We’ve all been there. When you grow out your nails, only for one to snap, right before a big event. It’s worse than a bad hair day.

But don’t worry, long, strong nails aren’t magic. They just need consistency, patience, and the right care. 

Whether your nails are brittle, peeling, or refusing to grow, these simple tips will help

Applying Cuticle oil

Stop Using Your Nails as Tools. 

Prying open soda cans, scratching off price tags, typing aggressively we see you, keyboard warriors but please take it easy on those nails. 

You can strive to keep a mini multitool (or even a spoon!) nearby to save your nails from unnecessary stress.  

And it doesn’t take much to keep them moisturized. Yes, really! Dry nails equal weak nails. 

Your holy grail products are the simplest nail care items you can think of: 

Cuticle oil, you can apply this daily if you have the time, but of course you should find time if you want healthy nails.

Hand cream, just make sure to slather it on after washing your hands, there should be no trace of dryness.

Another pro tip you should buy into is rubbing  oil on your nails before bed, it’s like a deep-conditioning treatment while you sleep.  

Healthy nails

File Them the Right Way.

Shape matters a lot when filing your nails,  

always file in one direction, no sawing back and forth it causes splits. 

You can also try to opt for rounded or square shapes, pointy tips will always break faster than you imagine. 

Trust me, using a glass or fine-grit file or cheap emery boards can rough up your nails.  

The food you eat also has something to do with how well your nail grows, eat nail-friendly foods, 

Biotin-rich: Eggs, almonds, sweet potatoes. Protein-packed: Beans, fish, lean meat. Hydration heroes: Water, cucumbers, watermelon. 

If your nails are super weak, you can consider a biotin supplement, but please  check with your doctor first!   

Skip the use of harsh polish removers like Acetone, it dries out nails. You can Look for Acetone-free removers or you can try the soaking methods of warm water + olive oil. Also learn to give your nails a “break week” between polishes to let them breathe.  

Perfect nails

Stop Biting Your Nails! 

Biting your nails doesn’t directly stop their growth, but it can damage the nail bed and surrounding skin, which may indirectly affect nail health and appearance, so if that is a regular habit, you need to drop it. 

Know that you can also fake it till you make, 

if your nails still won’t cooperate after all that hardwork, just know it takes time so you can always try press-ons, modern ones look super natural. 

Use a strengthening base coat like OPI Nail Envy. Confession time: Even some celebrities use tricks like these, so no shame at all!

Final Tip: Be Patient! 

Nails grow 3mm/month, so don’t expect miracles overnight. Stick with these habits, and you’ll see progress! Now over to you, what is  your biggest nail struggle? Peeling? Breaking? Share in the comments below and let’s troubleshoot together!  

The quest for long-lasting nail polish has long been a holy grail for beauty enthusiasts. With the constant struggle of chipping, fading, and cracking, achieving a flawless finish that lasts for weeks seems like an impossible feat. However, by understanding the science behind nail polish and incorporating expert techniques, secret ingredients, and careful preparation, anyone can unlock the secret to long-lasting nail polish.

Dark-red-Nail-Polish

First and foremost, it is essential to comprehend the composition of nail polish. A typical polish consists of solvents, resins, plasticizers, and pigments. Solvents evaporate quickly, leaving behind a film of resin and pigment. However, this film can be prone to chipping and cracking. To combat this, a balanced blend of solvents, resins, and plasticizers is crucial.

Before applying polish, preparation is key. Cleaning and shaping the nail ensures a strong bond between the nail and polish. A good base coat creates a smooth surface for polish adhesion, preventing staining and promoting even application. Conversely, a top coat seals the polish, protecting it from moisture and friction.

Grey-blue-nail-polish

One of the primary enemies of long-lasting nail polish is moisture. Water and humidity weaken the polish, causing it to lift off the nail. To counter this, applying thin coats and allowing each coat to dry completely before adding the next is vital. This prevents pooling and promotes even drying.

Another critical factor is nail health. Nourishing the nails and cuticles with hydrating oils like argan or jojoba promotes healthy growth and prevents dryness and brittleness. Nail strengtheners containing keratin, calcium, or vitamins fortify the nails, providing a strong foundation for polish.

A pink colour blended acrylic nails

In addition to these techniques, incorporating secret ingredients can significantly extend the life of nail polish. Gel or dip powder polish offers an alternative to traditional polish, providing a long-lasting finish. Nail oils and strengtheners can be applied between polish applications to maintain nail health.

To achieve optimal results, careful consideration should be given to the polish formula. A balanced blend of solvents, resins, and plasticizers ensures a strong, chip-resistant finish. Avoiding polish in direct sunlight or high humidity and storing polish in a cool, dry place also prolongs its lifespan.

Read also: Top 10 nail polish brands in the world

In conclusion, the secret to long-lasting nail polish lies in understanding the science behind polish composition, careful preparation, expert techniques, and incorporating secret ingredients. By applying thin coats, nourishing nail health, and using a balanced polish formula, anyone can achieve a flawless, chip-resistant finish that lasts.