Nails are just like hair: they reflect our overall health and daily habits, whether good or bad. Their nature changes with you, and so do their needs. Natural nail care is about much more than just looks: it’s a true wellbeing essential. Thanks to this ultimate guide to nail care, discover the routine you really need, and why it matters.
Why knowing your nail type is essential
Identifying and understanding the weaknesses of your nails helps you choose the right care products that will strengthen and restore their natural shine. So, which nail type team are you on?
Healthy nails: a natural asset to maintain
Strong, natural nails with no visible dryness or signs of stress, that grow steadily and evenly. If this sounds like your nails, lucky you! All the more reason to protect this natural asset with a nourishing and hydrating routine that shields your nails from everyday aggressors.
Ridged nails: smooth and regenerate
These nails have visible vertical or horizontal lines on the surface. Often nicknamed "nail wrinkles", they can be linked to ageing, emotional stress, nutrient deficiencies or general health issues. But no stress, it’s an aesthetic concern, not a medical one. There are simple ways to reduce or disguise ridges, from smoothing bases to nail shielding techniques.
👉 Learn more about ridged nails in our dedicated article here.
Soft nails: rebuild strength and density
Nails that bend or lose their shape easily. The lack of firmness can stem from humidity, nutrient deficiencies, pollution or excessive use of Gel Polish or false nails. The keratin layers have been weakened and the nail matrix is no longer functioning properly. It’s time to act!
👉 For more on soft nails, see our dedicated article here.
Understanding your nail type is key to knowing their needs and adopting the right care routine.
Brittle nails: hydrate and fortify
Nails that tend to snap at the edges and have lost their natural flexibility. This fragility can be linked to genes, age, chemical exposure or winter heating. All of these can dry out nails and make them less supple. A hydrating treatment is a must!
Split nails: rebuild the nail plate
The nail's keratin layers separate, like a mille-feuille with no filling. Often caused by overexposure to water, chemicals or harsh manicures. It’s time to reboot the cellular “cement” that bonds these layers together.
Nails damaged by harsh manicures: deep repair
We get it, beautifully polished nails are tempting for manicure fans. But frequent Gel Polish or false nail applications, without proper recovery care, and aggressive removal methods (filing, buffing, acetone) can leave you with thin, brittle nails. These are damaged nails that urgently need nourishing and deep repair.
👉 Want to know more about damaged nails? Our article awaits here.
Still unsure about your nail type? Try our online diagnosis to find out.
The Manucurist routine your nails need
Good news: there's no need to head to a salon to care for your nails or repair damage. You’ll find everything you need to care for your nails at home with our tailored solutions.
Basic, Starter or Ultimate routine: how to choose?
Manucurist offers a personalised routine for every nail type with a nail care kit in three levels of intensity:
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Basic: a minimalist approach with one or two key products to target a temporary or surface-level nail concern.
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Starter: the ideal solution to tackle early signs of nail weakness effectively.
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Ultimate: a comprehensive 2-week intensive treatment plan to tackle persistent nail issues, repeatable as needed.
Healthy Nails Routine
Protect your nails and help them bounce back from everyday stress with the following Healthy Nails routines:
Basic
Let Base 5.5 be your go-to. Packed with 5 vitamins and 5 botanical extracts (aloe vera, lemon, ginseng, pomegranate and grape), it strengthens keratin and helps prevent splitting or breakage. Apply every 2 days on clean nails for 2 weeks, layering without removing the previous coat.
Starter
Go for a winning trio: the Complete Serum hydrates and softens the nail plate and surrounding skin with its ultra-fresh gel texture, while encouraging nail growth. Massage one drop daily into nails and cuticles. Combine with Base 5.5 every 2 days as above.
After a week, cleanse and apply Active™ Glow, a nourishing treatment polish that gives a sheer, tinted glow for instantly healthier-looking nails. Raspberry, Cranberry, Blueberry or Grape – which fruity hue will be your pick?
Ultimate
Take it up a notch with essential nail prep. Prepping your nails and caring for cuticles protects the nail matrix and improves keratin production. Alongside the Complete Serum, gently massage one drop of Nourishing Cuticle Oil into each nail daily. Apply Base 5.5 every 2 days as previously instructed.
After a week, use a drop of Cuticle Softener and a wooden stick to gently push back cuticles before applying Active™ Glow.
💡 Tip: Want to keep your natural nails healthy on the go? Keep a Nourishing Nail Pen with you for hydration any time, anywhere!
The Healthy Nails Routine helps preserve your nails’ natural strength.
Ridged Nails Routine
Smoothing bases are great, but treating the root of the problem delivers longer-lasting results. These Ridged Nails routines are here to do just that:
Basic
Massage in one drop of Nourishing Cuticle Oil twice daily, covering the nail and surrounding skin. Then apply Active™ Smooth on bare nails three times a week, layering without removing previous coats. This CC Polish-effect treatment fills in ridges and strengthens with a formula enriched in castor fibres, hexanal, AHAs and vitamin E. Choose from four shades (00 pink, 01 beige, 02 gold, 03 bronze) for a perfect match.
Starter
For a more targeted approach, add mechanical smoothing and overnight care. Continue using Nourishing Cuticle Oil as above. Lightly buff the surface using our nail priming buffer sponge, then apply Active™ Smooth three times a week, without removing previous layers.
Three evenings a week, remove Active™ Smooth using a gentle, acetone-free remover and apply a generous layer of S.O.S. Mask. Let it dry naturally overnight. Peel off or rinse with soapy water the next morning. This ultra-hydrating night mask works while you sleep to promote cell repair.
Ultimate
Ready to say goodbye to ridged nails? Go for an intensive treatment plan that works both on the surface and deep within. Add two daily applications of Complete Serum, massaging one drop into the nail and contour morning and evening, alongside the full Starter routine.
Simple steps, visible results: the Ridged Nails Routine restores comfort and radiance.
Soft Nails Routine
To strengthen weakened nails, we’ve crafted a strengthening routine in three versions:
Basic
For one week, apply Nail Strengthening Serum three times daily on bare nails, allowing full absorption each time. This hardening treatment, packed with plant keratin, silicon and biotin, boosts keratin production and densifies the nail plate. Follow with one drop of Nourishing Cuticle Oil once or twice daily. Repeat the same routine for a second week.
Starter
Amplify the effects of the Strengthening Serum and Oil duo with our Fortifying Base Coat, enriched with AHAs and silicon for lasting results. Here's how:
Week 1: follow the Basic routine as described.
Week 2: apply the Fortifying Base Coat on bare nails every 2 days, up to three times a week, layering as you go. Keep using Nourishing Cuticle Oil once or twice daily.
Ultimate
Week 1: apply Nail Strengthening Serum three times daily, allowing full absorption each time. Massage Complete Serum once or twice daily into nails and cuticles, and use Nourishing Cuticle Oil once a day. Keep the Nourishing Nail Pen on hand to rehydrate your nails throughout the day.
Week 2: apply the Fortifying Base Coat twice during the week, layering coats without removing them. Continue with Complete Serum and Nourishing Cuticle Oil at the same rhythm. And keep using your Nourishing Nail Pen whenever your nails need it.
💡 Tip: For added results, try a course of Nail Boost supplements, one capsule daily for 2 months. Rich in vitamins and natural actives, they support nail growth and hardening from within.
Soft Nails Routine: care, hydration, nourishment and resilience.
Routine for damaged, brittle or split nails
Basic
To restore damaged or brittle nails, trust the healing power of the S.O.S. Base Coat. This restorative base acts like a bandage for fragile nails, gently exfoliating, stimulating cell renewal and strengthening keratin fibres. Apply every 2 days on bare nails, up to three times a week, layering each coat without removal.
At the same time, apply one drop of Nourishing Cuticle Oil once or twice daily, massaging it in until fully absorbed. No need to rinse or wipe off the oil.
Starter
If the Basic routine isn’t enough, reach for the Day & Night Duo care kit featuring Nail Strengthening Serum and S.O.S. Mask. Apply Nail Strengthening Serum three times daily on clean, bare nails and allow full absorption. Massage in one drop of Nourishing Cuticle Oil once or twice a day. Then, apply the S.O.S. Mask two to three nights a week in a thick layer, let it dry, and peel off or rinse in the morning.
Nail Strengthening Serum by day, S.O.S. Mask by night to gently and deeply repair your nails.
Ultimate
Go into full recovery mode with a 24/7 intensive nail care programme. Here’s how:
Week 1: apply Nail Strengthening Serum one to three times daily on bare nails, letting it absorb fully. Massage in one drop of Nourishing Cuticle Oil once or twice daily. Keep your Nourishing Nail Pen within reach to reapply any time during the day. Apply the S.O.S. Mask two to three nights a week in a thick layer, leave to dry naturally and remove in the morning with water or peel-off.
Week 2: apply S.O.S. Base Coat every 2 days (up to three times a week) without removing previous layers. Continue using Nourishing Cuticle Oil once or twice a day and your Nourishing Nail Pen as needed. At the end of the week, remove the base coat with a gentle remover and apply the S.O.S. Mask one last time overnight.
Damaged Nails Routine: a full 24/7 programme to repair, strengthen and regenerate fragile nails.
Best practices for naturally healthy nails
💦 Daily hydration for hands and cuticles
Hydration is key to maintaining strong, balanced nails all year round. That includes the nails, cuticles and even your hands. Well-moisturised skin supports nail matrix health and promotes good keratin production. Massage your nails and cuticles daily with a nourishing oil and use a hydrating hand cream regularly. The results? Comfort, flexibility and softness – what’s not to love?
💅 Sustainable manicure habits
Adopt a more mindful and sustainable approach to manicures. Choose vegan, plant-based nail polishes that apply easily and can be removed without harming your nails. Alternate between colour and nail care treatments to let your natural nails regain their balance.
Discover sustainable manicure options with our Green™ Starter Kits and Green Flash™.
🥰 Good habits for beautiful nails
Sometimes it’s all about the little things. These small daily habits help protect your nails over time:
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Wear gloves during household chores involving water or chemicals
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Avoid biting your nails
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Don’t use your nails to scratch, open or lift objects
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Eat a balanced diet to get essential vitamins and minerals
Whatever your nail type, you now have all the expert tips and products you need to pamper, hydrate and grow your nails beautifully. Whether you’re in Basic, Starter or Ultimate mode, it’s all about long-term nail love. Nail care forever 👌💖✨
