The widespread myth: nails are "dead" and therefore insensitive to care. The reality is more precise and much more interesting. Nail plates react significantly to moisture, chemicals, and light—even to seasonal humidity. Research shows that water absorption measurably alters the structure of nail keratin and increases flexibility, while repeated drying makes them brittle ^[1]. In autumn, it is not the color of the polish that determines strong, beautiful nails, but your micro-routine: managing moisture, avoiding irritants, strengthening wisely.

Nails consist of a densely packed keratin complexfibrous structural protein that provides stability and elasticity. This horn-like plate appears robust, but its moisture content determines the balance between strength and flexibility. Too much water makes them soft, while too little makes them brittle. The cool, dry autumn air shifts this balance: evaporation increases, the nail plate loses moisture, and micro-cracks form more easily. Additional stressors—such as acrylatesreactive monomers from resins in nail products or methacrylatessimilar monomers commonly used in gel systems—can sensitize the skin around the nail (periunugual). High performers should see nails as “micro-biomaterials”: caring for their material properties yields everyday usability, aesthetics, and infection protection.

Dry, brittle nails tear and chip more easily—an entry point for germs and inflammation. Studies describe that the manicure process itself, especially with gel or acrylic techniques, can lead to damage and infections through mechanical instruments, allergens, and microbial exposure ^[2]. Certain ingredients in nail products can also trigger allergic contact dermatitis, which can occur not only around the nail but also on the face and neck—an indication of allergen transmission in daily life [Ref41037516; Ref32355091]. UV-A containing lamps for curing gel polishes stress the skin and theoretically increase the risk of photoaging and skin cancer, which is why protective measures are recommended ^[3]. On the positive side, the mechanical integrity of brittle nails can be improved through targeted care: water-soluble, gentle strengthening formulations have been shown in studies to increase nail strength and appearance without aggressive sealing ^[4].

Three research strands guide a smart autumn strategy. First, the physics of the nail plate: spectral analyses show that water absorption alters the protein structure of the nails—with rapid saturation and clear water binding to proteins. This reversible change explains why frequent wet-dry cycles can make the plate brittle and why targeted hydration increases flexibility ^[1]. Second, the exposure biology of modern manicures: retrospective patch-test data over 15 years link acrylates and methacrylates with rising allergy rates; noteworthy is the clustering of lesions on the face, suggesting allergen transmissions via hands ^[5]. Additionally, allergic contact dermatitis is described as a central risk posed by nail products, with clinical relevance far beyond the nail environment ^[6]. Third, intervention research: a water-soluble nail strengthener containing Pistacia lentiscus and hyaluronic acid improved in vitro strength and in a clinical application over the weeks the appearance of brittle nails—with good tolerability ^[4]. Together, these studies provide a coherent picture: hydration governs material properties, gentle strengthening strategies are effective, and allergen and UV exposures must be actively managed.

- Prioritize daily hydration: Immediately after washing hands, massage a nail-specific moisture treatment (oil + occlusive cream) into the plate and cuticle. This stabilizes the water balance and helps prevent brittleness ^[1].
- Gently strengthen instead of sealing: Use water-soluble, well-tolerated nail strengtheners with proven efficacy (e.g., formulations with Pistacia lentiscus and hyaluronic acid), once daily for several weeks. Goal: higher strength without aggressive chemicals ^[4].
- Use biotin wisely: For brittle nails, a supplementation of 2.5 mg biotin/day may be beneficial; alternatively, incorporate biotin-rich foods (eggs, nuts, legumes). For well-nourished individuals, there is no evidence that additional vitamins (E, C, A, trace elements) improve nail health ^[7].
- Minimize UV exposure: If gel polish is unavoidable, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen before curing or protect the hands with fingerless nitrile gloves ^[3].
- Allergen check as a routine: Prefer “3-, 4-, 5-free” products and avoid known sensitizers like certain acrylates/methacrylates; if redness or eczema appears, pause immediately and get tested [Ref28719472; Ref32355091; Ref41037516].
- Plan breaks from artificial nails: Cycle down gel and acrylic nails to avoid mechanical damage and infections; pay attention to clean instruments and gentle removal ^[2].
- Do not bite: Address onychophagy consistently—bitter nail polish, stress management, and, if necessary, behavioral therapeutic support—to prevent microtrauma and infections [Ref34613955; Ref3308335].

The next wave of nail health research will produce smarter, hypoallergenic formulations and low-UV curing technologies. Meanwhile, large cohort studies should clarify which care protocols optimally stabilize the material properties of the nail plate seasonally and sustainably reduce allergy risks—ensuring that autumn nails not only look good but also become measurably stronger and more resilient.