What’s the Best Way to Cope With Bad Nails?

It’s a common problem among women, but if your nails are too brittle, dry, cracked, or cracked to polish, it can be very noticeable. Many of us started wearing nail polish as a teenager, and when we got older and got our first real job or apartment without being able to afford full-time manicures, that lack of care came into play.

But there are some concrete ways to fight away dry, brittle nails without sacrificing polish. We asked Chi and Debra Tan for some knowledge-based advice and tips. Read on to see what each shared!

See What You’re Doin’. If you notice that you’re licking your nails at night, go ahead and call your nail technician and schedule an appointment. Debra says that as the health of your nails gets worse, it’s best to see an expert before it gets too serious. “We can make your nails stronger, healthier, and more resilient,” she says. Pay attention to your energy levels and habits as they can trigger dry, brittle nails. During the day, take care of them as normal, but be prepared for your hands to start showing signs of cracking or chipping. To hold it in place, dip a towel into a bowl of cold water to help trap any excess oil away from your nails.

Don’t Try Cutting Your Nails. “While some people might think the short cuts like cutting nails or dripping nail polish are easy, it is more difficult than it looks,” says Chi. It’s better to simply wash and towel dry your nails each morning before bed. Once your nails begin to show signs of thinning or crack, you’ll know it’s time to plan ahead with your plan. Use Dr. Chai’s Spatula for Cuticles to smooth out your cuticles. She also recommends using a pan on the stove to heat up a warm bath or a hot shower to nourish your skin. This will kill any dead skin and leave your body with a healthy and shiny appearance.

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Use Zinc. Zinc supplements are a great way to add some minerals into your diet. They’ll keep your nails healthy as well as oil from seeping into the cracks. Don’t overload yourself, though, as this can cause carpal tunnel symptoms.

Hydrate. Much of the oil that dries out your nails can build up in your diet. Follow Chi’s wise advice to drink plenty of water to clear it out in no time.

Exfoliate. Most people have heard of the Korean beauty brand Magic and its commitment to treating your nails the right way. They, and other brands, recommend exfoliating your nails with a paste made of ingredients such as ginger, lemon juice, oil, and clay. This will keep your nails healthy and prevent unnecessary irritation. Follow Chi’s or Debra’s lead in sticking to a specific coat of polish if you’re using exfoliation because nail pain can make applying polish too painful to the point that it’s too much of a bother.

Stay Calm. If you’re uncertain about what to do next, Debra recommends keeping calm as best you can. “Your nails are designed to change over time,” she says. You may not realize it, but that can sometimes mean getting old. If you are not used to having your nails break, keep them simple and go with what works for you. And remember, your nails aren’t done with you just yet! If you think that your nails could be weaker than you thought, Schedule an appointment for a professional to check it out!