How to Stop Nails from Breaking

Last Updated: August 10, 2021 References

Breaking a nail is frustrating, but nails that break often can be even more annoying. You may be tired of having to trim down all of your nails to match the length of the broken one. However, there are some things that you can do to protect your nails from damage and encourage healthy growth. With time, you may be able to strengthen your nails and have fewer broken nails to worry about.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Protecting Your Nails from Damage

1
Keep your nails trimmed. Keeping your nails trimmed down may be a good solution if your nails keep breaking. You don't have to stop wearing your nails long, but wearing your nails a little shorter might help. Try trimming your nails a centimeter or two shorter than you normally would.
- Clip your nails when they are soft, such as after taking a shower or bath.^{[1]
  X
  Research source} Nails are more prone to breaking when they are dry.
- You can also try soaking your fingertips in warm water for a few minutes before you trim them.
2
File the edges so they won't catch on anything. Rough edges on your nails may snag on your clothes and this can cause a nail to break.^{[2]
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Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source} To prevent your nails from catching on your clothing or something else, try to keep the tips of your nails smooth.^{[3]
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- File your nails once or twice per week, as well as any time your nails appear rough along the edges.
- File your nails in one direction.^{[4]
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  Research source} Do not use a back and forth motion because this can weaken your nails. Just use quick strokes and move the file in one direction.
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3
Use tools. One of the reasons why some people experience a lot of broken nails is because they use their nails in place of tools. If you tend to do this, then you can reduce nail breaks by using proper tools instead of using your nails. Avoid using your nails to scrape things, open things, and do other things that you might do with a tool.^{[5]
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- For example, don't use your nails to open packages. Get a pair of scissors and cut them open.
- Or, if you notice that something is stuck to your desk, don't use your nails to scrape it off. Use a stiff metal object, like a paint scraper instead.
- Always try to avoid putting stress on your nails.^{[6]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Lindsay Yoshitomi
  Nail Artist
  Expert Interview. 12 July 2019.}
4
Wear gloves. Doing household chores can sometimes cause a broken nail because of all of the water and chemicals that you might be exposing your nails to. Protect your nails by wearing a pair of latex or vinyl gloves whenever you are doing chores.^{[7]
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- For example, make sure that you wear gloves when you wash dishes or clean the bathtub.
- You can also wear gloves any time your nails might get in the way or snag on something, such as when you are folding laundry.
5
Apply a base coat. If your nails are prone to breaking, then applying a base coat may offer some protection. Apply a layer or two of a clear base coat to protect your nails from breaking.^{[8]
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- Skip nail hardeners. These products can dry out your nails, which may cause them to break more easily. A standard, clear base coat is fine.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Keeping Your Nails Healthy

1
Apply lotion often. Keeping your hands and nails moisturized may also help to protect your nails from breaking. Try to apply lotion after you wash your hands as well as any time they feel a little dry.^{[10]
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- Keep a bottle of hand lotion with you at all times, such as in your purse or on your desk.
- You can buy nail and cuticle oil designed specifically to keep your nails and skin hydrated and strong.^{[11]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Lindsay Yoshitomi
  Nail Artist
  Expert Interview. 12 July 2019.}
2
Use an acetone-free nail polish remover. Nail polish remover can damage your nails and make them more prone to breaking. To keep your nails healthy and strong, try switching to a conditioning, acetone-free nail polish remover.^{[12]
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- It is also a good idea to limit how often you use nail polish remover. Use nail polish remover no more than once per week to help prevent damage to your nails.^{[13]
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3
Leave your cuticles alone. It is common practice to clip cuticles. However, clipping your cuticles can put you at risk of developing an infection in your fingernails. To keep your nails healthy, avoid clipping your cuticles.^{[14]
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- Try soaking your fingertips in warm water for about five minutes and then use an orange tipped cuticle pusher to gently push back your cuticles. This will help to make your nail beds look more attractive while also protecting your nails.
- You can also apply a cuticle cream to help keep your nails healthy.
4
Avoid biting your nails. Biting your nails can also introduce infection causing bacteria into the nail bed, so it is important to do what you can to quit biting your nails.^{[16]
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Research source}Some things you can do to stop biting your nails include:^{[17]
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Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- Applying a bitter tasting nail polish.
- Keeping your nails trimmed down.
- Finding something else to do with your hands, such as knitting or playing with a stress ball.
- Getting a manicure once per month.
5
Let your nails breathe. Constantly wearing nail polish or acrylic nails can weaken your natural nails and make them more prone to breaking. To keep your nails healthy, try to let them breathe for at least a few days once every two to three months.^{[18]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- While you are letting your nails breathe, try applying a rich moisturizer to your hands and nails often to keep them looking healthy and glossy. It will also help to restore some of the moisture that your nails have lost from wearing nail polish.^{[19]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  American Academy of Dermatology
  Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
  Go to source}
6
See a dermatologist if your nails keep breaking. If your nails are constantly splitting and breaking no matter what you do, then it might be necessary to see a dermatologist. You may have an underlying problem that is causing this to happen. A dermatologist may be able to identify and treat the problem.

Expert Q&A
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Question

How can I have long, healthy nails?

Lindsay Yoshitomi
Nail Artist
Lindsay Yoshitomi is the nail artist behind the blog, Lacquered Lawyer. She was featured as one of Nail It! magazine’s “Bloggers You Should Know,” and has been on the cover of Nail Art Gallery Magazine. She has been practicing nail art for over 15 years.

Lindsay Yoshitomi

Nail Artist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Avoid putting stress on your nails as much as possible so they don't break. Also, don't pick gel polish off of your nails since it removes some of the top layers of your nails and makes them weaker. Invest in a nail and cuticle oil and apply it to your nails and surrounding skin regularly to keep them hydrated and strong.