How to Get Your Healthiest, Strongest Nails Yet, According to Experts

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This year has brought many new and exciting nail looks and trends. From modern gel formulas like Japanese and builder formulas to revamps of classic designs , there are myriad ways to experiment with manicures. No matter how you choose to wear your nails (even if you prefer to go bare), it's important to care for your nail health.

Does Aging Affect the Nails?

The short answer is yes, but it is completely natural, and nail aging looks different on everyone. "Just like our skin and hair, our nails can naturally change as we age," says Giorgia Capella, head of product and education at The GelBottle. "

You may notice that nails become more brittle, thinner, or prone to splitting and peeling, while some people experience increased ridging or a change in texture," she adds. "Nail growth can also slow down over time. These changes are completely normal, but they can mean our nails need a little more care and protection as we get older."

Margaret Dabbs , hand, foot, and nail expert, adds that "collagen production naturally decreases [with age], which affects the strength and resilience of the nail plate."

Hormonal changes also play a role. "[The time around] menopause can accelerate these changes significantly, as reduced estrogen levels affect both moisture levels and the overall integrity of the nail," Dabbs shares.

How to Maintain Healthy Nails

Small, everyday things do add up and make a difference. It seems obvious, but Capella suggests keeping nails at a comfortable length for you, filing away any snags, avoiding using nails as tools, and protecting your hands from prolonged exposure to water and harsh cleaning products.

Both experts agree that hydration is also key. "Adopt a dedicated nail care routine and stick to it," Dabbs says. "I always recommend our Nourishing Nail and Cuticle Serum Pen , applied little by little and often throughout the day. Keep one on your desk, one in your handbag, and one by your bed. The cuticles in particular need consistent nourishment as we age, as dry, neglected cuticles compromise the nail's ability to grow back healthy and strong." She's also a fan of crystal nail files because they can help prevent micro-splits that lead to peeling and breakage—though results depend on not overfiling the nails.

"If your nails are naturally brittle or prone to breaking, I'm a big believer in giving them additional support," Capella says. " HypoFix+ from The GelBottle Inc . is a fantastic two-step option for brittle nails, helping to support the natural nail at your nail appointment, while maintaining a beautiful, healthy-looking finish."

How to Keep Nails Healthy Through Salon Appointments

Experts wax poetic about never peeling off your gel polish at home, no matter your age, but especially for older hands. "Peeling or scraping off gel at home is one of the most damaging things you can do to an aging nail," says Dabbs. Always have it applied and removed professionally, and avoid aggressively filing or buffing the nail plate, as it can thin and damage it. If you remove your gels at home, follow the correct protocols and take extra time to gently file them off.

If nail strength is an issue, Capella recommends exploring BIAB or builder gel. "It provides a much stronger, longer-lasting base than a traditional gel manicure and can be worn beautifully on its own, or used as a base for gel color and nail art, depending on your individual style," she tells Bazaar.

Do You Need to Take a Break From Gels?

Nails are made from keratin, not living cells. They absorb nutrients from the blood supply, so as long as you remove the gels gently and correctly, you don't need to skip your next appointment. That said, if your natural nails have been damaged or weren't treated well during gel application and removal, a mini break can help repair and restore their health before your next round of gels.

Should You Take a Supplement for Nails?

There are now pills and powders for all your nail woes, but before you reach for one, speak with a doctor or professional. "There can be lots of different reasons for changes in nail health, so it's important not to assume that a supplement is the answer," Capella shares. "A balanced diet, good nail care, and a professional manicure routine are all great places to start, while any concerns or persistent changes should be discussed with your primary care doctor or another qualified health care professional."

Margaret Dabbs London Nourishing Nail & Cuticle Serum Pen

LONDONTOWN Hand Care Restorative Nail Cream

Tweezerman Glass Nail File

L'Occitane Strengthening Shea Nail and Cuticle Oil

Hermès Les Mains Hermes Nail & Cuticle

While vitamins and supplements are usually targeted treatments, it's worth knowing which nutrients are proven to improve nail health most. "Biotin supports keratin infrastructure and is one of the most well-researched supplements for brittle nails, and zinc plays a key role in nail cell regeneration," shares Dabbs, who notes that iron deficiency is a common and often overlooked cause of weak, ridged nails. Collagen is key, too, and I've personally seen real improvements to the nails after adding collagen to my morning coffee. "It supports the strength and flexibility of the nail plate," Dabbs adds. "Staying well hydrated is also essential, as dehydration affects the nails just as visibly as it affects the skin."

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