The Essential Role of Water and Oil in Nail Health

Nail health isn’t just about aesthetics—it is about strength and resilience. At the core of healthy nails are two critical elements: water and natural oils. These two factors work together to maintain the structure and flexibility of your nails. However, when their balance is off, your nails can suffer from dryness, fragility, and an overall lack of shine.

How Water Travels Through Your Nails and Impacts Nail Health

Water moves through your nails in an interesting way. Tiny diffusion channels carry water from the nail bed all the way to the nail plate, where it eventually evaporates away. This constant movement of water is crucial to keeping your nails flexible and able to withstand pressure. When nails are adequately hydrated, they bend without breaking. However, if the water content is too low, nails become brittle, fragile, and prone to cracking.

On the flip side, too much exposure to water will soften the nail, making it swell and increasing the risk of damage. Have you ever noticed your nails feeling weak after soaking in a bath or swimming for too long? That’s why prolonged contact with water can actually do more harm than good.

Why Natural Oils are Essential for Nail Health and Shine

Natural oils play an equally important role in keeping your nails healthy. Produced by your body, these oils are key to locking in moisture and preventing excessive evaporation. They form a barrier that helps your nails retain hydration, ensuring they stay strong and flexible. 

Without these oils, nails lose their ability to hold moisture, leading to dehydration. Furthermore, oils are responsible for the shine on your nail surface. A well-oiled nail has a natural glow that looks smooth and healthy, reflecting light and giving it that polished appearance we all strive for. Commonly, nail professionals describe these nail types as ‘oily’ or even ‘juicy’ and make a heightened effort to remove this lustre in an attempt to increase the adhesion of nail coatings.

What Happens when Water and Oil are out of Sync?

When there’s an imbalance between water and oils, things start to go wrong. Too little of either, and your nails can become dehydrated, particularly on the surface. This leads to issues like splitting and a lifeless appearance. The layers of the nail plate may begin to separate, a disorder called Lamellar Dystrophy, and/or white patches may even appear while becoming rough in texture. This dullness is more than a cosmetic issue; it signals that your nails aren’t receiving the moisture and oil they need to stay healthy.

The Consequences of Dehydration

Dehydrated nails are a clear sign that something is off. Fragility is one of the first signs—dehydrated nails lack the flexibility they need to handle everyday tasks. A simple knock or even typing on a keyboard can cause them to chip or crack, especially those low-level, painful, side splits. Should your nails endure nail coatings regularly, despite common myths, dehydration can be managed and hydration maintained with correct nail technician practices and strict aftercare being followed. 

Achieving the Perfect Balance

Maintaining healthy nails requires achieving the right balance between water and oils. Here are some steps you can take to achieve this:

• Moisturise Regularly: Using nail oils or conditioners rich in ingredients like almond oil, jojoba oil and Vitamin E can help replenish lost oils, and penetrate deep into the nail plate, keeping nails hydrated and impact-resistant.
• Limit Water Exposure: Protect your nails from excessive water by wearing gloves when doing dishes and regularly applying nail oil to promote a water-resistant barrier, minimising water absorption.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Many nail products and household cleaners can strip nails of their natural oils. So again, use gloves and nail oils to protect the nails, promoting ultimate nail health. 
• Support From Within: Lifestyles, health conditions and disorders are always important to consider when assessing the nails condition. A healthy diet can also help maintain nail strength. Biotin, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids are all key nutrients that contribute to nail health. 

Nail Health Secrets: Balancing Water and Oils for Strong, Shiny Nails

Healthy nails are all about balance – getting the right mix of hydration and natural oils is the key to keeping them looking and feeling their best. These natural properties work hand in hand to keep your nails healthy, flexible, and shiny. Water provides essential moisture, while oils lock in that hydration and give nails their natural smooth and polished appearance. With proper care, your nails will remain strong, shiny, and ready to face daily life. In this great condition, they will also live harmoniously with any chosen nail coatings and treatments resulting in a happy Nail Technician and a very happy client!