3 Essential Tips to Prevent Nail Breakage

Nails that are deprived of hydration and moisture will never be healthy, so the first step Dr. Aanand Geria advises us to follow is to keep them moisturized just like you keep your skin and hair moisturized. “To help restore hydration, use a cuticle oil that features jojoba or vitamin E,” he shares exclusively with Glam. “For stronger, healthier nails, hydration and nourishment are key.”

There are several great cuticle oils on the market, but Dr. Geria recommends the CND SolarOil for keeping the nails and cuticles moisturized. If your nails are severely peeling or weak, he suggests the Nailtiques Formula 2. You’ll also want to add in a hydrating hand cream for extra moisture — Dr. Geria likes the Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream. “When combined with proper nail care habits, these products can help keep your nails strong, hydrated, and far less prone to breakage,” he says. Along with hydrating your nails, using a hand cream is one of the best ways to combat dry skin on your hands, so it’s worth the investment. If you need more recommendations, check out or list of top lotions to keep your hands moisturized and crack-free, based on Amazon reviews. 

Keeping your nails moisturized is only half the battle. Since so much nail damage comes from external sources, it’s also important to protect them from all that stress. “Protect your nails from too much water by wearing gloves when cleaning or washing dishes,” Dr. Aanand Geria tells us in our exclusive chat. “Limit harsh nail polish removers, especially those with acetone. Take breaks from gel manicures to prevent more damage.” The manicure trend known as “nail cycling” keeps your nails healthy by following the same logic; taking regular breathers from harsher manicures can help you avoid a buildup of damage.

Protecting your nails from stress is key, but you’ll also want to strengthen them from the inside out. Dr. Aanand Geria points out that substantial amounts of protein, iron, and biotin are vital for healthy nail growth, whether they come from your diet or from supplements. In terms of nail-strengthening supplements, Dr. Geria recommends Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides, which can strengthen them over time. However, before taking any supplements, be sure to have a doctor look over your bloodwork and find out what you may be lacking in; getting more vitamins and minerals than you need can actually be harmful, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, gastrointestinal problems, hair loss, and even nerve damage.