Popsugar Beauty Nails How to Keep Your Nails From Breaking How to Keep Your Nails From Breaking, According to a Manicurist 17 October 2018 by Sarah Siegel Image Source: Popsugar Photography / Emily Faulstitch As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work. 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, to find out how we can keep our tips in top shape 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. Related: The Easy Mistake That's Ruining Your At-Home Gel Manicure Stop Using Your Nails as Tools and Keep Them Dry Image Source: Popsugar Photographer / Mark Popovich 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 Image Source: Popsugar Photography / Cera Hensley 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 Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Mark Popovich 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 Image Source: Popsugar Photography / Emily Faulstitch Using a nail strengthener like NailTek Intensive Therapy 2 ($9) will ensure you reinforce your nail health. NailTek Intensive Therapy 2 $9 from amazon.com Buy Now Cover Your Tips Image Source: Popsugar Photography / Emily Faulstitch 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 ($9) that will give you a similar effect without damage. Kiss Impress Nails in So So Stellar $9 from amazon.com Buy Now NailsShop TeamBeauty How-ToBeauty InterviewManicureBeauty Tips