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Nail care: everything you need to know
Discover how to strengthen your nails with proper care, targeted nutrition, and dietary supplements for strong and healthy nails.
Why are nails often fragile?
Our hands are on the frontline every day: frequent washing, exposure to household products, repeated manicures, artificial nails, temperature changes... Unsurprisingly, our nails suffer.
On top of that, nutritional deficiencies can sometimes make them softer, ridged, or brittle. Fortunately, a few simple habits can help strengthen nail health and beauty. Let’s break it down.
What nails reveal about overall health (1)
More than just an aesthetic detail, nails are a true mirror of our health. By taking the time to observe your nails, you may detect useful signals to adjust your diet or consult a specialist.
Their color, texture, and strength can reveal certain deficiencies or underlying conditions:
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Pale or ridged nails: possible iron deficiency.
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Yellow nails: possible fungal infection or effect of smoking.
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Brittle nails: physiological aging, inflammatory diseases, vitamin deficiencies, repeated trauma, overexposure to water or chemicals.
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Bluish nails: poor blood circulation.
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Pigmented nails (brown to black): hematoma, nutritional deficiencies, chronic diseases.
These issues are not only aesthetic concerns; they can also cause daily discomfort and impact quality of life. If they persist, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional.
Nail health routine: how to take care of your nails daily
Beautiful and strong nails don’t just depend on applying a strengthening polish. A holistic approach is essential: nutrition, dietary supplements, and regular care habits should all be part of your routine.
1/ Nutrition: a key ally for healthy nails
What you put on your plate shows up in your nails. To support their growth and resilience, focus on:
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Proteins (eggs, fish, legumes): provide the amino acids needed to synthesize keratin and strengthen nails.
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Iron (red meat, spinach, lentils): a lack of iron can weaken nails and cause ridges (2).
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Zinc (seafood, pumpkin seeds, nuts): contributes to protein synthesis, including keratin (3).
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B vitamins (whole grains, brewer’s yeast): support nail growth and strength (2).
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Omega-3s (fatty fish, flaxseed oil, nuts): help strengthen the nail’s protective barrier (2).
By adding these foods to your daily diet, you’ll help your nails become stronger, more resilient, and visibly healthier.
2/ Dietary supplements: a targeted boost
Nails are made of keratin, a protein whose production depends on several essential nutrients (2). A balanced diet is crucial, but in certain situations (stress, fatigue, hormonal changes, poor diet), a supplement can be a valuable ally.
CYSTIPHANE fort is formulated with plant-based cystine, vitamin B6, arginine, and zinc. Its complete formula is ideal for strong and healthy nails:
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Cystine, an amino acid precursor of keratin (the main component of nails), helps strengthen nail solidity and growth (4).
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Zinc contributes to maintaining nail (and hair) health while protecting cells with its antioxidant properties (3).
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Vitamin B6 plays a key role in the absorption of these nutrients and in the synthesis of cystine (5).
3/ Best practices for strong and healthy nails
Laboratoires Bailleul recommend four essential steps to preserve nail health:
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1. Hydrate regularly: apply an oil or a moisturizing and nourishing cream to your nails and cuticles. Proper hydration prevents dryness, splitting, and promotes flexibility.
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2. File and cut gently: choose a glass or cardboard file, which is gentler than a metal file, and limit nail clippers, which can cause microcracks.
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3. Avoid harsh products: acetone-based removers dry out and weaken nails. Opt for gentle formulas enriched with plant oils or moisturizing agents.
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4. Protect your hands daily: wear gloves when doing housework, DIY, or gardening to reduce exposure to water and chemicals. With these simple but effective habits, your nails will regain strength and vitality.
FAQ: your questions answered
"How fast do nails grow?"
On average, fingernails grow about 3.5 mm per month. Toenails grow more slowly, around 1.6 mm per month (6).
"Is fast nail growth a sign of good health?"
Yes, regular growth is generally a good health indicator. A slowdown may point to a deficiency or metabolic issue (6).
"What if I have nail pain?"
Pain may be linked to trauma, infection, or inflammation (7). If it persists, consult your doctor.
"What if my nails have ridges or waves?"
Longitudinal ridges are common with age, but may also be related to systemic disorders (1). Proper hydration, a balanced diet, and a 3-month course of supplements with cystine, vitamins, and minerals can improve appearance. Consult your doctor if they persist.
"Should I worry about nail color changes?"
Black, green, red, blue, or yellow nails should never be ignored. A color change may be a sign of infection, circulatory disorder, or nutritional deficiency (1). When in doubt, seek medical advice.
With these expert tips, your nails will not only look more beautiful but also become healthier and stronger every day!
References
1. Lee DK, Lipner SR. Optimal diagnosis and management of common nail disorders. Ann Med. 2022 Dec;54(1):694-712. doi: 10.1080/07853890.2022.2044511. PMID: 35238267; PMCID: PMC8896184.
2. Chessa MA, Iorizzo M, Richert B, et al. Pathogenesis, Clinical Signs and Treatment Recommendations in Brittle Nails: A Review [published correction appears in Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2020 Feb;10(1):231-232. doi: 10.1007/s13555-019-00348-9.]. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2020;10(1):15-27. doi:10.1007/s13555-019-00338-x.
3. Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to zinc. EFSA Journal 2010;8(10):1819.
4. Mitsui T, New Cosmetic Science. Part 1: Cosmetics and hair and nails. Elsevier Science, 1997.
5. D'Agostini F, Fiallo P, Ghio M, De Flora S. Chemoprevention of doxorubicin-induced alopecia in mice by dietary administration of L-cystine and vitamin B6. Arch Dermatol Res. 2013;305(1):25-34. doi:10.1007/s00403-012-1253-1.
6. Yaemsiri S, Hou N, Slining MM, He K. Growth rate of human fingernails and toenails in healthy American young adults. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2010;24(4):420-423. doi:10.1111/j.1468-3083.2009.03426.x
7. Starace M, Alessandrini A, Piraccini BM. Onychodynia: a new term of painful sensation and paresthesia of the nails. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2022;36(10):e809-e810. doi:10.1111/jdv.18286
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