We all know the feeling of frustration that comes with streaky, brittle nails. These imperfections can ruin a manicure, but don't despair, there are ways to avoid them. We tell you all about it. 

Decoding: why are my nails ridged?

Vertical striae (or nail wrinkles) on fingernails are not inevitable. In fact, they often reflect a variety of factors that impact the health of our nails. One of these factors is aging, an inevitable part of life that we all face. Over time, the production of keratin, the main protein making up our nails, can slow down, leading to the appearance of streaks and making nails fragile.

Dehydration is another common culprit behind these vertical lines. Our nails need adequate moisture to remain supple and strong. If you neglect to provide your nails with the moisture they need, they become more prone to brittleness and streaks. This can be due to a variety of external factors, such as frequent hand washing, the use of harsh chemicals or even prolonged exposure to water.

Nutritional deficiencies can also play a crucial role in the appearance of vertical striae. A lack of certain essential nutrients, such as biotin (vitamin B7), vitamin E, iron and zinc, can weaken nail structure, leading to visible imperfections. A balanced diet rich in these nutrients is therefore essential for the overall health of your nails. In short, if you notice fine, vertical lines on your nails, there's no need to panic - it's simply a call to pay special attention to your nail health. Simple, effective solutions exist to reduce or even eliminate these streaks. Adopting a dedicated skincare routine, incorporating suitable food supplements, and taking steps to prevent dehydration are key steps to regaining smooth, healthy nails.

Nutrition and supplements: nourish your nails from within

Brittle, ridged nails can be a sign of a lack of essential nutrients. Include foods rich in biotin, vitamin E and iron in your diet. In addition, dietary supplements specially designed to strengthen nails can be valuable allies. Consult your health care professional to find the right supplement for your needs.

Biotin, vitamin E and iron: allies for healthy nails

La biotine, également connue sous le nom de vitamine B7, est un nutriment clé pour la santé des ongles. Elle favorise la production de kératine, la protéine principale des ongles, contribuant ainsi à renforcer leur structure. Les aliments riches en biotine comprennent les œufs, les noix, les graines, le poisson et le brocoli.

Vitamin E, meanwhile, is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells against oxidative damage. Incorporating sources of vitamin E into your diet, such as almonds, spinach, avocados and vegetable oils, can help improve the overall health of your nails.

Le fer est un autre élément crucial pour des ongles forts et en bonne santé. Les carences en fer peuvent entraîner une fragilité des ongles, les rendant sujets aux stries et à la casse. Les aliments riches en fer incluent la viande rouge maigre, les légumineuses, les épinards et les graines de citrouille.

Food supplements: targeted reinforcement

As a complement to your diet, dietary supplements specially designed to strengthen nails can be invaluable allies. Formulas containing vitamins, minerals and plant extracts specifically selected to promote nail health can help fill any nutritional gaps.

However, it's crucial to stress the importance of consulting a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Each person has unique nutritional requirements, and an individual assessment will ensure that the supplements chosen are tailored to your specific needs. A healthcare professional will also be able to identify other underlying causes of nail problems and propose personalized solutions.

In conclusion, the old adage "you are what you eat" is particularly true when it comes to the health of your nails. By incorporating foods rich in biotin, vitamin E and iron, as well as considering appropriate dietary supplements, you give your nails the nutrients they need to glow from within.

@mariamayf Walking you through my natural nail care routine at home! I love it because it's really a simple, yet pretty and clean manicure, and a great way to care for your natural nails. 🎀 #nails #naturalnails #nailsathome #nailsoftiktok #manicure #cleangirlaesthetic ♬ Let You Break My Heart Again - Laufey & Philharmonia Orchestra

Un rituel de soin hebdomadaire 

Un rituel de soins des ongles hebdomadaire est la clé pour maintenir des ongles sains, forts et sublimes. Prenez quelques minutes chaque semaine pour chouchouter vos ongles avec un ensemble d'étapes simples mais efficaces. Vous verrez, cela fait toute la différence et bonjour les beaux ongles.

1. Gentle exfoliation: remove dead skin cells

Your nail care ritual should start with gentle exfoliation. Use an exfoliant specially designed for hands and nails, or prepare a homemade solution by mixing fine sugar with a vegetable oil (such as olive oil). Gently massage this mixture over your nails and cuticles to remove dead skin and stimulate blood circulation.

Regular exfoliation helps prevent the build-up of dead cells, promoting healthy nail growth. 

2. Nourishing oil bath: deeply strengthen your nails

After exfoliation, treat your nails to a nourishing oil bath. Choose a combination of beneficial oils, such as sweet almond oil, castor oil, argan oil or jojoba oil. Dip your fingers into the mixture for a few minutes, allowing the oils to penetrate deeply and strengthen the structure of your nails.

This oil bath step intensely moisturizes, prevents brittleness, and restores your nails to a healthy, lustrous appearance.

3. Shaping with a quality file: The final touch

After thoroughly nourishing your nails, it's time to give them a flawless shape. Use a quality nail file to gently shape your nails to your preferred length and shape. Choose a soft file to minimize the risk of cracking and splitting.

Limit unidirectional movements to avoid weakening the nail structure. A regular, neat shape not only contributes to an elegant appearance, but also helps prevent any irregularities.

4. Final Hydration: Seal in the Benefits

Seal in the benefits of your ritual by applying a final layer of moisturizing cream specifically for hands and nails. This step helps retain moisture, ensuring your nails stay nourished and strong until your next ritual.

Treat yourself to this weekly nail care ritual as a well-deserved break. These simple but regular gestures will transform not only the appearance of your nails, but also their health. A moment dedicated to your hands that will reward you with dazzling, healthy nails. We love it!