Nail Care Mistakes You Might Be Making at Home

Listen up. Taking care of your nails sounds simple enough—cut, file, maybe throw on some polish—but most of you are operating with outdated intel. You are treating a complex biological shield like it’s just a canvas for paint. That ends today. Your nails grow at an average rate of 3.47mm per month, and every millimeter requires structural integrity. We bet you might be making some very common nail care mistakes at home without knowing, compromising that keratin matrix. Don’t worry—we’re here to clean up your nail game and give you the tactical advantage.

Biting Hangnails Off

We get it—hangnails are annoying, and the urge to bite them off is real. But here is the biological truth: biting doesn’t solve the problem; it creates a bio-hazard. A hangnail is essentially a breach in your skin barrier. Every time you bite a hangnail, you risk tearing the skin and introducing bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus directly into your bloodstream, which can lead to painful infections like paronychia.

You need to treat this like a surgical procedure, not a snack. Instead, use a pair of clean nail clippers or cuticle scissors to carefully trim the hangnail at the base without drawing blood. Afterward, apply some hand cream to keep your nails and surrounding skin happy and to seal the lipid barrier against future tears.

Filing Back and Forth

Many people file their nails by zipping the file back and forth like they’re sanding down a piece of wood. This technique feels quick and effective, but it’s a nail health no-no! The back-and-forth motion creates micro-fractures in the keratin layers. It weakens the edges of your nails, leaving them prone to splitting and peeling because you are literally shredding the prism structure of the nail plate.

You need to respect the grain. Instead, file in one direction only, starting at the edge and moving smoothly toward the center. It’s slower, sure, but your nails deserve the TLC. Along with this revised technique, remember to choose a file with the appropriate grit—we recommend a 240-grit for natural nails to avoid aggressive abrasion—and avoid over-filing your nails.

Overcutting Your Cuticles

Cutting your cuticles is a pro move, but snipping too much can actually harm your nails. Your cuticles, scientifically known as the eponychium, play a big role in protecting new nail growth from bacteria. They are the watertight seal for the nail matrix. When you overcut them, you’re breaking that seal and leaving your nails open to infections and permanent deformation of the nail plate.

Stop performing unauthorized surgery on yourself. Instead of clipping, use a cuticle pusher to gently nudge them back after a warm soak. Then, apply cuticle oil to keep them hydrated and strong, ensuring that biological seal remains intact.

Not Letting Your Nails Breathe

Are you someone who always has nail polish on? While painted nails are fabulous, your nails occasionally need a break. Constant nail polish application saturates the plate with chemicals, which can make your nails become brittle and yellowed due to oxidation. Just like you need to prep your social battery before you throw a house party, you need to prep your nails by letting them rest. Between manicures and pedicures, take a few weeks off to nourish your nails—they will thank you for the downtime!

Not Moisturizing Enough

Dry hands are more than just uncomfortable. Without enough moisture, your nails can become brittle and prone to splitting because the water content drops below the critical 18% threshold. Trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) is the enemy here.

You need to reinforce the hull. Lock in hydration by using a thick hand cream or cuticle oil regularly to replenish the natural sebum. Keep it on your nightstand as a reminder to moisturize before bed, maximizing the overnight repair cycle.

Practicing good nail care habits at home doesn’t have to be a challenge. By fixing these common nail care mistakes you might be making at home, you can take your game to the next level. Love your nails, and they’ll love you right back!