After the age of 40, our nails require special care. With time, they become thinner, more brittle, and lose their natural shine. Many everyday habits can subtly worsen the condition of your nails, but they are easy to correct. Here are 7 mistakes to avoid to keep your nails healthy and beautiful.

Many women often use a nail file incorrectly, filing their nails back and forth. This should be avoided — it deforms the nail plate and can lead to splitting. The correct method: hold the file on one side of the nail and gently move it in one direction along the entire length, then switch to the other side.

The nail plate can take on a yellowish tint with frequent use of nail polish, especially if a base coat is not applied. This is completely natural — it is caused by staining from the pigments in the polish. To prevent this, always apply a high-quality base coat before coloring.

Hydration is particularly important for nails as we age. It is recommended to apply cuticle oil every evening and moisturize your hands with a nourishing cream. For an extra boost, you can wear gloves at night to lock in moisture. The result will be visible in the morning: your hands will look healthier. This routine should become a regular part of your care, much like applying a hair mask.

Ridges and bumps on nails often appear in women over 40. If they come and go, it may signal health issues, in which case you should consult a doctor. If the uneven texture is due to age-related changes, it is recommended to use a special base coat that evens out the nail plate and makes it smooth.

To protect your nails from damage, it’s important to choose a file with the right grit. For shaping and length adjustment, a 240-grit file is optimal. If the nail plate is weak, it’s better to choose a file with an even finer grit.

Frequent dishwashing without gloves, long baths, or frequent swimming can lead to nail splitting. Moisture penetrates the nail plate and expands its fibers, making nails more fragile. To keep nails strong and healthy, try to minimize prolonged contact with water.

There is a myth that nails need to “breathe,” but this is not true. Regular manicures help keep nails well-groomed and neat. It is recommended to take a break from nail polish once a year and undergo an intensive nail care course — this will bring noticeable benefits.

To protect your nails from damage, it’s important to choose a file with the appropriate grit. For shaping and adjusting the length, a file with a grit of 240 is optimal. If the nail plate is weakened, it’s better to use a tool with an even finer grit.

Frequent dishwashing without rubber gloves, long baths, or regular swimming can lead to nail splitting. Moisture penetrates the nail plate and expands its fibers, making nails more fragile. To keep your nails strong and healthy, try to minimize contact with water.

There’s a myth that nails need to “breathe,” but this isn’t true. Regular manicures help keep nails neat and well-groomed. It’s recommended to take a break from nail polish once a year and undergo an intensive care course — this will bring noticeable benefits to your nails.