Your Nails Speak About Your Health—Listen to Them!
Did you know that the condition of your nails can reveal valuable information about your health and lifestyle? Brittle, split, or yellowed nails are not just a cosmetic problem: they can be a sign of nutritional deficiencies, bad habits, or excessive exposure to harsh chemicals. Fortunately, it is possible to restore strong, healthy nails by adopting a few simple habits. Discover the mistakes to avoid and the best solutions for caring for your nails naturally and sustainably.
Why is it essential to take care of your nails?
Nails play a more important role than we might imagine. Made up of several layers of keratin, they protect the tips of our fingers and toes from injury, make it easier to grasp objects, and can also indicate imbalances in the body. Ridges, white spots, brittle texture, or slow growth can be warning signs of an underlying problem.
Signs that your nails are unhealthy:
Brittle nails : often linked to a lack of hydration or keratin.
Ridged nails : may be caused by age, stress, or mineral deficiency.
Yellowed nails : usually result from repeated use of dark nail polish or a fungal infection.
Splitting nails : result of frequent exposure to water or harsh chemicals.
Mistakes that damage your nails every day
Mistake #1: Neglecting your diet
The health of your nails starts on your plate! A diet low in essential nutrients weakens keratin, making nails soft and brittle.
Solution: choose foods rich in vitamins and minerals :
- Biotin (vitamin B7) : promotes nail growth and strength (found in eggs, almonds, bananas).
- Iron : essential for preventing pale and brittle nails (lentils, spinach, red meat).
- Zinc : combats brittle nails and stimulates nail growth (oysters, pumpkin seeds, walnuts).
Mistake #2: Using harsh chemicals
Permanent nail polish, acetone-based nail polish removers, and household products can dry out and weaken your nails.
Solution: protect your nails!
- Choose formaldehyde-free nail polish and acetone-free nail polish removers.
- Wear gloves when handling detergents or other chemicals.
- Moisturize your nails and cuticles after each hand wash. with a nourishing oil (castor, argan, sweet almond). Use a moisturizing cream specifically for hands and nails every night.
Mistake #3: Not adopting the right habits in your daily routine
Harmless habits can be disastrous for your nails! Biting your nails, using your nails as tools (to open packages, scratch rough surfaces), or cutting them too short can weaken them permanently.
Solution: adopt the right habits
. File your nails in one direction only. to prevent them from splitting.
. Avoid metal files which damage keratin, opt for glass or cardboard files instead.
. Trim your nails regularly., but leave a little extra length to protect them from impact.
Should you avoid fake nails and semi-permanent nail polish?
Gel or acrylic false nails temporarily beautify your hands, but repeated application can weaken the nail plate.
If you decide to get a manicure, follow these tips:
. Space out the poses artificial nails to allow your natural nails to breathe.
.Apply a protective base coat. under the varnish to prevent them from yellowing.
. Opt for regular breaks without nail polish to keep your nails healthy.
When should you consult a specialist?
If, despite your best efforts, your nails remain brittle, become deformed, or change color, it is recommended that you consult a doctor. These symptoms may be linked to a severe deficiency, an infection, or an underlying condition requiring appropriate treatment.
