A broken nail isn’t the end of the world, but when it happens too often, it can quickly become annoying, even concerning. If your nails snap at the slightest knock, it’s a sign they’re in distress. Nutritional deficiencies, everyday habits, harsh manicures... there are many factors that can weaken their structure. The good news? With the right routine and some targeted care, your nails can regain their strength, glow and flexibility. Here’s our expert advice.
Why do nails become brittle?
Brittle nails can be caused by a number of things:
- frequent exposure to water or harsh chemicals, whether through housework or professional tasks,
- nutritional deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc or B vitamins (especially B8, also known as biotin), which support healthy nail growth,
- harsh manicure techniques, and more.
These behaviours all impact the keratin, the fibrous protein that makes up nearly 90% of the nail plate. Formed in the nail matrix, layers of keratin build up and bind together to create the nail's structure. This process, known as keratinisation, is what makes nails strong and resilient. When disrupted, nails become fragile.
Preserve your keratin to maintain strong nails.
Spotlight on risky manicures (gel, acrylic, traditional semi-permanent)
Gel extensions, acrylic nails and traditional semi-permanent polishes may offer long-lasting manicures... but at what cost? Aside from sometimes questionable ingredients (especially in non-EU formulas), these techniques usually involve removal with drills, heavy filing or acetone soaks. When repeated too often, these methods can disrupt the nail structure and slow nail growth. The result? Weakened nails that struggle to cope with daily wear and tear.
What happens to the nail structure
These so-called “risky” manicures often lead to severe dehydration of both the nail plate and the cuticles. The delicate skin around the nail dries out, losing its natural protective function. The acetone also strips away the natural oils from the nail. Beneath the surface, things get worse: layers of keratin can lift, causing splitting. The matrix starts producing poor-quality keratin, resulting in soft nails, surface irregularities, dullness and cracking. In that state, say goodbye to trendy manicures and nail art.
Have your nails been damaged by a manicure? Take our online nail diagnosis to find your personalised routine.
How can you strengthen brittle nails?
The good news: brittle nails aren’t a life sentence. With a targeted care routine, you can restore the nail’s structure and its natural glow. But how?
Start a strengthening nail care routine
Depending on your nail’s condition and the time you can dedicate to care, you’ve got a few great options.
The Basic Routine for a quick boost
A simple yet highly effective Basic routine that repairs, nourishes and protects your nails in just two weeks.
👉 How does it work?
- Start by applying Base S.O.S fortifying base coat directly onto bare nails every other day (up to three times a week), without removing previous layers. Enriched with AHA, vitamin C and vitamin B5, this concentrated formula stimulates cell renewal, strengthens keratin and visibly improves nail appearance.
- At the same time, apply a drop of Green Oil to your nails once or twice a day, massaging gently until fully absorbed. Packed with six botanical oils including sweet almond, passionfruit and baobab, this nourishing oil hydrates both nails and cuticles, encouraging healthy nail growth.
Base S.O.S. + Green Oil: a simple duo for strong, flexible nails.
The Starter Routine to repair and boost growth
The Starter routine combines the Duo Day & Night with Green Oil for a full two-week nail recovery.
👉 How does it work?
- Apply Keratin Booster three times a day to bare nails. Formulated with plant-based keratin, silicon and biotin, this hardening treatment helps regenerate and strengthen the nail plate. Follow up with Green Oil once or twice a day to nourish and condition.
- Use S.O.S. Mask in a thick layer two or three nights a week. Let it dry naturally and remove it the next morning by peeling or with soapy water. Keep up daily use of Green Oil, massaging it into the nail and surrounding skin until absorbed.
💡Tip: After two weeks of treatment, take a short break to allow your nails to rebalance. Repeat this monthly to maintain the results.
Use Duo Day & Night and Green Oil to support your nails around the clock.
The Ultimate Routine for long-lasting nail regeneration
The Ultimate routine brings together every essential treatment for an intensive two-week care plan, split into two phases.
👉 How does it work?
- Week 1: Apply Keratin Booster three times a day until fully absorbed to fortify the nail plate. Massage Green Oil twice a day into nails and cuticles. Add Perfecting Concentrate to your routine to provide all-day hydration and repair. Formulated with pistachio extract, castor oil and vitamin E, it hydrates, protects and strengthens without leaving a greasy finish. For intensive overnight care, apply S.O.S. Mask three nights a week and rinse off in the morning.
- Week 2: Introduce Base S.O.S. every other day (up to three times a week) on bare nails. Keep using Green Oil and the Perfecting Concentrate daily. End the week with one final night of S.O.S. Mask to lock in the benefits.
💡Pro tip: For best results, pair your routine with a course of Nail Boost supplements. These plant-based food supplements contain key vitamins (A, B2, B6, B8, B9 and C), vegetable keratin and brewer’s yeast, to support nail health from within. Naturally rich in B vitamins, brewer’s yeast helps reinforce keratin structure and reduces breakage, splitting and ridges.
Ultimate Routine: the complete cure to repair, nourish and regenerate your nails for good.
Healthy habits to adopt every day
Strengthening your nails isn’t just about the products you use! A few simple habits can make a big difference too:
- Protect your hands when doing household tasks or handling water and harsh products by wearing gloves. This simple habit is essential to prevent soft or brittle nails.
- Opt for gentle, hydrating manicures using bio-sourced nail polishes specially formulated to care for your nails.
- Alternate between treatments and polish and give your nails regular breaks. Don’t hesitate to file your nails using a fine-grit nail file, always moving in the same direction.
- Try Active™ care polishes: rich in natural ingredients, these formulas are a hybrid of nail care and makeup. To beautify and nourish brittle nails in one go, we especially recommend Active Glow™, enriched with sweet almond oil and red fruit extracts for a radiant rosy glow. Active™ Bright offers a strengthening pearlescent white finish, and Active™ Shine is a restorative beige-toned option with a pearly finish.
Strong nails start with good habits: protect, hydrate and maintain them regularly.
As you’ve seen, brittle and dry nails don’t have to be a permanent problem. With a targeted nourishing routine, hydrating manicure and the right everyday habits, you can regain healthy, shiny nails full of vitality. Ready for all the bold colour and intricate nail art you can dream of, season after season ✨💅
