Daily wear and tear, nutritional deficiencies, aggressive or too-frequent manicures and unsuitable nail care routines can all take their toll on your nails! The result? Fragile nails that become soft, brittle or split, and struggle to hold onto polish. Want to get your nails back to their strong, healthy best? Here's your complete guide to understanding your nails and giving them the care they deserve.
What is a damaged nail?
Visible signs
When nails are damaged, they show it in different ways. The most common signs include:
- Soft nails that bend or twist easily when you press the fingertips, and where polish doesn’t stay on well.
- Brittle nails that lack flexibility and break at the tips.
- Split nails that peel into thin layers at the ends, making it difficult for polish to last.
- Yellowed nails caused by overly pigmented polish or external factors. If discoloration continues even after stopping polish, it’s best to consult a doctor.
Split, broken or ultra-soft? Your nails are calling out for help – and you can answer!
What causes the damage?
You’ve probably heard this before: your nails are a reflection of your overall health and how your body copes with its environment. Fragile nails are often a warning sign that something is out of balance. The most common causes include:
- Everyday exposure: Nails face a host of daily aggressors – from chemicals in cleaning products to dry air and prolonged exposure to water. These weaken the nail structure over time.
- Nutritional deficiencies: The nail matrix needs proteins, vitamins and minerals (especially biotin, iron and zinc) to function properly. Without them, nails grow weak and become more prone to damage.
- Harsh manicures: Poor-quality false nails or gels, frequent manicures, and acetone or drill-based removal can all deeply affect nail health.
- Age and hormonal changes may reduce keratin production, slowing nail growth.
- Serious illnesses or medication: Their effects on nails can show up with a delay.
Ready to start a nail care routine that makes a real difference?
How to repair damaged nails
The good news? Damaged nails aren’t a life sentence. Whether you're looking to give your nails an emergency boost or keep them healthy every day, Manucurist has created tailored routines to help you reclaim strong nails and beautiful hands. Got ridges too? Check out our dedicated routine to smooth things over and visibly enhance your nail surface.
Our customizable nail care routine
Say goodbye to damaged nails and rediscover the joy of a long-lasting manicure. Manucurist has designed a flexible care routine that suits your needs and helps restore your nails to a smooth, healthy state in just 2 weeks.
Basic Routine
In need of a quick and effective fix? Try our Basic Routine, combining the S.O.S. Base and Green Oil – our bestselling duo for deep repair and nourishment.
👉 How it works: Apply S.O.S. Base to bare nails every 2 days, up to 3 times a week, layering without removing the previous coats. At the same time, apply a drop of Green Oil 1–2 times daily, massaging into the nail and surrounding skin until fully absorbed – no need to rinse or wipe.
S.O.S. Base & Green Oil: the power duo to rescue your damaged nails.
Starter Routine
Looking to repair and nourish your nails while boosting growth? Step up your nail care with the Starter Routine, which combines the Keratin Booster, Green Oil and S.O.S. Mask.
👉 How it works: Use all 3 products together during your 2-week treatment. Apply Keratin Booster 3 times a day to bare nails, allowing it to dry completely. Massage your nails and cuticles with a drop of Green Oil 1–2 times daily. Apply a thick layer of S.O.S. Mask 2–3 nights per week, leave it to dry naturally, and peel it off or rinse with soapy water the next morning.
Repair your damaged nails overnight with the S.O.S. Mask.
Ultimate Routine
Go all in with the Ultimate Routine – an intensive care cure featuring five essential products: Keratin Booster, S.O.S. Base, Green Oil, S.O.S. Mask and the Perfecting Concentrate.
👉 How it works: This routine is split into two weeks:
- Week 1: Apply Keratin Booster 1–3 times daily on bare nails and let it absorb fully. Use Green Oil 1–2 times a day to massage the nails and cuticles. Keep the Perfecting Concentrate with you to apply anytime. Use the S.O.S. Mask 2–3 nights a week in a thick layer, let it dry, and remove the next morning with a peel or soapy rinse.
- Week 2: Switch to the S.O.S. Base on bare nails every 2 days (up to 3 times per week), layering as you go. Continue applying Green Oil 1–2 times a day and use the Perfecting Concentrate on-the-go. Finish the week with a final night using the S.O.S. Mask after removing the S.O.S. Base with the Green Flash™ gentle remover.
☝️ We recommend taking a break after your 2-week treatment to maintain your nails’ natural balance. If needed, repeat monthly with 2 weeks of care followed by 2 weeks of rest.
Give your nails round-the-clock intensive care with the Ultimate Routine.
Everyday habits for healthy nails
To keep your nails strong and resilient, adopt these simple, effective manicure habits as part of your regular beauty routine:
- Keep nails short and gently filed. The longer they are, the easier they break! Use a natural nail file to reduce the risk of cracks or peeling.
- Prep your nails before every manicure. Don’t forget to apply a protective base coat like the Green™ Base Coat or the Green Flash™ Vitamin Base Coat, depending on the polish you're using.
- Choose a gentle, long-lasting manicure routine by opting for bio-sourced formulas like Green™ or Green Flash™ LED polishes. To remove polish gently, avoid acetone or drills – instead, use our Green Flash™ gentle remover. Alternate gel polish with restorative treatments or Active™ treatment polishes to let your nails breathe.
Green™ and Green Flash™ formulas are up to 84% bio-sourced!
With the right care, a healthy lifestyle, a thoughtful nail routine and top-quality manicure products, you can enjoy strong, natural nails and flawless, long-lasting manicures every time.
