There’s nothing like a broken nail to ruin a really great manicure. While nails do eventually grow back, it’s probably safe to say that it’s pretty frustrating. However, some nails seem to just be more prone to breakage, and it actually might be due to things you’re doing, or not doing. The good news is that there may be some simple lifestyle changes you can adopt to make your nails healthier and stop your nails from breaking. Here are some of the best tips to keep your nails healthy and strong so they won’t break.
Healthy Diet
Table of Contents
As they say, you are what you eat, and what you choose to put into your body can have a direct reflection on the outside of your body. Vitamin deficiencies will often show up on your nails, resulting in changes in texture or appearance, and they can even contribute to your nails becoming more weak and brittle, which ultimately causes them to break.
For optimal nail health, it’s essential to eat a well-balanced diet full of healthy vitamins and minerals. Foods like fatty fish, sweet potato, and leafy greens, as well as nuts and seeds, are all great foods to add to your diet for healthy, strong nails. To ensure your getting all those essential nutrients for healthy nails, consider adding a daily multivitamin or biotin supplement into your diet, which is key to strong nails that won’t break.
Try a Dip Powder Manicure
When it comes to beautiful, healthy nails, it’s essential to maintain them by getting regular manicures. Bi-weekly manicures keep your nails clean, and a professional nail tech can assess any nail issues you may have — but it’s equally important you’re also using high-quality products on your nails that don’t contain any harmful chemicals that can damage your nails further. Good, non-toxic gel nail products formulated with healthy ingredients can nourish your nails and actually help them grow long and strong.
While manicures are great for maintaining the health of your nails, conventional polish manicures won’t necessarily prevent your nails from breaking. If your nails are prone to breakage, an SNS Dip Powder manicure can be a total game-changer. Not only do the bases and sealers feed your nails with nutrient-rich ingredients, but the dip powder’s resin-like finish provides an extra layer of protection, preventing your nails from breaking. When done correctly, a dip powder manicure can last 2 weeks or more, virtually chip-free!
Don’t Pick at Your Nails
Getting regular manicures can prevent you from picking at your nails, potentially damaging the nail bed and cuticles. However some people still can’t seem to break the habit regardless, and unfortunately, this habit is breaking your nails. If you’re the latter, it’s so important to resist the urge to pick at a chipped mani or cracked nail as this can severely damage your nail, causing it to become weak and brittle. This is exceptionally true when it comes to a gel polish mani. Not only is it sometimes painful but peeling off gel polish actually peels off a layer of your nail, damaging your nail bed, and making it thinner and more prone to breakage. Leave gel polish removal up to your nail tech, and if you do have a small break or crack in your nail, gently file it away with a nail file and apply a layer of top coat to prevent any further breakage.
Avoid Hot Water
Hot water can do a number on your nails, causing them to become soft, weak, and more vulnerable to breakage. While it may not be possible to avoid hot water all the time (we’re not asking you to take cold showers), it’s best to avoid hot water as much as you can. Use protective gloves while doing the dishes and if you regularly take baths, try to keep your hands outside the tub. And if you do find yourself in hot water, it’s super important to apply moisturizer after to prevent your skin and nails from becoming too dry.
Moisturize Daily
An incredibly simple way to keep your nails strong and healthy is by making sure you apply hand cream daily. Dry nails are nails that break, while hydrated ones are flexible and bend. To keep your nails healthy and hydrated, warding off breakage, it’s essential to regularly apply moisturizer and cuticle oil at least once a day, especially after washing your hands. If regularly applying moisturizer isn’t already a habit for you, try keeping a hand cream next to the sink in your home to apply after you wash your hands, one next to your bedside table, and a travel-size hand cream in your bag for moisture on the go,
Opt for a Round or Oval Shape
A square nail shape with sharp corners is more likely to snag on your clothes and other things, causing your nail to tear or break, especially for those with busy hands. To prevent this, opt for a nail shape with soft, rounded corners like an oval, round, or almond shape that is less likely to get caught on things, reducing your chances of breakage. It may also help to keep your nail length on the shorter side as long nails are more prone to breakage.
