Yes, you’ll find photos and stories online of nails falling out after chemotherapy. Luckily, for most people it never gets that extreme. Brittle, fragile nails, however, are a side effect almost everyone experiences. So how do you keep them as healthy as possible during chemo? What can you do preventively before starting? And how do your nails recover afterwards? Discover it all in these 10 surprising facts about chemo and nails.

1/ What side effects can chemo have on my nails?

Because of chemotherapy – especially taxane-based treatments such as Taxotere – your nails may become drier, more brittle and prone to breaking. They may also change color, develop ridges or grooves, split, or in the worst case even detach. Whether and to what extent you’ll experience these side effects depends on the type of chemo and the doses. Always ask your doctor or nurse about it. Good to know: these side effects are hard to avoid completely, but there’s a lot you can do to minimize the damage.

2/ How should I best care for my nails?

Keep your nails short as soon as you start chemo. Clip them straight across – not too short at the corners – to avoid ingrown nails, inflammation or infection.

Just like your skin, your nails need extra hydration during chemotherapy to combat dryness. Special nail oils or balms help keep them supple, and a nourishing hand and foot cream is a must.

Because there are so many care products on the market, we’ve listed our personal favorites here especially for you. You can find them all in our webshop:

• The basics: the lightweight hand cream and foot cream from c/o Gerd, which absorb quickly and are packed with natural ingredients. If your skin is extremely dry, go for the richer 24/7 balm from c/o Gerd.
• Nail oil for cuticles and nails: keep your nails and surrounding skin supple and healthy from the start of your treatment. We love the nourishing nail oil from the French brand Même, because it’s non-greasy, 98% natural, has a subtle pleasant scent, and comes in a handy brush applicator tube.
• Extra indulgence: a hydrating mask for hands and feet. We once again choose the masks from Même (in glove and sock form) that intensely nourish, soften and relieve burning or irritated skin caused by chemotherapy. Use them regularly and your skin will feel as soft as a baby’s.

All the products we recommend are free of harmful chemicals – something we find essential during and after cancer treatment – and they have gentle, pleasant scents that are well tolerated even when your sense of smell changes (yes, that’s another known side effect of chemo).

3/ Can I paint my nails during chemo?

You may have heard it’s best to leave your nails bare to avoid damage. That was before special nail polishes were developed for chemo patients. What makes them different? They’re free of ingredients that dry out your nails, and they’re enriched with strengthening and UV-protecting elements to reduce discoloration. We recommend three essentials for safe, stylish nails during chemo:

• Nail polishes from Même, enriched with silicon to strengthen fragile nails. Natural-based, but just as long-lasting and shiny as conventional polish, and available in a wide range of shades.
• Always start with a base coat. We suggest a naturally composed one that nourishes with vitamins and antioxidants, and makes your polish last longer. Top it off with a natural top coat for extra durability and strength.
• Remove polish gently with a remover that’s free from acetone or harsh chemicals. Our favorite is again from Même: 100% natural with almond oil to nourish nails and cuticles, and it doesn’t have that typical strong remover smell – ideal if you’re extra sensitive to odors during treatment.

4/ Why should I wear gloves when cleaning or washing dishes?

For two reasons. First, gloves prevent your nails from bumping or breaking. Second, they reduce the risk of small wounds, which heal slower during chemo and can lead to infections – especially if lymph nodes have been removed.

Good to know: wear gloves when doing dishes too. Fragile chemo nails hate cleaning agents, and harsh products are best avoided altogether.

5/ Is nail biting harmful?

Yes, nail biting is strongly discouraged. Chemo already makes your nails weak, and biting worsens the damage. If you also nibble the skin around your nails or bite off loose cuticles, you risk small wounds – something you want to avoid at all costs, as your fingers are in constant contact with bacteria.

Tip: use a special nail oil from the start of your chemo to keep the cuticles and surrounding skin soft and nourished. You’ll be less tempted to pick at dry skin, and your skin gets an extra boost.

6/ Do vitamins or supplements help with ‘chemo nails’?

Pharmacies sell plenty of vitamins and supplements claiming to strengthen nails. Their effectiveness is often unproven, and some supplements can interfere with chemotherapy or other medications. Always discuss this with your doctor before taking anything.

We prefer topical care to supplements. For example, a strengthening polish you can start using as soon as your nails begin to suffer. Once again, our go-to is from Même: a nail strengthener with silicon and urea that makes your nails stronger, smoother and healthier. Bonus: it looks like a clear polish but with a matte finish – so men can use it confidently too.

7/ Can I still go to the manicurist/pedicurist during chemo?

Want your nails in top condition before starting treatment? Then it’s fine to visit before your first chemo. During treatment, you can continue pampering yourself occasionally, but avoid anything that risks wounds or infections – for example, cutting cuticles is not recommended. But a relaxing hand massage, a professional trim or a nourishing mask can feel wonderful.

If you experience serious nail problems, consult your doctor. Some hospitals have a trained medical manicurist/pedicurist in their oncology team or can refer you to a specialist.

8/ Do I really need to wear those freezing cold ice gloves in the hospital?

During taxane-based chemo, most hospitals provide cooling gloves. The cold reduces blood flow in your hands so less chemo reaches your nails. The first minutes are very intense, but the long-term benefits outweigh the short-term discomfort. Ask for an extra blanket or bring your own wrap for warmth. Tip: don’t forget your feet! If cooling socks aren’t available, ask for an extra pair of gloves and slip them over your feet.

9/ How quickly will my nails return to normal after treatment?

Your nails will recover after chemo, but the timeline varies: for some it’s just a few months, for others it may take a year or more. Continue hydrating your nails and skin after treatment, and indulge them with masks or rich creams. If you struggle with pain or problems during recovery, consult your doctor for specialized care.

10/ Does hormone therapy for breast cancer affect nails?

Yes, hormone therapy can also impact your nails. They may remain dry and brittle and break easily long after chemo has ended. The best protection is the same as during chemo: keep them short, hydrate well, and avoid anything that makes them more fragile.

Looking for gentle, natural nail care products? We’ve curated the best for you in our webshop: Beauty & Skincare: Hands/Feet & Nails >>

Chemo nails? Good to know: these are the most common effects, but every body reacts differently to chemotherapy, and exceptions always exist. Have questions or doubts? Always discuss them with your doctor, oncology coach or nurse. Our tips are never a substitute for their personalized advice.