We all have bad nail habits. Even me, friends. My nails look pretty good most of the time, but I’m definitely not perfect. And some of the things we do to our nails without thinking can leave them weaker, drier, or more prone to peeling and breaking.
Here are four common nail habits to break and what you can do instead.
1. Picking or Peeling Your Polish
I am always going to talk about this one when we’re discussing things that are terrible for your nails.
Picking or peeling your polish instead of removing it properly can damage the surface of your natural nails. When you peel off polish, you can take some of the top layers of the nail with it. Over time, that can leave your nails thinner, weaker, and more prone to peeling.
Stop it:
If you tend to pick at your nails when your polish starts to chip, keep nail polish remover wipes handy so you can remove it instead. They’re small, inexpensive, and easy to throw in your purse.
For me, picking usually happens when I’m stressed or bored, not necessarily because my polish is chipping. I try to keep my nails looking nice so I’m less likely to mess up my mani. If you’re crafty & need something to keep your hands busy, try knitting, crocheting, or anything else that gives your hands something to do besides pick at your nails. If you have a trick that works for you, I’d love to hear it!
2. Not Eating Well
Your nails are affected by your overall health and the things you eat. In general, the better your overall diet, the better your nails, skin and hair will look. That doesn’t mean you have to eat perfectly or give up anything. If you want cake, eat cake. Just don’t make cake the only thing you’re eating 24/7/365.
Your nails need nutrients to grow, and not getting enough of certain nutrients can contribute to nail changes. Staying hydrated is important for your overall health, too. See more about this in my how to heal damaged nails post.
Fix it:
Focus on eating a variety of foods that support your overall health, including foods that provide protein, vitamins, and minerals. This doesn’t mean jump on whatever diet the internet says is “best” this week. The goal is giving your body the nutrition it needs while still eating foods you actually enjoy.
If you’re concerned about a possible vitamin or nutrient deficiency or you’re noticing significant changes in your nails, hair, or skin – talk to your healthcare professional. Don’t just start taking a bunch of supplements because the internet told you to.
3. Leaving Your Nails Unprotected
Your nails go through a lot during the day. Cleaning products, hand washing, household chores, and everyday wear and tear can all take a toll, especially when your nails are bare. All of these can contribute to dry, brittle, or weaker nails.
Stop it:
Protect your hands when you can. Wear gloves when cleaning or washing dishes, especially if your hands are going to be in water or exposed to cleaning products for a while.
I also like keeping my nails covered with polish or nail strips. Even a clear coat can provide an extra layer of protection from everyday wear.
And when you polish your nails, don’t forget to wrap the free edge. In other words, swipe a little product across the tip of the nail. It can help reduce premature tip wear and give the edge of your nail a little extra protection. If you’re using nail strips, just fold the strip over the edge of your nail a little bit, then tear away the excess underneath your nail & skip the file.
4. Ignoring Dry Skin
This one isn’t exactly a nail habit, but dry, cracked hands can definitely make your manicure look less than fabulous.
More importantly, cracked skin can be uncomfortable and may leave your hands more vulnerable to irritation and infection.
Fix it:
Moisturize your hands regularly.
I like using cuticle oil around my nails and following it with hand lotion or cream. The oil helps condition the skin around the nails, while the lotion helps keep your hands from drying out. I work with a lot of paper at my day job, and paper is incredibly drying. One of my habits is applying cuticle oil when I get to work and then “sealing” it in with hand lotion.
At the very least, make cuticle oil and hand cream part of your nighttime routine. Your hands and nails will thank you.
Small Changes, Better Nails
You don’t have to completely overhaul your nail routine to take better care of your nails.
Stop picking. Eat a variety of nutritious foods. Protect your nails from excessive water and cleaning products. And keep your hands and the skin around your nails conditioned. None of these things are complicated, but doing them consistently can help keep your nails looking and feeling their best.
Last updated: August 2026
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