Brittle, splitting, soft or weakened nails: damaged nails are one of the most common manicure concerns.
Repeated nail polish use, dry environments, deficiencies, overly aggressive habits or contact with irritating products: there are many causes, often cumulative. Fortunately, a targeted and regular nail care routine can restore the strength, flexibility and natural beauty of your nails. Since 1795, Maison Vitry has supported manicure routines with accessories and treatments designed to respect the natural structure of the nail. Here is our method in 3 essential steps.
In the table of contents
Why do nails become damaged?
The science
The nail is made up of thin layers of keratin, a fibrous protein, bonded together by a cement of lipids and water. It grows by around 3 mm per month: a fingernail therefore takes 4 to 6 months to renew completely.
When the nail loses moisture or its surface is damaged, the layers of keratin separate: the nail becomes soft, brittle, ridged or split.
Before treating it, it is useful to understand. Several factors weaken the nail every day, often cumulatively:
- Repeated use of nail polish without breaks, especially when removed with harsh acetone-based removers.
- A drying environment: heating, cold, hard water, frequent hand washing, hand sanitizer.
- Deficiencies in vitamins, minerals or proteins that weaken keratin.
- Overly aggressive habits: rapid back-and-forth filing, rough cutting with a blunt tool, using nails as tools.
Recognizing a damaged nail
| Sign | What this indicates | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Soft, bendable nail | Weakened keratin, lack of strength | Strengthen with a hardening treatment |
| Brittle nail | Dehydrated, overly dry nail | Nourish and protect |
| Splitting nail | Layers of keratin separating | File in one direction, use a repairing treatment |
| Ridged nail | Uneven surface, weakened nail | Smooth and even out the surface |
The 3-step routine to repair your nails
Easy to implement and ideal for visibly healthier-looking nails, this routine is based on three complementary steps.
Step 1: prepare your nails by filing gently
Start by cleaning your hands, then use a clean, dry nail file, such as the Vitry Fluorescent Ceramic Nail File. Its ceramic stone gently evens out the length while respecting fragile nails. If your nails are long or uneven, start with nail clippers or nail scissors, leaving approximately 1 mm of nail to limit the risk of an ingrown nail.
The essential tip
Always file in one direction, from the outside toward the center, without using a back-and-forth motion. Filing too quickly heats the keratin, creates micro-cracks, and promotes splitting.
Step 2: strengthen and smooth with the Repair Treatment
Once your nails are shaped, apply a single coat of Pro'Expert Repair Treatment. Its active formula nourishes keratin, restores strength to soft nails, and reduces breakage from the first applications. Use it alone for a natural finish or as a base under your nail polish. For very thin and sensitive nails, choose Pro'Expert Sensitive Repair Treatment.
Our star treatment for damaged nails
A 5-in-1 treatment that strengthens the nail structure, smooths the surface, improves resistance, and reduces breakage. Ideal for soft, thin, brittle, and splitting nails.
Discover the Pro'Expert treatmentPro'Expert Repair Treatment Formula
- Glycolic acid (AHA): smooths the nail surface.
- Nourishing active ingredients: nourish the keratin and restore strength.
- Anti-ridge hardener: strengthens the structure and improves resistance.
- Use alone or as a base coat before nail polish.
Step 3: apply regularly, the key to effectiveness
For optimal results, consistency is essential. For 2 weeks, every 2 days, remove the previous layer with Magic Touch Nail Polish Remover, ultra-practical thanks to its nail polish remover-soaked foam that removes polish without cotton, then apply another layer of Pro'Expert Repair Treatment. This repeated application reactivates the active ingredients each time and maximizes the repairing effect.
After a few days, you will notice
- Stronger nails
- Less breakage
- A smoother, more even surface
- Improved growth
The right tools to stop damaging your nails
A damaged nail is often damaged... by the tool itself. High-quality, well-sharpened manicure accessories make a real difference to nail health.
Mistakes to avoid when you have damaged nails
- Pulling off a piece of broken nail: cut it cleanly with a sharp tool.
- Filing back and forth: this frays the free edge.
- Applying nail polish continuously without a break or protective treatment.
- Using an acetone-based nail polish remover: choose a gentle formula.
- Doing the dishes or housework without gloves: hot water and detergents dry out the nail.
- Forgetting to moisturize your hands and the area around the nail.
Advice from a healthcare professional
If your nails remain fragile despite a regular routine, change color or shape, speak to your pharmacist, doctor or dermatologist: the condition of your nails can sometimes reflect a general imbalance.
FAQ: damaged nails, your questions
How long does it take to repair a damaged nail?
The first results are visible after just 2 weeks of regular application of Pro'Expert Repair Treatment, applying one coat every 2 days. For long-lasting strengthening, continue the routine for several weeks: it takes 4 to 6 months for the nail to renew completely.
Should I file my nails before or after cutting them?
First, use a nail clipper or nail scissors if necessary, leaving 1 mm of nail, then file to even out and soften the edge. A file alone is sufficient for simply maintaining the length.
Can the Repair Treatment be applied under nail polish?
Yes, the Pro'Expert Repair Treatment can be used alone or as a base coat before nail polish. It then acts as a hardener that protects the nail.
Why do my nails split despite following a care routine?
Splitting is often caused by filing too aggressively or in the wrong direction. Always file in one direction and avoid back-and-forth movements. Find all our advice in our article splitting nails: how to repair them?
Which treatment should I choose for very thin and sensitive nails?
Pro'Expert Sensitive Repair Treatment is formulated for the most fragile nails: it repairs, protects and hardens soft, thin and brittle nails.
How can I remove the treatment without damaging the nail further?
Use a gentle acetone-free nail polish remover, such as Magic Touch Nail Polish Remover, which removes the product in one easy step thanks to its soaked foam, without rubbing.
Stronger nails, starting today
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