Here, the best tips we’ve ever received: If you’re looking for a new cuticle oil, here are a few of our favorites. Well specifically, your nails consist of the protein keratin (like your hair), so it’s important to make sure you’re getting your fill of keratin-building amino acids. Two of the most popular ways to do so (and widely studied, we might add) are biotin and collagen supplements, as they tend to be the most effective in supporting nail health.* First up: Biotin has been shown to support thickness and firmness of nails1 in several human studies.* One study, in particular, found that those who took biotin supplements had 25% thicker2 nailbeds than the placebo group.* In terms of collagen, another study showed that when patients took collagen daily for 24 weeks, their nail health was better maintained3, including faster growth rates, reduced breakage, and improved appearance.* “Not only are acrylic and dip powder nails full of potentially nail-harming ingredients, but the process and wear can be very damaging to your nailbeds, and if done improperly can even lead to infection,” says organic manicurist Eunice Montes-Hamaguchi. And if you do have gels, dips, or acrylics, don’t (we repeat: don’t) peel or pick them off, as this can only harm your nails more—you can actually rip off pieces of the nail plate along with the polish. The thought alone makes my fingertips ache. Instead, use this step-by-step guide to remove your faux nails. The first is to cover them with a physical barrier, like a Band-Aid. “If something is covered, then it’s hard to access, and when you try to get to them but can’t, that’s enough time for you to think, Oh, I shouldn’t be doing this,” says Amy Wechsler, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and psychiatrist. “Sometimes my patients will be walking around with lots of Band-Aids, but it’s the only way to heal things.” If that seems extreme, you can practice mindfulness. Simply notice when an urge is coming on, acknowledge it, and find a way to pull yourself out of the feeling—like stretching or going for a quick walk. We are partial to Rooted Woman’s soy- and herb-based Nail Polish Remover as well as The Sign Tribe’s cream Remove And Chill Nail Enamel Remover. Also: It will protect your nails from any harsh ingredients. You might have swapped your acetone polish remover, sure, but think about other ways your nails are exposed to chemicals on the daily. For example, if you have traditional dish soap in your kitchen. (And even some natural-leaning dish soaps can have drying ingredients, like vinegar or lemon.) “It might be a small step, but over time you’ll notice the difference in your health and the appearance of your nails,” says Lin. Regularly clean under the nail, keep them trimmed and filed (check out our DIY mani guide on best practices), and hydrate the skin around it. “It’s important to care for the entire nail area so that your nails stay healthy in general,” says board-certified dermatologist Keira Barr, M.D. Skip all that and learn to fix it: Yes, you can salvage a break and keep on track with your nail goals—and here are three easy ways to do so.
