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And while the contributing causes are plentiful, we urge you to not be discouraged.
There are just as many solutions to rehab nails to a healthy, smooth, and strong state.
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Keep reading for all the expert-approved tips to learn how to keep your nails from breaking.
“Biotin is a B vitamin found in a variety of foods.”
Biotin has been proven to help strengthen brittle nails, which in turn can help them grow."
Emily Roberts/Byrdie
Bailey recommends prioritizing real, vitamin-rich foods to get your nutrients.
“Replace the picking habit with self-care.”
If you have gel or dip nails, avoid picking, peeling, or pulling the artificial nail off.
This is not only potentially painful but can damage your nails.
To safely remove them, you must soak them in an acetone solution.
Only pure acetone is strong enough to dissolve the artificial layer.
If fake nails are your jam, try a gentler alternative like anon-damaging press-on nail.
it’s possible for you to also look for long-wearing nail polish formulas.
“There are different formulas available to target specific problems you may be experiencing.”
Looking for an all-natural nail strengthener?
“Well-moisturized nail beds grow healthier nails that bend and flex instead of breaking.”
“Regular lotion tool can help prevent signs of aging in hands as well,” Thompson adds.
“Cuticle oil is one of the best things you could use on your nails,” assures Thompson.
She advises applying it as often as you want, aiming for at least once a day.
Similar toface slugging, applying anocclusive treatmentover moisturizing topicals can help lock all the goodness in.
“This occlusive treatment helps fortify and hydrate nails.”
Nails exposed to household cleansers may become damaged, especially if you’re using chemicals like acetone or bleach.
The same goes for harsh antibacterial kitchen soap that you might be using to clean your dishes.
Dr. Cirlincione adds that even prolonged water exposure should be avoided to maintain healthy nails.
You may also want to steer clear of some potentially harsh ingredients in nail polishes.
Byrdie Tip
confirm to protect your hands and nails by wearing gloves when using harsh chemical cleaners.
“Don’t peel your gels off,” warns Thompson.
Thompson explains when properly applied and removed,gel polishshouldn’t damage your nails.
Try ta non-damaging, gel eraser to safely remove gel nail polish.
After you have removed the gel, moisturize your cuticles and nails with a soothing lotion.
“Round nails experience these problems much less frequently.”
Dont cut them so short that they are painful.
Keep a little length so it’s possible for you to shape them into an oval or rounded shape.
Short nails dont have to be boring, either.
Have fun with adventurous colors or designs.
you’ve got the option to also try nail stickers if you are feeling festive.
One that is too rough can cause the cuticle to open and become vulnerable.
You’ll get the best results by filing with a glass file or one with fine grit.
Also,when filing your nailsmake sure you file from one direction only starting at the outside corner.
Dont file back and forth in a sawing motion, as this can cause your nails to break.
File in a slow and controlled motion as you shape your nails into the desired shape.
Give your nails a vacation from polish, gel, and acrylic to give them time to recover.
You might have heard you better let your nails breathe.
While your nails don’t actually breathe, polish breaks are beneficial.
Leaving your nail polish on for too long can lead to keratin granulation and nail discoloration.
The constant wetting and drying of nails while washing dishes can cause them to become dry and brittle.
Similarly, if swimming is your exercise of choice, you may find your nails remain brittle.
Her recommendation is to limit water exposure by wearing gloves paired with using biotin supplements to support nail growth.
If both toenails and fingernails are brittle and breaking, it could be an internal issue.
If you have had a trauma to your nail, such as closing it into a door (ouch!
), it can damage the nail bed.
The AAD says you should skip the cuticle trimming.
you’ve got the option to also switch to regular polish while your nails heal.
Partially broken nails can berepairedwith the help ofnail glueor silk wraps to hold the separated pieces in place.
Muddasani, S., Lin, G., Hooper, J., & Sloan, S. B.
Nutrition and nail disease.Clinics in dermatology,39(5), 819-828.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Artificial nails: dermatologists' tips for reducing nail damage.
Harvard Health.A Look at the Effects of Nail Polish on Nail Health and Safety.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Brittle Splitting Nails.(n.d.)
Penn Medicine.What Your Nail Health Can Tell You: Dont Ignore These 5 Signs.
