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When it comes to beauty and self-care, long, well-maintained nails are often seen as a symbol of elegance and style. But keeping them strong, healthy, and chip-free can be challenging without the right care. According to experts, maintaining the health of your nails is just as important as maintaining your skin or hair. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dana Stern emphasizes, “The longer the nail, the more surface area there is to keep healthy and maintain.” Just like prepping your skin creates the ideal canvas for makeup, caring for your nails provides the perfect base for polish and enhancements.
To help you maintain long, beautiful nails, we’ve compiled seven expert-backed tips that will keep your nails strong and healthy.
1. Moisturize Your Nails Regularly
Just like your skin, your nails and the surrounding skin need moisture to stay healthy. “Moisturize the nails nightly to prevent them from becoming dry, which can predispose them to cracking and splitting,” says Dr. Brendan Camp, a board-certified dermatologist.
Celebrity manicurist Julie Kandalec adds that it’s essential to apply oils and creams not just to the tops of your nails but underneath them as well. This practice helps prevent the free edge from curling and reduces the risk of painful tears in the hyponychium (the delicate skin where the nail meets the fingertip).
Pro Tip: Look for products with nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil, vitamin E, and shea butter.
2. Buff Your Nail Plate for a Smooth Surface
Buffing the surface of your nails helps to smooth out ridges, lift the cuticle attached to the nail plate, and create a slight grip for better polish adherence.
Kandalec recommends using a fine-grit padded buffer, preferably a glass or sapphire file, to prevent micro-tears. “Using a fine grit file will seal the edge of your nails, preventing snagging and breaking,” she says. Aim for a file with at least 400 grit.
Pro Tip: Never use a coarse grit file (180 or lower), as it can cause damage.
3. Apply a Coat of Builder Gel for Strength
If you’re prone to nail splitting or breakage, consider using a builder gel.
“Many of my clients wear a thin coat of clear or sheer pink builder gel to keep their nails strong,” Kandalec shares. This protective layer helps maintain the strength and shape of your nails, even through the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Pro Tip: Choose builder gels that are lightweight yet durable to maintain a natural look.
4. Use the Proper Tools to Clean Your Nails
Cleaning your nails is essential, but using the wrong tools can cause serious damage.
“Never clean under the nail with a tool or brush,” warns Dr. Stern. “This can lead to onycholysis, where the nail lifts or separates from the nail bed.” Aggressive cleaning with metal tools or orange sticks can cause this condition, which may also be a sign of inflammatory diseases like nail bed psoriasis.
Pro Tip: Use a gentle, disposable wipe instead of a brush to clean your nails.
5. Take Breaks from Nail Polish and Remover
As tempting as it may be to go from one manicure to the next, your nails need breaks.
“Consider giving your nails a break from polish occasionally,” advises Dr. Camp. “Nails can become dry, brittle, and discolored after repetitive exposure to nail polish and chemicals in removers.”
Pro Tip: Opt for non-toxic, acetone-free nail polish removers and nourishing nail treatments during polish breaks.
6. Use a Nail Treatment System
Investing in a high-quality nail treatment system can help maintain your nails’ health and appearance.
Dr. Dana recommends her Nail Renewal System, which includes a glycolic acid prep wand, a grit buffer, and a deeply hydrating solution. “It’s like a facial for nails,” she says. “It leaves nails healthy, strong, smooth, shiny, and glossy.”
Pro Tip: Follow the instructions on your nail treatment system for best results, and use it regularly as part of your nail care routine.
7. Have Nail Enhancements Professionally Removed
If you’re a fan of acrylic or gel extensions, proper removal is key to preventing damage.
“You must have them removed properly by an experienced professional who will take their time and do it correctly,” Kandalec advises. “Improper removal or peeling them off can cause lasting damage that takes four to five months to grow out.”
Pro Tip: Schedule regular removal appointments and avoid DIY attempts.
7 Ways to Keep Your Long Nails Strong, Healthy, and Chip-Free
Long nails can be a stunning part of your look, but they require care and attention to stay strong, healthy, and chip-free. From moisturizing and buffing to using protective treatments and taking polish breaks, following these expert tips will keep your nails in top condition.
Remember, healthy nails are beautiful nails. By adopting these simple yet effective habits, you can enjoy long, strong, and elegant nails that make a statement every time.