10 nail care mistakes that cause nails to break, peel, and stop growing

Beautiful, strong, and well-groomed nails are not just about aesthetics—they are a sign of your overall health. However, sometimes we unintentionally harm them without even realizing it. If your nails break, peel, or grow too slowly, chances are you’re making one of the common mistakes. Check your habits and stop doing them to restore your nails’ strength and beauty.

1. Working with chemicals without gloves

Chemical cleaning products can negatively affect the condition of your nails: they can cause splitting, dryness, and brittleness. For example, the composition of dishwashing gel, which can dissolve even old grease on a pan, acts on nails in a similarly destructive way. Therefore, if you want to keep your nails healthy and strong, always use rubber gloves when cleaning or when handling any household chemicals.

2. Using a metal nail file

Yes, metal nail files are indeed durable and last much longer than soft ones. However, they also have a downside—they can damage the nail plate and cause splitting. Therefore, it’s better to avoid metal files and opt for glass ones, which are gentler on the nails.

3. Picking or biting hangnails

Do not use your teeth to trim anything on your nails—it can damage the nail plate and lead to inflammation. Instead, carefully use nail clippers or cuticle nippers to remove excess skin, then disinfect the area. This approach will help prevent serious problems in the future.

4. Cutting nails with scissors

One of the reasons nails can split is cutting them with scissors. Believe it or not, it is almost impossible to cut nails perfectly straight with regular scissors. So, what else can you use to trim them? There is a solution — use nail clippers. Professional manicurists do exactly this to keep nails healthy and prevent splitting.

5. Removing gel polish with a metal stick

If you remove gel polish at home, do not use a metal stick — it will likely damage your nail plate. Instead, it’s better to use an orange stick: it is soft and safe for your nails.

6. Incorrect nail filing

Filing “back and forth” weakens the nail plate and can cause it to split. The file should be moved in one direction to shape the nail as desired, without pressing too hard. At the end, gently run the file from top to bottom along the tip to “seal” it and strengthen the edges.

7. Excessive cuticle trimming

We do not recommend cutting the cuticle. But if you do, try not to remove too much — otherwise, it will grow back even faster, which is not your goal. In addition, cutting or damaging the nail growth area can provoke nail plate deformation. The ideal solution is to use a remover: it gently softens the cuticle. After that, you can carefully push it back with an orange stick, and gently remove any protruding hardened skin with cuticle nippers.

8. Not leaving nails in the gel polish remover long enough

The main thing to remember is that nails peel not because of the gel polish itself, but due to improper removal. If you remove the coating yourself, make sure the special remover has been left on long enough. Gel polish should come off easily, without any force — only this way will you keep your nail plate healthy and avoid having to file the coating off from the top.

9. Nail Buffing

Special buffing files can give nails a shine even without polish. But have you ever wondered how this effect is achieved? First, the coarse side removes the top layer of the nail plate, and then the soft surface brings it to a mirror-like shine. The result may seem flawless at first — nails become smooth and glossy. However, this procedure has a downside: with each buffing, nails become thinner, lose strength, and become more susceptible to damage.

10. Applying Nail Polish Without a Base

If you paint your nails at home, using a base coat is an essential step. It not only extends the longevity of your manicure but also protects the nail plate from the aggressive components in the polish. Without a base coat, your nails quickly lose their healthy appearance and may become yellow, so this step should not be skipped.

Published: 12.09.2025 09:57 Times Read: 69

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