Brittle fingernails are unpleasant and not nice to look at - they can also cause pain and form foci of inflammation. Nail polish usually doesn't hold onto these nails and chips off quickly. Those affected often suffer from the appearance and limited function of their fingernails. This is particularly true for people who are in public or work in contact with customers, where well-groomed nails are considered good form.

Nail killer: What causes brittle nails?

The reasons for brittle nails can be varied. In addition to external influences, physical causes can also be the reason for recurring brittle nails, explains nail designer Stefanie. The individual lifestyle plays a big role here, because high alcohol consumption and smoking are just as damaging to skin, hair and nails as an unbalanced diet, incorrect beauty products or mistakes in handling liquids.

Products containing acetone dry out

It's worth taking a look at the product description: Nail polish removers and nail polishes can contain acetone. The agent is particularly used in removers because it works faster than acetone-free nail polish remover . The solvent degreases nails and skin and can lead to severe drying out - brittle nails and damaged cuticles can be the result. The nail expert therefore recommends sorting out all products containing acetone and no longer using them.

Disinfectant and solvents or water soften the nail

Prolonged contact with water should be avoided as it can soften and make nails brittle, making them more susceptible to cracking. Anyone who works with water a lot should use waterproof gloves . People who have to regularly disinfect their hands or work with other solvents have a similar problem because these products damage the nail. Nail designer Stefanie also strongly recommends wearing gloves where possible. If you cannot do without disinfecting for professional or health reasons, you should definitely pay attention to regular skin and nail care - applying lotion is particularly important here.

File brittle nails properly

The nail expert recommends keeping brittle nails as short as possible to avoid cracks and injuries. A fine-grit nail file should be used to shorten and shape brittle nails. The movement should always be in one direction, as the back and forth movement when filing damages the nail tips and makes them susceptible to cracks. In addition, a downward filing movement towards the fingertip is more recommended than filing upwards towards the nail plate. Expert Stefanie advises against using scissors or nail clippers, as they can also cause damage. Finally, grooves and other imperfections should be gently sanded down with a polishing buffer to create a smooth surface that offers little opportunity for tearing.

3 first aid tips for brittle nails

Do you have brittle nails and want to take immediate action? Nail designer Stefanie has some ideas for you on how to properly care for your nails so that they become healthy and strong:

Maintain regularly

Many people only start caring for their nails after their child has already fallen into the well, says nail designer Stefanie. It is important to care for your nails, cuticles and hands every day. Especially before important events, such as a wedding, a few days of good care are usually not enough to compensate for all the shortcomings. That's why appropriate hand and nail care should become a routine.

Apply nail care in the evening

Nail care should take place throughout the day so that hands and nails are constantly moisturized. But the main focus is on evening care, because only then do the active ingredients have time to be absorbed without being accidentally wiped off or rinsed off again. The expert therefore recommends applying nourishing serums and nail oils , especially in the evening, so that your hands and nails can regenerate overnight with the help of the active ingredients - it's important to stay on the ball, because it takes a while for the nails to recover.

Avoid nail polish, gel and acrylic

Anyone who suffers from brittle nails should research the cause and take proper care. Nail designer Stefanie recommends not to further stress the affected nails with gel , acrylic or nail polish (or remove them regularly).

Healthy nails interview: 3 questions for nail design expert Stefanie

In the interview, nail designer Stefanie tells you her tips and tricks on how to avoid mistakes with brittle nails and how to keep your nails healthy again.

ND24: What does the nail designer have to pay attention to when modeling brittle nails?
Nail designer Stefanie: When filling up and renewing gel , acrylic or nail polish , it is important to ensure that the already damaged nail is not further damaged - for example by filing too hard. Cracks should be stabilized with gel or acrylic .

ND24: What care do you use for strong nails?
Nail designer Stefanie: I use a combination of nail oils and cream. I like to use products that contain the nail's own active ingredients, such as keratin - they give the nails back what they lose through the rigors of everyday life. I also recommend creams with urea to my customers to care for the skin around their nails and keep their hands soft. When nail quality is reduced, many also rely on the “beauty vitamin” biotin, which can be found in oatmeal, lentils and cauliflower, among other things. An insider tip is vitamin A: It is needed for normal skin function and can help regulate the hardening of the nail. It is found naturally in sweet potatoes, carrots and pumpkin, for example. Some of my customers do a traditional silica treatment after winter to keep their hair, skin and nails healthy.

ND24: What care mistake do you most often see from your customers with brittle nails?
Nail designer Stefanie: I often see my customers using care products incorrectly. The information on the package, for example regarding the method of application or the exposure time, should be strictly observed, otherwise the products cannot do their job. Many customers also choose the wrong care products that do not match the cause of their brittle nails at all and therefore cannot have any effect - for this reason I always recommend a health check if brittle nails persist over a longer period of time.