Damaged, soft, brittle, yellowish nails... Enough to complicate more than one person! Like our teeth, our nails reflect the general state of our health and it is essential to maintain them on a daily basis so that they remain in good condition. In addition to having a negative impact on our self-confidence and being an important social factor, damaged nails are sometimes accompanied by pain and infections that can make it difficult to carry out simple daily tasks. But then, why are my nails in this state and what can I do to fix it?
Understanding the condition of your nails
Before looking for a solution to your problem, it is necessary to understand its causes . Otherwise, you have a one in two chance of not giving your nails what they really need! And unsurprisingly, the list is long: frequent use of chemicals, poor maintenance of nails (cutting them too short, biting them, sanding them too often), stress, deficiencies or even illnesses...
Our nails are put to the test by our daily tasks and can be very weakened. Here are some tips for quickly recognizing your symptoms :
My nails are streaked, what should I do?
- If the streaks are vertical and shallow , there is nothing alarming: it is generally due to the natural aging of the nail. Take care of them by regularly applying treatment oil, and ban nail clippers from your daily life: replace them with fine files which will not sensitize your nails. Don't deprive yourself of a beautiful manicure for fear of further weakening your nails, and opt for reusable false nails which stick on with small adhesive stickers. Much less aggressive than liquid glue, you can sport a beautiful manicure for more than a week without risk!
- If the streaks are vertical and deep , it may be a deficiency or a dermatological disease. Consult a health professional quickly to receive treatment adapted to your problem.
- If the streaks are horizontal , it means that the nail matrix has been affected. And for good reason, an excessive manicure. To remedy this, leave manicures aside for a while and take care of your natural nails! Massage them regularly with moisturizing oils, such as Roxy Nails Paris Treatment Oil, and take vitamins for nail growth (vitamin B and D or zinc).
My nails are soft, what should I do?
You probably suspect it, and you are right: soft nails are the result of too frequent exposure to water . To remedy this, change your habits and protect your nails ! This involves very simple everyday actions, such as wearing gloves when doing the dishes, or avoiding showers that are too hot and too long.
You can also protect your nails with a suitable base or reusable false nails : this is perfect for improving their appearance and above all protecting them from external aggressions.
If you notice pits on your nails, it is important to see a doctor as this may be a sign of iron deficiency.
My nails are yellow, what should I do?
Tobacco and products not suitable for your nails are very often the cause of their yellowing. Certain spices such as saffron, turmeric or even curry can also stain your nails. The most popular technique for whitening your nails is to bathe them for 10-15 minutes with:
- lemon
- baking soda
- white vinegar
However, if your nail is yellow, thick, and peeling, it is likely a fungus and yeast infection . Here are some natural remedies that can help you treat a yeast infection:
- Tea tree essential oil : known for its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, it is perfect in this type of case. Apply it several times a day to kill the fungus causing mycosis.
- Apple cider vinegar : dilute two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a basin of lukewarm water and soak your nail for around fifteen minutes, then repeat this operation two to three times a day.
- Lavender and coconut oil : known for their antimicrobial properties, they are a real ally in the treatment of your mycosis. Apply it several times a day to the affected nail.
Please note that these natural remedies in no way replace a diagnosis and treatment prescribed by a doctor. If your symptoms persist, it is best to consult a general practitioner or dermatologist.
My nails are splitting and cracking, what should I do?
Do you clean and wash dishes without wearing gloves? Do you swear by your favorite nail clipper? Do you spend hours in your shower at 40 degrees? Do you regularly have manicures and don't use very good quality products? Do you never or very rarely take care of your nails by massaging them with suitable oils and creams?
If you recognize yourself, it's time to pamper your nails! To do this, you will need to change some of your habits .
- Wear gloves whenever you use products that can harm your nails.
- Reduce your shower time.
- Avoid cutting your nails and prefer to file them with a fine file.
- As soon as you spot a crack, file it down to prevent it from getting deeper.
- Moisturize your hands and nails daily with suitable oils, especially after your removal!
Conclusion
In conclusion, here are our main tips that apply in all cases to improve the quality of your nails and make them stronger and healthier :
- Improve your habits and protect your nails every day ! Wear gloves during your manual activities, spend less time in the shower.
- For your manicures, opt for simple solutions that only require very light preparation of the nail, such as reusable false nails to stick with adhesive stickers .
- Don't do a series of applications all year round and leave your nails in the open air for at least 2 to 4 days between each application, and take the opportunity to moisturize them with appropriate care .
- Take food supplements for nails : silicon, zinc or even vitamin B8.