It’s the most annoying thing ever (to me): I spend money and time making my manicure look great. So I don’t want to have any breaks if I can manage it! Here are my top tips on how to avoid breaking a nail.
How to avoid breaking a nail
Your nails are jewels, not tools
When you reach for that can of drink, a box or parcel, don’t attack it bare handed! Use scissors, a pen, a piece of cutlery, anything but your nails to open up the treat inside.
How to avoid breaking a nail: Your nails are jewels not tools
Putting intense pressure on your nails like this is really likely to cause a break.
Keep your nails strong and hydrated
Cuticle oil is normally my recommendation for any problems with nails. With oil, your nails are hydrated, and they use it to grow stronger and more resilient.
Apply it at least once a day, and try my seven-point plan for caring for your nails and cuticles. When my nails are in need of TLC, I like RescueRxx from CND.
How to avoid breaking a nail: Keep your nails strong and hydrated
Add a supplement into your diet if you are deficient – I’m a vegetarian so I take kelp tablets and vegetarian omega oils. Your nails and hair are one of the last to benefit from nutrients, so it’s worth considering.
Don’t forget to file
Maintaining your nails in a neat shape helps to prevent breaks in the long run. Short nails suit an active, outdoor lifestyle, and rounded edges are less likely to catch.
A more squared off style might suit someone who spends a lot of time at a keyboard.
How to avoid breaking a nail: Don’t forget to file
Find out what works for you, and keep your nails filed evenly into shape. I prefer a glass file, like this one from Rainbow Connection.
Keep a nail file handy
As well as keeping your nails shaped, keep any rough edges or catches in check on the go. A nail file is a lightweight addition to your bag.
If you can file out that catch before it breaks, you’ve saved your nail!
Keep your nails painted!
Not that I’ve got a vested interest here or anything, but my nails feel stronger and break less when they are painted.
The polish is an extra, harder layer which keeps your nail plate safe. Beware of chipping, it exposes the edges and corners of your nails (and it’s dangerous for your eye health!).
Keep your nails painted
Take off your old polish regularly and add a fresh manicure and paint job.
How to avoid breaking a nail
So, now you have my 5 top tips on how to avoid a broken or chipped nail. Once you get into the habits I’ve learnt, you can have stronger, longer nails too!
June 16, 2017
Saw this on Pinterest, very relatable! A couple of days ago I had this one-inch-long thumbnail, and I broke half off! I wasn’t wearing nail polish or was taking vitamins for nails because I’m too lazy lol. Great post!
July 2, 2017
Thanks for coming over to read more! I’m having a weekend of naked nails (gasp) and oil soaking to try and get mine back to top condition 🙂
August 6, 2017
I need to try these out ASAP! 🙂
August 6, 2017
Keeping your nails nourished with oil will have the best effect, but takes a long time to make a difference. Keep a file handy to head off any damage in the meantime!