Find out 5 simple ways to strengthen your nails.
Are you nails dry, brittle, weak, and worn down? Try out these 5 simple things to do and things to NOT do to make sure your nails are as healthy as possible!

1. Avoid gel or acrylic nails
It’s no secret that gel and acrylics are bad for you nails. “The manicure process can lead to dehydration and thinning of the nail plate,” says North Carolina-based dermatologist Dr. Chris Adigun.
But getting a chic mani might actually be dangerous for your health. Prolonged exposure to UV and UVA lights can result in skin damage, and even cancer. In the last decade there have been many cases of women with skin cancer just on “The UV dose that you receive during a gel manicure is brief, but it’s intense,” Dr. Adigun said in the study. “Over time, this intense exposure can add up to cause skin damage.”
If you’re in the vicious cycle of gel or acrylic nails, there is hope. Read on to find out how you can nurse your nails back to health!
2. Trim often
Long nails get weak, brittle, and prone to peeling and breakage. Long nails are more likely to break—and usually at that just short enough that it’s excruciatingly painful. We’ve all been there. Go ahead and beat the inevitable and just trim them.

3. Take supplements
Feed your nails some essential vitamins to help them stay healthy and strong. Folic acid, collagen, and biotin are great for nail health. Try out Ideal Collagen to boost the health of your skin, nails, and joints! It’s a win-win-win.
4. Use a cuticle oil
Healthy cuticles are important for healthy nail growth. It’s like soil. Flowers can’t grow in unhealthy soil! It is so important to make sure that your nailbeds and cuticles are healthy and strong. Try not to trim the extra skin that peels off around your nails—prevent it by using a cuticle oil!

5. Stop treating your nails as tools
Ever cut your nails and then suddenly feel like you can’t do anything? That’s because you’ve been using your nails as tools. “I suggest taking the time to open cans, jars, boxes, etc., with scissors or a tool,” beauty expert Katie June Hughes said. “You will save your manicure if you do!”
Try not to use your nails. You won’t just save your manicure, but you’ll actually help your nails stay healthy and strong as well.
Try it out
Try out these 5 ways to strengthen your nails! You’ll be surprised at how rough you’ve been treating them all these years.