For long, strong, pink nails, you need to stick to a good routine. Here are the rules to follow.

How do you get beautiful nails? It's a question that's on many people's minds... Taking care of your nails is like taking care of your skin: it's a matter of habit and discipline. Although they require less attention than our face, nails still need a minimum of care to maintain their radiance, strength and vigor. When the seasons change, it's not uncommon to notice nail weakness. With the arrival of warmer weather, it's now or never that you need to focus on nail care and say goodbye to brittle nails once and for all.

Why do nails get damaged? 

Several factors come into play and generate the potential causes of a damaged nail. First of all, we need to understand what a nail is. According to the Larousse dictionary, a nail is "a horny layer of epidermal origin that covers the top of the fingertips and toes". This horny layer is present in a large proportion of living beings, but where it acts as a claw in animals, in humans it can be particularly fragile.

Our lifestyles can accelerate the process of nail deterioration. Manual activities, direct and repeated contact with chemicals, poor diet, nutrient deficiency, certain diseases (psoriasis, fungal infections) and aging are all factors that can damage nails. To remedy this, it's important to identify the cause of nail weakness, treat it (wherever possible) and adapt a routine that's more in tune with respect for the nails. 

How to repair damaged nails? 

Once the cause has been established, the nails can be repaired. Because, yes, in most cases, a damaged nail is not irreversible. Fortunately, just like hair and body hair, nails grow back and allow you to start afresh with a new cycle. 

7 tips for beautiful nails

1. Moisturize your nails: Use a moisturizing hand and nail cream every day to prevent your nails from becoming dry and brittle. You can also opt for nourishing plant oils such as sweet almond oil, olive oil or castor oil, all of which help to keep your nails healthy and beautiful!
2. Avoid harsh chemicals: Avoid using nail polish removers containing acetone or nail varnishes containing potentially irritating ingredients. When handling household chemicals, be sure to wear gloves, and the same goes for washing up.
3. Eat a balanced diet: make sure you're getting enough nutrients such as biotin, vitamins A, C, D and E, iron and zinc, which can help strengthen nails. In case of deficiency, you can always opt for a course of dietary supplements containing one or more of these nutrients.
4. Cut your nails regularly: as with hair, regular nail trimming can help prevent breakage and splitting.
5. Use nail care polishes: Some nail polishes contain ingredients that can help strengthen nails. Don't hesitate to use them between coats! You can also opt for a nail serum, specifically formulated to help nails grow and strengthen. It should be applied to clean nails.
6. Consult a professional: If you have persistent nail problems, consult a nail care professional or dermatologist for personalized treatment...
7.  Be patient. It can take several weeks or even months for your nails to regain their normal health and appearance. By following these tips and caring for your nails regularly, you can help repair damaged nails and keep them healthy.

Homemade nail care