indestructible… and everyday life doesn't always go easy on it.
Climates and Seasons
Through the seasons, between dry air and the cold in winter, and heat and sun exposure in summer, your nails endure significant temperature and humidity shifts. Their keratin suffers, leading to dehydration and breakage. They need your help to adapt… Help!
Water and Cleaning Products
Our nails aren't waterproof. Frequent exposure to water, household detergents, or harsh chemicals weakens them and leads to peeling or soft nails. Get into the habit of wearing protective gloves or switch to more natural cleaning products. Your hands (and manicures) will thank you.
Bad Habits
Biting your nails, wearing gel polish or fake nails back-to-back without breaks, filing or scraping the nail plate, using nails to dig or scrape… We’ve all done it, let’s be honest! But these habits impact the nail matrix and can hinder healthy renewal.
Temperature shifts give your nails a hard time.
Nails: A Reflection of Our Internal Balance
The natural beauty of nails also comes from within. Temporary fatigue, nutritional deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals, or hormonal imbalances can affect nail growth.
Fatigue and Stress
When the body is exhausted, it saves energy for vital functions at the expense of nails losing vitality, hair turning dull, and skin losing its glow.
Nutritional Deficiencies
We rarely think about it, yet an unbalanced diet low in essential nutrients can harm your nails. A deficiency in iron and other minerals such as zinc and calcium, or in vitamins B (including vitamin B8 or biotin, essential for keratin production) and C, often shows up as ridged, soft, or splitting nails.
Hormonal Imbalances
Certain age-related changes or health conditions can alter keratin production and disrupt nail growth.
👉 Moral of the story: by pampering your nails, you're caring for yourself. No more hesitating—it’s time to take action!
Taking care of your nails is taking care of your overall well-being.
How to Strengthen Nails Effectively?
To regain nails that are both strong and resilient, it’s essential to take action from the outside as well as deep within, by adopting the right nail care and looking after your overall well-being.
Strengthen the Nail Plate
The nail plate is the visible, hard part of the nail. It's the part you're used to filing, buffing, or painting with your favorite nail polish. Though it seems tough, it needs gentle care! To care for it properly, adopt a gentle and, above all, consistent routine. Here’s how:
Hydrate and nourish your nails between color applications
After nail polish removal (with a gentle, acetone-free remover, of course!), apply Green Oil. Rich in 6 plant oils, it intensively nourishes the nail plate and cuticles for supple, shiny, healthy nails. Take the time to gently massage them (cuticles included) until fully absorbed. You'll see, it's relaxing and super effective. You can even make it your daily care step.
Boost Keratin Production
Keratin Booster is an expert treatment enriched with plant keratin and fortifying active ingredients. This nail hardener redensifies the nail plate and boosts keratin synthesis right at the nail matrix.
👉 Result: harder, stronger nails in just a few days by applying Keratin Booster to bare nails 1 to 3 times a day for 5 to 7 days max.
Keratin Booster + Green Oil: the expert duo for a reinforced nail plate and stronger nails.
Protect your nails with a nail-friendly manicure routine.
Avoid back-to-back gel polish applications and opt for vegan, plant-based formulas, like Green™ and Green Flash™ polishes that remove easily without damaging nails.
Another option: Active Bright care polish, which hardens and deeply repairs nails while illuminating them with a pearly white veil. Its 80% plant-based formula, enriched with natural lemon extract, acts like an invisible shield against external stressors. What else?
Combining protection and radiance, choose gentle makeup & care products that respect your nails.
Strengthen Your Nails Naturally
For fans of DIY remedies, you can strengthen your nails naturally by massaging them with the following products:
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A few drops of a plant oil rich in essential fatty acids such as castor oil, sweet almond oil, olive oil, or argan oil.
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A few drops of essential oils (blended with a base carrier oil), like lemon essential oil to add shine and strength, or lavender essential oil for its restorative properties.
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A splash of lemon juice, renowned for improving microcirculation, can also restore their natural shine and strength.
Strengthen Nails from the Inside Out
Strong nails start on your plate! Think eggs, oily fish, legumes, nuts, and leafy greens—everything that makes up a varied, balanced diet capable of delivering essential nutrients. Real allies for strong, healthy nails.
And to give them a real boost, nothing beats a targeted treatment. The new formula of Nail Boost dietary supplements specifically nourishes nails from within thanks to a cocktail of vitamins (vitamin A, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin B8, vitamin B9, vitamin C), minerals (zinc, copper, magnesium, selenium), brewer's yeast, plant keratin, and blueberry extract. Thanks to a 2-month course of one capsule per day, growth is boosted, keratin is strengthened, and nails gain resilience.
A balanced diet combined with a Nail Boost course = the winning formula for nourished, strengthened nails.
To strengthen your nails for good, you first need to understand how they work and what weakens them. Alongside this article, feel free to use our quick, free online diagnostic tool to discover your nails' true nature. You'll have everything you need to set up a 100% customized, targeted nail care routine to get back to strong, radiant natural nails ✨💪
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to strengthen nails?
With the right routine, you can strengthen your nails in 3 to 4 weeks. The key? Proper nail and cuticle hydration with Green Oil and a hardening treatment like Keratin Booster to redensify the plate and activate keratin production. Add a balanced diet and a clean, long-lasting manicure routine: your nails will regain radiance, strength, and resilience, without compromise.
Can diet alone be enough to strengthen nails?
Diet plays a key role, but it isn't enough on its own. For truly strong nails, it's best to pair a diet rich in biotin, zinc, and amino acids with a targeted nail care routine. You can combine it with a course of Nail Boost dietary supplements for extra efficacy. Inside nourishes, outside protects: the winning duo for top-notch nails.
Is a fortifying nail polish enough?
A fortifying polish is a great starting point, but it can't do it all. Active™ Bright treatment polish offers a hardening and brightening effect. Use it alongside complementary treatments in a complete routine for visibly stronger nails. Regular cuticle care to boost matrix protection, frequent application of a hydrating treatment like Green Oil, and a course of Keratin Booster to stimulate keratin production are the essential steps to pair with a fortifying polish like Active™ Bright.
