January 12, 2022
We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it’s true — some nail shapes are more likely to break than others. If you swear by filing them square and straight yet find them breaking easily thereafter, it might be time to reconsider your nail shape of choice. Ahead, we spoke with Sarah Gibson Tuttle, nail expert and founder/CEO of Olive & June, about what shapes break most often, plus how to fix broken nails.
How Do I Prevent My Square Nails From Breaking?
If you don’t want to give up your square or coffin nails, Tuttle provides some tips on how to avoid breakage, which starts with keeping your nails strong. “Your cuticles are the gatekeepers to nail health and strength,” she says, so it’s important to use a cuticle oil or serum daily. We recommend the Essie Apricot Cuticle Oil or the Olive & June Cuticle Serum.
“Also, don’t buff your nail too much as this thins out your nail plate,” Tuttle notes. “The stronger your nails, the less likely they are to break.” Another way to minimize breakage? Use a nail strengthener, such as the Essie Hard to Resist Nail Strengthener Treatment, which promises to help your nails feel less brittle in only three days.
