Here’s exactly how to keep them strong and healthy
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As manicure trends evolve with new lacquers, changing shapes , and viral techniques , beauty lovers often compromise nail health for aesthetics. While many nail formulas have improved over the years to prioritize strength, uniformity, and finish, experts say incremental habits—from lifestyle shifts to resisting the urge to peel off chipped polish—can ultimately play the biggest role in keeping your nails in excellent condition.
“The future of manicures isn’t just about the latest color trends or how long your gel polish lasts, but how well we care for the nails underneath,” Krisztina van der Boom, founder of DryBy , previously told Harper’s Bazaar . Hand, foot, and nail expert Margaret Dabbs agrees, urging nail enthusiasts to “Adopt a dedicated nail care routine and stick to it.” But what does an effective routine actually look like? Along with keeping your nails clean and hydrated with an emollient moisturizer, like Caudalíe’s Vinotherapist Hand and Nail Cream , professionals suggest keeping a cuticle oil, such as Dior’s Huile Abricot , in your bag for quick touch-ups.
“Cuticle oil is the one product I would never skip,” says Peach Bling founder Sandra Wei. “Look for a formula with jojoba oil, which has small enough molecules to absorb into the nail and surrounding skin.” Wei encourages her clients to apply it daily, ideally before bed, and to treat it as a small ritual. “A rich hand cream and gloves for dishwashing and cleaning also make a real difference,” continues Wei, “since water and harsh detergents are among the most common causes of dry, weak nails.” Maintaining nail and cuticle hydration is also key for mature nails, as they tend to grow more slowly and hold less moisture as we age, which can contribute to brittleness and vertical ridges.
Professionals have debated whether it’s safe to trim your cuticles , since cuticles guard nail beds against bacteria and infection; that's why they often advise pushing them back instead of removing them entirely. “As long as you're not cutting any live skin and damaging your cuticles, gently pushing them back and buffing away excess skin will actually help improve the health and the appearance of your cuticles and will help make your manicure last as long as possible while looking salon-quality,” says Olivia Van Iderstine, vice president of education and manicure trend expert at Olive & June. Prep your fingertips with cuticle oil or a soak in warm, soapy water before a manicure, then use a disposable orangewood stick or stainless steel pusher, such as JinSoon’s HyperCare Cuticle Pusher + Reducer , to improve polish cohesion and create an elongated nail look.
Consistent, gentle filing can also keep nails strong, regardless of your shape preference , because a smooth surface guards against unwanted splits, rips, and tears that can cause long-term damage. While there’s nothing wrong with a budget-friendly emery board, professionals say investing in the right tools provides the right resistance without compromising your nails' integrity. Dabbs is a fan of crystal nail files because they can help prevent micro-splits that lead to peeling and breakage, though the best results depend on not overfiling.
And if you usually opt for gel polish manicures, they don’t have to be a deal breaker for nail health. Several o…