You put on your new top and then disaster: a nail catches and splits into thin layers, leaving the plate bare, dull, and rough. An incident with multiple causes not to be taken lightly. The good news is that with a few simple steps, your nails can regain their vitality. We’ll show you how to pamper them properly.
Why do nails split?
Splitting nails are every manicure’s nightmare, and it’s often a sign that they are weakened. The causes can be multiple, but they all have one thing in common: in the vast majority of cases, this splitting comes from external aggressions. Which ones exactly?
Everyday aggressions
In daily life, our little habits can quickly damage our nails. Cleaning products, often harsh, can cause damage if you use them without wearing rubber gloves. But that’s not all, prolonged contact with water or even biting your nails (yes, we see you) damages the keratin, the fibrous protein that makes up most of the nail plate. Over time, the "cement" that binds the keratin layers together loses effectiveness and the nail plate tends to peel. But other factors also have an impact.
Household products, water, bitten nails… these everyday actions weaken your nails. (@pixabay)
Harsh manicures
Excessive sanding or filing, overuse of chemicals such as acetone, and too frequent manicures (for example, repeated applications of semi-permanent polish) are all actions that weaken our nails. A file with too coarse a grit or too aggressive sanding will damage the upper layers of the nail plate. As for acetone, it is the drying effect of this solvent that weakens the nail structure. And when these mistakes are repeated, the nail doesn’t have time to regenerate, it thins and splits. In the most severe cases, when the splitting reaches the base of the nail, it is essential to consult a dermatologist.
Stop sanding! Protect the health of your nails with gentler treatments.
Natural aging
Our nails are not spared by the passing of time! With age, keratin loses density and retains less moisture. Nails then become drier, more fragile, and need strengthening care to maintain their flexibility and resilience.
Deficiencies and medical issues
A nutritional deficiency in vitamins and minerals (vitamin B8, zinc, iron, magnesium...) can also cause splitting. Without the necessary intake of essential nutrients, the nail matrix’s function is disrupted: nail growth slows and keratin quality decreases.
Certain illnesses and medical treatments can also weaken keratin. In these cases, it’s best to consult a doctor to identify the exact cause and adopt a suitable routine to preserve your nail health.
Don’t let age or nutritional deficiencies damage your nails, take action!
How to repair nails that split?
If you can’t get rid of your split nails, there are simple solutions to strengthen them, limit breakage, and enjoy beautiful manicures again.
Adopt a targeted care routine
It’s the key to stimulating keratin production and strengthening the nail plate. Here are two possible types of actions:
The Ultimate damaged nails treatment
This care routine works in synergy to repair, nourish, and harden your nails in just 2 weeks thanks to targeted regenerating and moisturizing treatments. How does it work?
Week 1 (on bare, clean nails):
- Apply the Kératine Booster 1 to 3 times a day to stimulate keratin production and densify the nail plate.
- Massage the nail 2 times a day with Green Oil, a complex of 6 botanical oils that intensely nourishes nails and cuticles.
- For an on-the-go treatment throughout the day, use the Perfecting Concentrate, enriched with castor oil, to protect your nails and keep them hydrated continuously.
- Finally apply the Masque S.O.S 3 nights a week in a thick layer to strengthen. Let dry, then remove the next day by peeling off or with soapy water.
Week 2:
- Apply the Base S.O.S every 2 days (up to 3 times/week) without removing previous layers.
- Continue applying the Green Oil morning and evening and the Perfecting Concentrate.
- At the end of the week, remove the Base S.O.S. with a gentle remover, then reapply the S.O.S. Mask for one last night of care.
You can repeat this treatment if necessary for maximum effectiveness.
The Ultimate Routine: a concentrated treatment to restore healthy and strong nails.
Nourishing nails from within with dietary supplements
It is often said that beauty comes from within, and nails are no exception. With the Nail Boost supplements, you provide them with a cocktail of natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants (brewer's yeast, blueberry and turmeric extracts, iron, zinc, magnesium, copper, vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamin C...) that stimulates nail growth while improving their strength and shine. Take as an intensive cure to repair distressed nails at 2 capsules per day for 3 months. Let it grow!
Nourish your nails from within with Nail Boost to make all the difference on the outside.
The right techniques for filing and avoiding worsening nail splitting
Filing is an art! To prevent your nails from splitting further, choose gentle tools like a glass file or a file for fragile nails. For the right technique, file under the nail with a slight downward bevel, always in the same direction, to file the free edge without thinning or damaging it. We promise you'll notice the difference! Favor shorter nails, which are less exposed to impacts. Avoid scissors and nail clippers that can cause cracks; the nail file remains your best ally.
Controlled filing = less brittle and stronger nails.
Preventing splitting: habits to adopt daily
Incorporating a few simple habits into your daily routine can really pay off in preventing nail splitting:
- Protect your hands: wear protective gloves for cleaning, dishwashing, or any activity that might damage your nails.
- Regularly hydrate your nails with nail and cuticle oil and apply hand cream to protect and soften the skin.
- Adopt a healthy and balanced diet that provides the essential nutrients for good nail growth.
- Take breaks between semi-permanent polish applications and alternate with care treatments.
- Choose bio-sourced nail polishes and gentle, acetone-free removers that come off softly without harming your nails.
Simple daily habits to keep nails strong longer.
Good nail hygiene, lots of love, and your nails will quickly regain their beauty. Take the time to listen to them, pamper them, and you’ll see: they will reward you and soon be ready to showcase your most beautiful manicures.
Frequently asked questions
How to recognize a splitting nail?
A split nail results from a break in the keratin structure: it is recognized by its keratin layers losing cohesion and detaching from each other, leaving behind an uneven, sometimes dull and rough surface. A split nail is a nail suffering from dehydration and whose balance is disturbed.
Which file should I use if my nails are splitting?
Always prefer filing over cutting to avoid further damaging the keratin layers. Choose a gentle nail file, specially designed for fragile or fine-grain nails, that respects their natural structure. Always file in one direction, from the outside towards the center, on the underside of the nail, with a slight bevel angled downward: this motion smooths the free edge without thinning it or causing microcracks. Avoid metal files and back-and-forth movements, which promote breakage and splitting.
How long does it take to regain strong and solid nails?
Complete regrowth of a fingernail takes about 3 to 6 months. With a suitable routine (nourishing care, dietary supplements, protection), the first signs of improvement appear in a few weeks: a smoother surface, harder nails that resist better, and a natural shine restored.
