Oil and strengthen. Dryness is the “common culprit” behind breaking and peeling, so keep your nails hydrated. A hand cream will work, “but cuticle oil is better,” especially for manicured nails, because the oil penetrates polish. If your nails tend to peel or split, consider using a calcium- or protein-based nail strengthener.
Use a fine-grain file. Metal files or coarse boards “fray the nail’s edge, causing nails to snag and peel.” Choose a board with a fine grit instead, and avoid overfiling the sides of each nail, because the nails’ sides provide structural support.
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