Healthy nails require more than just luck. Everyday habits can unknowingly lead to weak, brittle, or damaged nails. Whether you enjoy salon manicures or keep your nails natural, understanding how to care for them is essential for long-term health.
At Enchanted Beauty Spa in Mendota Heights, we know effective nail care reaches beyond what happens in the salon. Here are frequent mistakes that can harm your nails—and what you can do to keep them strong and beautiful.
Common Nail Mistakes and How to Prevent Them
- Biting or Picking Weakens Nail Health
Biting nails and picking at cuticles significantly harm nail structure. Biting leads to jagged edges, weakens the nails, and can introduce infection. Picking at cuticles removes your body’s natural protection against bacteria and moisture loss.
How to prevent it:
Keep nails polished or use a bitter-tasting solution if you bite. For cuticles, apply oil daily and let a professional handle trimming.
Why it matters:
Damaged nails and cuticles not only heal slowly but also affect appearance. Breaking these habits protects both your hands and your health.
- Over-Filing and Using Rough Tools
Aggressive filing or harsh tools thin nails and create weak spots. Filing back and forth can result in peeling, and metal or coarse files are too rough for delicate nails.
How to prevent it:
Choose a fine-grit file and file in a single direction. Don’t file when the nails are wet and avoid the sides, ensuring the nails stay strong.
Why it matters:
Proper filing keeps nails resilient and supports healthy growth.
- Skipping Base Coats and Moisture
Applying polish without a base coat can stain your nails, especially darker shades, and skipping cuticle oil causes dryness.
How to prevent it:
Always start with a base coat. Use cuticle oil regularly for hydration.
Why it matters:
Base coats shield against discoloration, and cuticle oil maintains flexibility and prevents splitting.
- Improper Removal of Gel, Acrylic, or Polish
Peeling off gel or acrylic treatments strips away protective layers, leaving nails thin and vulnerable.
How to prevent it:
Always use acetone to soak off gel polish or get professional removal. Use gentle polish remover for standard polish.
Why it matters:
Proper removal keeps the nail plate healthy, supporting stronger growth afterwards.
- Excessive Use of Acetone Removers
While acetone works well on tough polishes, overuse dries out both nails and cuticles, causing brittle nails.
How to prevent it:
Use acetone only when needed. For daily removal, opt for acetone-free products and hydrate nails after any removal process.
Why it matters:
Managing acetone exposure keeps nails moisturized, helping avoid breakage and splits.
The Value of Professional Nail Services
Nail technicians are trained to spot nail concerns and protect the natural nail through proper techniques. Professional service means gentle shaping, careful cuticle care, hydrating treatments, safe polish application, and the right removal practices.
Professional manicures offer more than cosmetic benefits—they play a key role in maintaining nail strength and resilience.
Care Heals, Not Covers Up
Using extra coatings or extensions on damaged nails can make issues worse. Nail health relies on addressing the cause of damage, allowing nails time to recover, and following best care practices. Our team supports healing with effective routines and services designed for recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What leads to nail damage?
Frequent causes are biting, exposing nails to chemicals, excessive filing, improper polish removal, dehydration, using nails as tools, nutritional issues, and certain health conditions.
- How do I prevent breakage and peeling?
Hydrate regularly, avoid harsh products, file gently, use a base coat, and let professionals handle removal. Trim nails often and don’t use them as tools.
- Are gel manicures harmful?
Gel work is safe when applied and removed with care. Damage happens if gel is peeled off or nails are over-filed. Professional techniques prevent harm to natural nails.
Protect and Strengthen Your Nails
The key to beautiful nails is prevention. Experience professional care that maintains strength, resilience, and natural shine.
📞 Call to book: (651) 372-1335
📍 Location: 772 N Plaza Dr, Mendota Heights, MN 55120
Healthy nails are always the focus at Enchanted Beauty Spa in Mendota Heights.