7 Everyday Habits You Didn’t Know Were Ruining Your Nails (2024)

FAQs

7 Everyday Habits You Didn’t Know Were Ruining Your Nails? ›

Never use your nails to open cans of soda or soup (use a spoon instead), pick at packing tape, unscrew a nail, scrape off price tags (try a penny), or complete any other task for which a tool has already been invented. This is how to go about chores without ruining your manicure.

It can increase your risk of infection around the nail, especially if you bite at your cuticle or the soft tissue around it. It can harm your teeth. It can spread germs on your hands and fingers to your mouth, increasing your risk of getting sick.

Repeated or prolonged contact with water can contribute to split fingernails. Wear cotton-lined rubber gloves when washing dishes, cleaning or using harsh chemicals.

If you're noticing your nails feel brittle or are prone to splitting, it might be that activities like washing up are taking their toll. Try wearing rubber gloves to limit time spent soaking.

The person who has difficult nails has to make a point of drinking more water every day, avoiding caffeine, and considering if their home or work environment is too hot and dry. All of these things contribute to inadequate nail moisture.

She's trying to relieve her stress or anxiety.

Studies have often correlated stress with biting or chewing—nail biting, clenching your teeth, and biting on objects are all considered outlets for emotional tension and stress.

The good news is that long-term damage from nail biting is rare. But it does happen, especially if you swallow the bitten nails. You may also be ingesting bacteria that can lead to stomach or intestinal infection.

The oil and dish soap work together to break down the glue and acrylic from the nail, without tearing it.

Split Nails (Onychoschizia) Split nails may happen due to nail biting, excess moisture, infection or injury, or psoriasis. You can't always prevent split nails, but using moisturizer and nail hardening products may help. Cracks in your nails are common and will usually heal as your nails grow.

Avoid long periods of time in water (for example long baths, swimming, washing up etc). Avoid picking or peeling the product off as this could damage your natural nails. Avoid filing your nails and pushing your cuticles back, as this will break the seal of the gel and can lead to chipping.

Is vaseline good for nails? ›

Cover each nail with a thick coat of something such as Vaseline Original Petroleum Jelly ($2; target.com) or Aquaphor Healing Ointment ($5; target.com). “Applying this occlusive layer seals in the cuticle oil so that it will penetrate deeper and provides a protective barrier to help prevent moisture loss,” explains Dr.

The mild acidity in the soda can actually damage the hair follicle and the keratin in your hair. It might make it seem fuller, but that's because the hair is damaged. It's the same effect as over-drying or over-processing and may actually lead to hair loss.

A nail biting habit can cause teeth to move, break, or chip and tooth enamel can splinter. “Biting nails creates a friction between the tooth and the nail that can cause your teeth to erode over time, which can lead to other serious problems down the road like gingivitis,” says dentist Paul J.

It tends to show up in people who are nervous, anxious or feeling down. It's a way to cope with these feelings. You may also find yourself doing it when you're bored, hungry or feeling insecure. Most nail biting is automatic -- you do it without thinking.

Nail picking can be a nervous habit or a fidget, particularly if you are feeling anxious or nervous. It could also just be a coping mechanism, or something to do when you're bored and looking for something to do. It's also a pretty common behavior.

Nail biting explained

Anxiety: Nail biting can be a sign of anxiety or stress. The repetitive behavior seems to help some people cope with challenging emotions. Boredom: Behaviors such as nail biting and hair twirling are more common when you're bored, hungry, or need to keep your hands busy.