Your nails are more than just a canvas for polish—they’re an important part of your overall health and wellness. However, many everyday habits can unknowingly lead to brittle, weak, or damaged nails. The good news? Small changes can make a big impact. Let’s uncover 10 surprising habits that harm your nails—and how to fix them for healthier, stronger nails.
1. Skipping Nail Hydration
Just like your skin, nails need moisture to stay healthy. Dehydrated nails are prone to brittleness, peeling, and cracking, especially during colder months.
Fix it: Use a nourishing cuticle oil daily and a hydrating nail formula, like Dr. Dana’s Nail Renewal System Step 3: Deep Hydrating Formula, to lock in moisture and prevent dryness.
2. Overusing Nail Polish and Gel Manicures
While a fresh manicure looks great, constant polish or gel applications can weaken your nails over time by preventing them from breathing and stripping their natural oils.
Fix it: Give your nails a break between manicures to restore their natural strength. Consider switching to a nail-care-focused routine, like the No Polish Manicure Set, for a clean, polished look without damage.
3. Peeling Off Gel Polish
We’ve all been there—peeling off gel polish when it starts to chip. However, this habit can take layers of your nail with it, leaving them thin and prone to breaking.
Fix it: Always soak off gel polish properly using a non-acetone remover, like Dr. Dana’s Hydrating Non-Acetone Nail Polish Remover, to be gentle on your nails.
4. Using Your Nails as Tools
Opening packages, scraping off stickers, or prying objects with your nails might seem harmless, but these actions can cause cracks, splits, and breaks.
Fix it: Use actual tools—such as scissors or openers—instead of your nails. Protecting your nails during everyday tasks is key to keeping them strong.
5. Ignoring Cuticle Care
Your cuticles act as a protective barrier for your nails. Cutting or neglecting them can lead to infections and weak nail growth.
Fix it: Gently push back your cuticles instead of cutting them. Hydrate them daily with cuticle oil to keep them soft and healthy.
6. Overexposure to Water
Frequent hand washing, dishwashing, or swimming can weaken nails by causing them to swell and shrink repeatedly, leading to brittleness.
Fix it: Wear gloves when doing dishes or cleaning, and apply a hydrating formula to replenish moisture after exposure to water.
7. Using Harsh Chemicals
Cleaning products, acetone polish removers, and even some nail polishes contain chemicals that can strip your nails of their natural oils, leaving them weak and dry.
Fix it: Opt for plant-based, non-toxic products like Dr. Dana’s cruelty-free line, which is free of formaldehyde, parabens, and other harsh chemicals.
8. Neglecting a Balanced Diet
Your nails reflect your overall health. A lack of nutrients like biotin, iron, and omega-3s can lead to slow growth and brittleness.
Fix it: Incorporate nail-friendly foods like salmon, leafy greens, nuts, and eggs into your diet. Supplements can also help if you're struggling to get enough nutrients.
9. Filing Incorrectly
Filing your nails back and forth with the wrong tools can cause splitting and uneven edges.
Fix it: Use a high-quality glass nail file, like Dr. Dana’s Precision Glass Nail File, to file in one direction and create a smooth finish.
10. Overlooking Nail Health After Acrylics or Gels
Post-acrylic or gel damage is common, and neglecting nail care afterward can lead to long-term issues like thinning and splitting.
Fix it: Repair your nails with a three-step system like Dr. Dana’s Nail Renewal System. It’s designed to exfoliate, hydrate, and restore damaged nails.
Small Changes, Big Results
Your daily habits have a big impact on your nail health. By making simple adjustments—like hydrating nails, avoiding harsh chemicals, and giving your nails the care they deserve—you can transform your nails from brittle to beautiful.
Ready to start your nail health journey?
Explore Dr. Dana’s plant-based, science-backed solutions to give your nails the expert care they deserve.
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