Nail Care Basics: Simple Habits for Stronger, Healthier Nails

Beautiful nails are not only about the polish on top. Underneath every glossy manicure is a nail that needs looking after, and the habits you build day to day matter far more than any single trip to the salon. If your nails tend to peel, split or snap at the worst possible moment, a few simple changes can help them grow stronger and look healthier.

Everyday Habits That Make a Difference

• Wear gloves for chores. Washing up, cleaning and gardening expose nails to hot water, detergents and grit. Rubber gloves are the easiest protection there is.
• Moisturise your hands and cuticles. Massage hand cream or cuticle oil into the nail and surrounding skin, ideally before bed.
• File, don’t clip. A fine glass or crystal file used in one direction is gentler than sawing back and forth or using clippers on dry nails.
• Stop using them as tools. Opening cans, scraping labels and picking at stickers are fast routes to chips and breaks.

Polish Without the Damage

Always start with a base coat, which helps protect the nail and stops darker shades from staining. Apply thin layers rather than one thick coat, and finish with a top coat to reduce chipping. When it is time for a change, use a gentle remover and press a soaked cotton pad onto the nail for a few seconds before wiping, rather than scrubbing hard.

If you love gel or acrylics, have them removed properly rather than peeling them off, which can take layers of nail with them. Giving your nails the odd week bare between sets is no bad thing either.

Know When to Check In

Most brittle or peeling nails are down to dryness and wear and tear. However, changes such as unusual discolouration, thickening, pain or nails lifting away from the skin are worth mentioning to a pharmacist or GP.

Start with gloves and a bedtime dab of cuticle oil. They are small habits, but give them a few weeks and you should notice nails that feel tougher and grow with fewer snags.