Assuming that there’s no critical medical drawback at play, although, your weaker nails could be the results of some dangerous habits that require somewhat tweaking. To that time:
2. Use a glass nail file.
That is arguably the only swap to make and an crucial step in caring for smooth nails, in line with the specialists SELF spoke with. Coarse information, like conventional emery boards, trigger tiny tears that go away the free fringe of the nail (the very tip) tough and extra apt to snag on issues and break, nail technician Amy Ling Lin, founder and CEO of Sundays, tells SELF.
Glass information, however, create a a lot smoother edge, she says. Dr. Stern agrees: “That is such a straightforward repair for folks, particularly those that have weak nails which are susceptible to peeling and splitting on the ideas.” Attempt OPI’s Crystal Nail File ($15, Ulta) or Tweezerman’s Glass Nail File ($9, Amazon.com).
3. Take a break in between long-lasting manicures.
Sturdy manicures—gels, acrylics, dips—are a significant win while you need that flawlessly polished search for weeks on finish, however they’re sadly not doing all your nails any favors. Dr. Kobets says that a lot of her sufferers inform her most of these manis make their nails really feel stronger, however that’s only a superficial and non permanent impact. “The constant stress of thicker kinds of polish or synthetic nails on the nail matrix, the realm on the base of the nail beneath the cuticle the place development is initiated, can in the end trigger the nail to develop out thinner,” she explains.
Dr. Stern agrees that long-lasting manicures aren’t nice, though she cites the tough removing course of as the principle drawback. It sometimes consists of an extended soak in dehydrating acetone, coupled with aggressive scraping that weakens the nail, she says.
This doesn’t imply it’s a must to forgo the one that you love gel manicures eternally, nevertheless it’s value being aware and taking a break when you possibly can. Lin advises tailoring the timetable primarily based on the situation of your nails. “In the event that they’re in fairly fine condition and also you simply need to keep away from harm, take every week or two off each one to 3 months,” she suggests. “But when your nails are softer otherwise you’re attempting to guard brittle nails, contemplate leaving them naked for nearer to 4 to 6 weeks.”
4. Go for acetone-free polish remover.
“All nail polish removers should be formulated with some kind of solvent,” Dr. Stern says. “Substances on this class are innately dehydrating, however acetone is the worst of the bunch.” Nail cells are flat and overlap like shingles on roof: Once they dry out, they’re extra prone to carry and peel off, which is why the nail finally ends up not solely thinner and weaker, but in addition extra susceptible to floor irregularities like bumps and ridges, she explains.
Like making the change to a glass nail file, selecting a non-acetone remover is a straightforward and fast repair. Take into account that it might require somewhat bit extra elbow grease to take away all the colour, although—and that removers with out acetone will solely work on common polish, not long-lasting formulation like skilled gel. Utilizing a transparent base coat earlier than your colour may also help make the removing course of simpler, Lin says, because it retains the polish from staining or absorbing into the nail, which may make it tougher to take away. A pair to attempt: Ella & Mila Jojoba Nail Polish Remover ($11, Amazon) or Cutex Non-Acetone Extremely-Care Nail Polish Remover ($3, Goal).
5. Defend your nails from an excessive amount of water.
Yep, you learn that proper. Good previous H2O isn’t as innocuous as you could suppose—in relation to nail well being, anyway. “Nails can take up roughly 1,000 instances extra water than pores and skin. They act like sponges, absorbing liquid, which causes the nail cells to develop after which contract,” Dr. Stern explains. “This cycle of enlargement and contraction in the end weakens them and makes them way more susceptible to breakage, particularly in the event that they’re already brittle to start with.”