Manicures and weak nails

Manicures and Fragile Nails: What to Know

If you enjoy regular manicures, it’s important to keep hygiene and nail health in mind. Avoid having your cuticles removed, as this can increase the risk of infection. Make sure your nail technician uses properly sterilized tools to prevent the spread of bacteria or yeast.

Weak or brittle nails can be frustrating, but gentle care can make a big difference. Here are a few tips to help protect and strengthen them:

• Keep nails short and gently shaped—a square base with rounded edges works well for durability. Trim after soaking your hands in warm water or bath oil, then moisturize.
• Hydrate often—apply lotion to your nails and cuticles throughout the day, especially after washing hands. At night, use a rich moisturizer and wear cotton gloves to lock in moisture.
• Use nail hardeners cautiously—avoid formulas with harsh chemicals like formaldehyde or toluene sulfonamide, which may irritate the skin.
• Polish can help—a thin layer of nail polish may protect nails from moisture loss. Reapply weekly for best results.
• Limit remover use—avoid acetone-based removers and try not to use polish remover more than once a week.
• Consider biotin—some people find that a small daily dose of biotin helps improve nail thickness over time.

Despite popular claims, most dietary changes or supplements like gelatin won’t improve nail strength unless you’re truly lacking nutrients. Basic, consistent care is often the most effective path to healthier nails.