Nail care: What really helps against brittle fingernails?

Beautiful, long nails that never break or split and are perfectly varnished – who among us doesn't want that? But unfortunately, the path to perfect fingernails It's often difficult, because not every nail is the same. While some suffer from nails that break frequently, others struggle with soft nails and splitting tips. But no matter what nail type you have, with the right care, you can make your nails stronger and healthier-looking.

Not all nails are the same: just like skin, there are different types of nails that require different care. While some nails are naturally hard and strong, others are soft, flexible, or prone to dryness and brittleness. Common problems such as cracking, splitting, or ridges are not only related to external influences, but also to the individual nail structure. Tailoring your nail care to your specific nail type can go a long way toward making your nails stronger, smoother, and more resilient.

Hard nails At first glance, they appear healthy, thick, and strong, but tend to suddenly break under lateral pressure or impact. Brittleness increases particularly in cold or dry air from heating. Frequent soaking in water can be problematic, as the constant swelling and drying causes nails to become brittle and prone to cracking.

Soft nails On the other hand, they are very flexible and elastic, but often tear at the sides or splinter off in layers, also known as split ends or onychoschisis. Their flexibility makes them appear stable at first, but they tend to bend or wear out during everyday activities such as typing or cleaning. Frequent handwashing, prolonged contact with water, or the frequent wearing of latex or rubber gloves can further weaken them, as the nail keratin softens and the nail structure becomes even softer.

Dry, brittle Nails are usually thin, have visible longitudinal grooves, break or split easily, and often feel rough. They often lack moisture or nutrients. Mixed forms are also possible and can be caused by external influences such as frequent hand washing, disinfection, or improper care. To choose the right care, it is important to identify your nail type and address it specifically.

The basis of every good Nail Care is the right preparation. Even when trimming the nails, the question arises: cut or clip? clippers While practical, they can cause the nail to split if the structure is delicate. As an alternative to clippers, many people also use nail scissors, especially with thinner or softer nails. Sharp, well-made scissors can actually be gentler than clippers, as they don't press the nail together as tightly. However, it's important that the cutting edge is clean and even, otherwise, small cracks or uneven edges can occur. For firm or thick nails, however, scissors are often too weak. The most gentle way to shape the nails is to file them. Always file in one direction to avoid tearing.

When choosing file It depends on the material: Metal files are robust, but can roughen the nail plate. Sandpaper files are better suited for normal nails, and glass files are more gentle on sensitive, brittle, or chipped nails.

Also the Pushing back the cuticles This should be done gently, ideally after a shower or a hand bath, when the skin is soft. Special tools with rounded tips are ideal for pushing back cuticles. It's important that the tool is gentle on the skin and has no sharp edges to avoid micro-injuries. However, extreme caution is required when trimming cuticles, as this can lead to small wounds, infections, or ingrown nails.

Whether you can polieren The amount of time you should use depends on the condition of your nails: If the nail surface is smooth, an occasional, gentle polish is sufficient to add some shine. However, if your nails are brittle or thin, polishing is counterproductive, as it will further remove the upper layer of callus. Polishing should also be avoided after removing artificial nails made of gel or acrylic.

Oil is a true all-rounder in nail care and supports not only the nails themselves but also the surrounding cuticles. Especially popular are Almond, castor, jojoba and vitamin E oilJojoba oil is similar to natural skin oil and is quickly absorbed without a greasy residue, while vitamin E acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting cells and promoting regeneration. For hard, dry, or brittle nails, these oils are ideal for improving flexibility and preventing cracks. Generally, you can also use your facial oil Use it as nail oil – because what’s good for your face can’t hurt your nails either!

Nail serums are specifically formulated to address problems such as split ends or brittle nail layers. They contain a combination of moisturizing, strengthening, and regenerating ingredients, including proteins and oils. Proteins strengthen the nail plate from within and help prevent cracks and detachment. Hyaluronic acid and glycerin provide intensive moisture through their water-binding properties and thus improve the elasticity and flexibility of the nails.

For weekly intensive care, oil baths, where the fingertips are immersed in warm oil for a few minutes, which deeply nourishes and strengthens the nails. Simply add some nail oil or a few drops of your facial oil into a bowl and heat it in a double boiler or briefly in the microwave until the oil is pleasantly warm. After the bath, gently massage the nails and cuticles to stimulate circulation and enhance the nourishing effect. Then, apply a rich hand cream to your hands.

In general, frequent creaming It is recommended to moisturize the hands to keep the skin and cuticles supple and to prevent the nails from drying out. Especially after washing your hands or after contact with cleaning products, you should moisturize your hands and nail edges with a rich Hand lotion, a special cuticle balm, or a few drops of nail oil. This will support the natural moisture balance and effectively prevent brittle, fragile nails.

Whether a nail hardener is useful depends largely on the individual nail type. For soft, splitting, or flexible nails, special hardeners can provide useful support by forming a solid, protective layer on the nail plate. However, caution is advised: Too frequent use or choosing a product for the wrong nail type can make nails even more brittle. hard fingernails that break easily, should not use strong hardening products. Instead, simply apply a base coat without hardening effect to protect your nails from external influences, especially water.

In conventional cosmetics Formaldehyde was previously used in nail hardeners, but fortunately, this has been banned since 2019. It is considered harmful to health and can cause allergies or even cancer. In addition, conventional nail hardeners often contain substances such as nitrocellulose, synthetic resins, plasticizers, and silicones, which, while forming a hard protective layer, contain harmful chemicals that are harmful to humans and the environment.

Natural cosmetic nail hardeners rely on gentler formulations and combine nourishing ingredients such as vitamin E, vitamin A, and plant oils with regenerating extracts, for example, from açai or algae. Acids such as malic acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid regulate the pH value and keep the nail bed healthy. Moisturizing ingredients such as vitamin B5 help keep the nail flexible and strengthen it at the same time. soft, slightly splintering as well as dry fingernails with deep grooves, perfect for strengthening them.

Similar to skin and Haaren You can help a little with dietary supplements. Particularly important are Biotin (Vitamin B7), which promotes nail growth, and Zinc and Ironthat counteract brittle nails. Vitamin C supports collagen formation, which stabilizes the nail structure and makes the nails more resilient. 

If you have particularly brittle nails, which cannot be treated even with an extensive nail care routine and supplements However, if you don't see any improvement, you should make an appointment with your doctor. Extremely dry, brittle nails with deep ridges are a symptom of some conditions, such as thyroid problems or anemia.

With it yours nail polish To keep your wood beautiful and chip-free for as long as possible, preparation is crucial: Clean, grease-free nails ensure better grip. It is best to use a base coat that smooths the nail surface and protects it from discoloration. Apply the colored nail polish in thin layers and allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next. A final top coat seals the color, adds shine, and extends its durability. Avoid excessive stress on your nails immediately after painting to minimize scratches and chipping.

Soft, natural nail polish shades are currently all the rage: Matcha, sage, and pistachio green bring a breath of fresh air to nails and complement the color scheme of matcha latte. So-called princess nails, semi-transparent nude shades that subtly enhance natural nails, are perfect for everyday wear and always look elegant. But for those who prefer something a little more striking, there are also suitable summer trend colors: bright red or butter yellow, which go perfectly with pretty beach dresses. Metallic fans can dazzle with silver, which is currently making a comeback.

With the right care and products tailored to your nail type, brittle nails can be effectively strengthened. Rich nail oils, moisturizing nail serums, natural cosmetic nail hardeners, and nutritional supplements support your nail health. This way, your Manicure longer and at the same time looks well-groomed and beautiful.