Nail Care Basics: How to Keep Your Nails Strong and Healthy

Strong, healthy nails mostly come down to gentle habits: keep them a manageable length, file in one direction, moisturize nails and cuticles daily, protect your hands from water and harsh cleaners, and give your nails breaks between gel manicures. Most brittle nails improve within a few months of consistent care, because nails grow slowly.

Everyday habits

• Keep them short to medium while you strengthen them; long nails break more easily.
• File, do not saw: use a fine glass or crystal file and go in one direction.
• Moisturize: rub hand cream or cuticle oil into nails and cuticles, especially after washing your hands.
• Wear gloves for dishes and cleaning; repeated soaking weakens nails.
• Do not use nails as tools to open cans or scrape labels.

Cuticle care

Cuticles protect the nail from infection. Gently push them back after a shower instead of cutting them, and trim only loose hangnails with clean clippers.

Polish and gel

• Use a base coat to protect the nail and a top coat to reduce chipping.
• Acetone removers work fast but dry nails; follow with moisturizer or use an acetone-free remover for regular polish.
• Gel and dip manicures should be removed properly, not peeled off, which strips layers of the nail.
• Take breaks between long-wear manicures if your nails become thin or peel.
• Gel lamps emit UV light; applying sunscreen to your hands beforehand or wearing fingerless gloves is a common precaution.

Winter care

Cold weather and dry indoor heat make nails and cuticles more brittle. Wear gloves outside and moisturize more often from November to March.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor or dermatologist if you notice a new dark streak in a nail, a nail lifting from the nail bed, thickening, discoloration that spreads, pain or swelling. These can signal infections or other conditions that need proper diagnosis.

Salon checklist

• Clean tools for each client, or bring your own file.
• No aggressive cuticle cutting.
• Ask for proper soak-off removal for gel.

Taking a moment for your nails can be part of a simple self-care routine. Explore more in our Nails section.