Do your nails easily break, split, and refuse to grow long? Don't worry, you're not alone! Lots of people have the same issue. To fix it, you need to know what's causing it. So, in this article, we’ll explain the main causes, give you practical tips to repair and strengthen your nails, and show you why Maniac products, like our Cuticle Oil or 5 Day Recovery Treatment, are the ultimate solution for strong, healthy nails.
What are Brittle Nails?
Brittle nails lose their strength and flexibility, causing them to break, split, or flake. You can recognize them by thin, dull nails with peeling layers.
Typical signs of brittle nails include:
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Nails that split, crack, or break easily
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Thin, weak nails
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Peeling or flaking top layers
Healthy nails are smooth, elastic, and evenly colored. When they lose moisture or get damaged, they lose their natural balance, and start to show it.
What Causes Brittle Nails?
While nail strength is partly genetic, external factors often make things worse. Common causes include:
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Frequent exposure to water and soap: Overwashing dehydrates nails, making them less able to absorb moisture. When nails are wet, they swell; when they dry, water evaporates and takes the natural moisture-binding substances with it — leaving nails dry and fragile.
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Harsh nail polish removers or chemicals
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Vitamin deficiencies, such as low levels of biotin, zinc, or iron
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Hormonal changes or aging
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Improper care, like rough filing or nail-biting
Usually, it’s a combination of internal and external factors. The good news? With the right care, you can restore your nails’ strength.
What’s the Difference Between Brittle Nails and Fungal Nails?
If you're wondering what's the difference between brittle and fungal nails, it's pretty simple. Fungal nails usually look bumpy, thickened, and discolored with a yellowish-white hue. On the other hand, brittle nails are thin and tear easily.
If you think you might have a fungal nail, don't wait to see a doctor. Fungal infections require a different approach and medication to get rid of the fungus.
How to Treat Brittle Nails?
Check out these tips to help you take better care of your nails:
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Protect your nails when cleaning or washing dishes — harsh cleaning agents dry out nails quickly. Wear gloves whenever possible.
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Be gentle with your cuticles! Push them back for a complete Maniac Manicure but avoid cutting or hurting them while doing so. Your cuticles protect the nail matrix, and removing them can cause damage.
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After a shower or bath, make sure to dry your nails thoroughly.
Nails are softer when wet, so seal in moisture right away with a nourishing Cuticle Oil or Nail Treatment.
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Moisturize regularly during the day with a rich cream or oil.
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Take a polish break. Nail polish and removers can dry out your nails and cause discoloration. Or try gel nail stickers instead: Maniac’s gel polish stickers act as a flexible shield that protects your nails while they recover.
- File carefully. When filing your nails, only file in one direction and avoid filing off the shiny top layer. This will help keep your nails strong and healthy.
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Repair Brittle Nails with Maniac’s 5 Day Recovery Treatment
The 5 Day Recovery Treatment is an intensive, fast-acting repair oil that makes your nails visibly stronger, smoother, and healthier in just five days.
How It Works
Apply the oil twice a day - morning and night — for five days. You’ll see results after just three days: more shine, less breakage. After five days, your nails will feel noticeably stronger and more flexible. Continued use keeps them that way.
The Formula
The treatment combines natural and scientifically proven ingredients:
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Keratin – strengthens the nail structure
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Biotin (Vitamin B7) – supports healthy nail growth
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Panthenol (Vitamin B5) – deeply hydrates and prevents splitting
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Tea Tree & Lavender Oil – purify and repair
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Jojoba & Castor Oil – nourish and promote growth
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Calcium & Vitamin E – fortify and protect against damage
Why the 5 Day Recovery Treatment Is a Must for Brittle Nails
Nail care is about more than just a beautiful manicure. According to Maniac founder Anna de Koning:
“Many women only think about nail care when it’s time for a manicure. With the 5 Day Recovery Treatment, we wanted to create something for the in-between moments — a short reset that makes your nails genuinely stronger.”
Maniac’s mission is to make nail care simple, effective, and innovative. The 5 Day Recovery Treatment is the perfect reset for anyone looking to repair brittle nails: a quick, powerful boost that transforms your nails in just five days.
Extra Tips for Brittle Nails
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Did you know your nails absorb water much faster than your skin? That’s why they dry out so easily — keep them hydrated!
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If you’re pregnant, take extra care. Hormonal changes can make nails softer or more brittle, so consistent hydration is key.
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Notice pitting, discoloration, or nail lifting? These can be signs of psoriasis.
And a final Maniac tip:
“Be kind to your nails. If you wear our gel polish stickers, always remove them gently. With oil, a wooden stick, and a little patience. Never pull them off. That’s how you keep your natural nails healthy and strong.”
The Perfect Solution for Brittle Nails
If you're looking for the best products to combat dry and brittle nails, look no further than Maniac's nourishing cuticle oil and Dr Leenarts hand cream. The cuticle oil is perfect for massaging into your natural nails and cuticles, and can be applied after washing your hands or before going to sleep for maximum benefit. For an extra dose of moisture, try Dr Leenarts handcream. This restorative and greasy hand cream contains ingredients like urea that provide maximum support and moisture to your skin, making it the perfect choice for anyone struggling with dry, brittle nails.
And last but not least, use Maniac's 5 Day Recovery Treatment. A powerful restorative oil treatment that delivers visible results in five days. It nourishes, strengthens, and protects, leaving your nails smooth, shiny, and resilient. Perfect between manicures or whenever your nails need a reset.
Literatuur:
- Dimitris, R., & Ralph, D. (2012). Management of simple brittle nails. Dermatologic Therapy, 25, 569-573.
- (z.d.). Schimmelnagel. Geraadpleegd op 23 maart 2020, van https://www.huidhuis.nl/huidaandoening/schimmelnagel
- (z.d.). Fragilitas unguium. Geraadpleegd op 23 maart 2020, van https://www.huidziekten.nl/zakboek/dermatosen/ftxt/FragilitasUnguium.htm
- Lorizzo, M., Pazzaglia, M., Piraccini, B. M., Tullo, S., & Tosti, A. (2004). Brittle nails. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 3, 138-144.
- Payne, C. M. E. R. (2004). Brittle nails, fragile nails. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 3, 119-121.
