Hard, smooth, and shiny nails — that’s the dream! But let’s be honest, the reality isn’t always quite so polished. Splitting, cracked edges, fragile texture… sometimes a perfect manicure just won’t last. But don’t worry — soft or weak nails aren’t a life sentence. The right nail care routine and a few simple habits can go a long way in rebuilding a strong, healthy nail plate. Let’s explore what causes this fragility and how to tackle it with smart solutions.
Why are my nails soft?
Nails are made of 90% keratin, a fibrous protein that gives them both strength and flexibility. When the keratin is weakened, the nail plate becomes thinner, more fragile, and more vulnerable to everyday stressors.
How to recognize weak nails
Soft or brittle nails can be a sign of an issue with the nail matrix. They’re often caused by poor-quality keratin, sluggish nail growth and/or a breakdown in the cellular “cement” that binds keratin layers together. The signs are easy to spot and show up in different ways:
- Nails that bend or fold easily: they lose rigidity, especially at the tips when pressure is applied.
- Splitting or peeling nails: the nail plate lifts and separates into thin layers.
- Visible ridges on the surface: these lines can signal irregular nail regeneration.
- Chipped or cracked edges: the nail’s free edge becomes vulnerable to the slightest knock.
- Polish doesn’t last long: an uneven surface prevents polish from properly adhering.
Understanding what’s behind soft or fragile nails is the first step towards strengthening them.
What causes soft or weak nails?
There are a few key culprits that can lead to weakened nails:
💦 Water exposure: daily washing, cleaning, soaking... Water gets absorbed into the nail, causing it to swell and then dry out, leading to cracks and breaks.
💅 Overdoing your manicures — or using the wrong techniques: rough filing, harsh gel or false nail removal using drills, acetone-based removers… all these can damage the nail over time.
🛠️ Mechanical and chemical stress: using your nails as tools (for opening, scraping, gardening…) or exposing them to strong chemicals can have long-term effects.
🍽️ A lack of essential nutrients: deficiencies in B vitamins (especially B8 or biotin), sulfur, zinc, iron or silicon can impact keratin production and the keratinization process. If your diet doesn’t provide enough, your nails will show it.
The sooner you identify these warning signs (soft, ridged or peeling nails), the sooner you can start an effective care routine — and the better your chances of getting strong, resilient nails back.
Stronger nails start with a consistent routine that reinforces them from within.
How to get strong, resilient nails?
At Manucurist, we know that strong nails start with targeted care. And the good news? There are simple, effective solutions you can start using today.
Nail SOS: try a targeted treatment
If your nails are already feeling soft or brittle, start with an intensive treatment to support natural keratin production. Here are two treatment options to help:
Nail Strengthening Serum
Nail Strengthening Serum is the perfect hardening treatment for nails going through a rough patch. With a biomimetic formula made from 97.5% ingredients of natural origin, it boosts nail density, stimulates natural keratin production, and restores shine and strength. This powerhouse treatment is enriched with:
- Plant-based keratin (10%) to nourish and reinforce the nail structure.
- Biotin (vitamin B8), essential for keratin synthesis.
- AHAs + gluconolactone to support cellular renewal.
- Silicon for improved flexibility and regeneration.
- Vitamin C for antioxidant protection.
👉 How to use it: For 5 to 7 days max, apply Nail Strengthening Serum to bare nails 1 to 3 times per day as an intensive treatment. The fluid, non-greasy, non-sticky texture absorbs instantly. You’ll see visible results within days!
Nail Strengthening Serum: your express remedy for stronger, shinier nails.
The Day & Night Duo
For round-the-clock care, pair the Kératine Booster with the intense hydration of the S.O.S. Mask. You’ll find both in the Day & Night Duo.
👉 How to use it: Over 1 week, use the Nail Strengthening Serum as a daytime treatment: apply to bare nails 1 to 3 times a day and allow to dry. Then, 2 to 3 times during the same week, apply a thick layer of the S.O.S. Mask at night. Let it air-dry and remove the next morning with soapy water or peel-off.
💡Tip: Add Nourishing Nail Pen during the day to hydrate your cuticles and maintain a protective barrier.
The ultimate nourishing and reparative duo for daily nail care.
(@look8thenails)
Between manicures: maintain nail health with the right routine
Even if your nails aren't in full “keratin emergency” mode, they still need regular care to stay strong and hydrated—especially between polish applications. The Starter Routine for Soft Nails supports nail health with a trio of treatments:
- Nail Strengthening Serum to strengthen and regenerate.
- Green Oil, a blend of 6 nourishing plant oils (sweet almond, coconut, walnut, baobab, kukui, and passion fruit) that hydrates the matrix and softens the surrounding skin.
- Fortifying Base Coat, enriched with AHAs and silicon, to strengthen and protect the nail while promoting healthy regrowth. You can even use it as a classic base coat under Green™ polish.
👉 How to use it: This two-step routine works like this:
- Week 1: apply Nail Strengthening Serum 3 times a day on bare nails, allowing it to fully absorb each time. Massage in Green Oil 1–2 times a day around the nails and cuticles.
- Week 2: apply the Fortifying Base Coat to bare nails every other day (up to 3 times per week), layering without removing previous coats. Continue applying Green Oil 1–2 times daily.
💡Tip: Before your next classic or Gel Polish manicure, keep building strength with Active™ Bright — a treatment polish that revitalizes, strengthens and brightens nails with lemon extract.
A complete routine to keep your nails strong and healthy over time.
Everyday care: support your nails with a balanced diet
A healthy nail plate isn’t just built from the outside — it starts from within. That’s why essential nutrients play such a key role in supporting the keratinization process:
- Biotin (vitamin B8): a keratin production powerhouse. You’ll find it in eggs, dairy products, organ meats, brewer’s yeast and nuts like almonds.
- Vitamin C: celebrated for its antioxidant powers and essential role in collagen production. Stock up by eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.
- Sulfur: a key building block of keratin. You’ll find it in meat, fish, seafood and sulfur-rich vegetables like leeks, onions and cabbage.
- Magnesium, iron and zinc: these minerals are also crucial for healthy nail growth. Good sources include legumes, leafy greens, meat, nuts and dried fruit.
Feed your nails from the inside by making sure you’re getting the right vitamins and minerals — a simple but powerful wellbeing tip.
In short, a varied and balanced diet gives your nails everything they need to grow stronger over time — and helps you enjoy beautifully resilient nails and head-turning manicures!
One thing’s for sure: strong, shiny nails don’t happen by chance. It all starts well before your manicure — with expert care, a consistent routine and nourishing nutrition. With the right habits, your nails will be bursting with natural strength and shine, ready for whatever manicure adventure you have in mind 💪✨
