Assuming that there’s no critical medical downside at play, although, your weaker nails is perhaps the results of some dangerous habits that require a bit of tweaking. To that time:
2. Use a glass nail file.
That is arguably the best swap to make and an crucial step in caring for mushy nails, in keeping 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, then again, create a a lot smoother edge, she says. Dr. Stern agrees: “That is such a straightforward repair for individuals, particularly those that have weak nails which are liable to peeling and splitting on the suggestions.” Strive 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 serious win whenever 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 lots of her sufferers inform her these kinds of manis make their nails really feel stronger, however that’s only a superficial and momentary impact. “The constant stress of thicker varieties 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 cruel removing course of as the principle downside. It sometimes consists of an extended soak in dehydrating acetone, coupled with aggressive scraping that weakens the nail, she says.
This doesn’t imply you must forgo the one you love gel manicures ceaselessly, however it’s price being conscious and taking a break when you possibly can. Lin advises tailoring the timetable based mostly on the situation of your nails. “In the event that they’re in fairly good condition and also you simply wish to keep away from harm, take every week or two off each one to a few months,” she suggests. “But when your nails are softer otherwise you’re making an attempt to guard brittle nails, think about leaving them naked for nearer to 4 to 6 weeks.”
4. Go for acetone-free polish remover.
“All nail polish removers need to be formulated with some sort of solvent,” says Dr. Stern. “Components on this class are innately dehydrating, however acetone is the worst of the bunch.” Nail cells are flat and overlap like shingles on roof; after 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 additionally extra liable 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. Remember that it could require a bit of 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 shade can assist make the removing course of simpler, says Lin; this retains the polish from staining or absorbing into the nail, which might make it tougher to take away. A pair to strive: 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 outdated H2O isn’t as innocuous as chances are you’ll assume—in the case of nail well being, anyway. “Nails can take in 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 liable to breakage, particularly in the event that they’re already brittle to start with.”