Five Ways to Keep Your Nails Healthy and Strong

Healthy nails require daily attention and avoiding habits that can lead to weakness or damage. From those who maintain regular manicures to those who keep their nails natural, proper care habits have a significant impact on nail appearance and strength.

At Amour Nails & Spa in Wilmington, we understand that nail care is an ongoing commitment. Here are five common mistakes that can harm your nails—and simple ways to help prevent them, so your nails stay beautiful and healthy.

Common Mistakes That Lead to Nail Damage (and How to Prevent Them)

1. Biting or Picking Damages Nail Health

Biting your nails or picking at your cuticles weakens the nail itself and increases infection risks. These behaviors disrupt the natural barrier that shields nails and surrounding skin.

To prevent this: Try applying nail polish or use a deterrent treatment with a bitter taste. Consistently apply cuticle oil and allow professionals to trim your cuticles at the salon.

Why this matters: Damaged nails and cuticles heal slowly, leaving hands less attractive. Stopping these habits keeps nails healthier.

2. Excessive Filing or Using Rough Tools

Using coarse nail files or filing nails too aggressively can thin them and cause splintering. Filing with a sawing motion often results in splits or peeling.

To avoid this: Always use a fine-grit file and move in one direction only. Avoid over-filing into nail edges and only file dry nails to prevent weakening.

Why this matters: Gentle filing preserves the nail plate’s integrity and supports stronger growth.

3. Not Using Base Coats or Cuticle Oil

Skipping a base coat leads to staining, and lack of cuticle oil causes dryness. Both can result in nails that peel or chip easily.

To avoid this: Start each manicure with a base coat and moisturize daily with cuticle oil.

Why this matters: Base coats protect from discoloration and help polish last. Cuticle oil prevents brittle or cracking nails.

4. Peeling Off Gel or Acrylic Layers

Pulling off gel polish or artificial nails strips layers from the natural nail, making them weak and thin.

To avoid this: Always soak off gels with acetone or seek professional removal. For traditional polish, use gentle remover rather than excessive force.

Why this matters: Careful removal maintains the health of the nail plate.

5. Excessive Use of Acetone Removers

Frequent use of acetone for polish removal dries out nails and cuticles, resulting in brittle nails.

To avoid this: Reserve acetone for gel polish only, and opt for acetone-free removers when possible. Always moisturize after any remover is used.

Why this matters: Minimizing acetone exposure prevents excessive dryness and helps keep nails resilient.

The Importance of Professional Nail Care

Nail technicians are trained to identify damage and use techniques that protect natural nails. Professional practices—from correct filing and shaping to hydration treatments—support long-term nail strength and appearance. Routine salon visits help ensure your nails remain strong and well-maintained.

Repairs Start with Proper Nail Care

Masking damaged nails with polish or enhancements may worsen problems long term. True recovery involves taking breaks, applying strengthening treatments, and following good care routines. Our salon supports proper healing and provides services geared toward the long-term health of your nails.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What leads to damaged nails?

Damage can come from habits like biting, exposure to harsh chemicals, over-filing, improper removal techniques, lack of moisture, or using your nails as tools. Health and nutrition also play a role.

2. How can breakage or peeling be prevented?

Hydrating with cuticle oil, avoiding strong chemicals, gentle filing, using a base coat, and choosing professional removal methods all help. Trim nails often and avoid using them as tools.

3. Are gel nails harmful to natural nails?

When applied and removed correctly, gels do not harm natural nails. Damage most often occurs when gels are peeled off or when nails are excessively filed. Professional application and gentle removal are best for nail health.

Book Your Nail Care Appointment

Taking steps to protect your nails can help improve strength and appearance over time. Trust our team for expert care and recommendations to support your nail health.

📞 Call to book: (910) 790-3773
📍 Location: 5120 College Rd #119, Wilmington, NC 28412

For beautiful, healthy nails year-round, choose Amour Nails & Spa.