While there may be a ton of jokes about the experience, breaking a nail is anything but funny. It's painful, causes sensitivity, and in some cases is fairly unsightly. That's why we reached out to Kiss Brand Ambassador and celebrity manicurist Gina Edwards [1], to find out how we can keep our tips in top shape [2] so we don't have to suffer through another traumatic ordeal. Lucky for us, Edwards gave us some professional recommendations so we can improve our nail health.
Stop Using Your Nails as Tools and Keep Them Dry
One sure way to keep your nails healthy is to stop using them to open every bottle and peel off every label. "Try not to use your nails as a basis for opening containers, or lifting," Edwards explains. She also suggests keeping your nails dry, because "excessive water softens the nails and the layers of your nails are susceptible to bend easier."
Eat a Balanced Diet
Your nails need proper nutrition to stay strong and prevent breakage. "Eating foods loaded with calcium, such as broccoli or spinach, is great," says Edwards.
Use a Nail Wrap or Tea Bag to Fix Broken Nails
When your nail does break, don't freak out. Take a silk nail wrap, or small square of tea bag, and apply it over the break with nail glue. "This acts as a barrier to protect your nail as it grows out," explains Edwards. You can follow up the nail bandage with some polish to hide the damage.
Apply a Nail Strengthener
Using a nail strengthener like NailTek Intensive Therapy 2 [4] ($9) will ensure you reinforce your nail health.
Cover Your Tips
If your nails have been tortured by gel manicures or acrylics, consider giving them a break by applying a press-on manicure like Kiss Impress Nails in So So Stellar [5] ($9) that will give you a similar effect without damage.