How to Keep Clients' Nails Healthy: Expert Tips for Nail Technicians

Strong, healthy nails are the foundation of every great manicure. As a nail technician, it’s essential to educate clients on proper nail care to prevent breakage, peeling, and damage. Whether they wear gel polish, builder gel, or prefer a natural look, here’s how to help your clients maintain beautiful, healthy nails between appointments.

1. Hydration is Key

Just like skin and hair, nails need hydration to stay strong. Encourage clients to:
✔ Use Cuticle Oil Daily – A high-quality cuticle oil nourishes the area around nails, maintaining a healthy look.
✔ Moisturise Hands Regularly – Dry hands can lead to brittle nails, so remind clients to apply hand cream, especially in colder months.

2. Avoid Over-Filing & Harsh Buffing

Over-filing can thin the nail plate, making it more prone to breakage. When preparing nails for gel polish or extensions:
✔ Use a softer grit, i.e. 240-grit file for natural nails.
✔ Avoid excessive buffing - gently remove shine without thinning the nail plate, checking as you go.
✔ Educate clients about the dangers of over-filing when they try DIY nail care.

3. Strengthen with Builder Gel or Nail Treatments

If clients struggle with weak, peeling nails, builder gel or strengthening treatments can help. Builder gel offers extra support, acting as a protective layer while allowing the natural nail to grow.

4. The Right Way to Remove Gel & Extensions

One of the biggest causes of nail damage is improper removal. Clients should never:
❌ Pick or peel off gel polish—it strips layers from the natural nail.
❌ Force off acrylics or builder gel—this can lead to breakage.

Instead, always recommend professional removal where you can ensure the product is removed safely without any damage to natural nails.

5. Protect Nails from Everyday Damage

Clients often don’t realise how daily habits can weaken their nails. Remind them to:
✔ Wear gloves when cleaning or washing dishes.
✔ Avoid using nails as tools (e.g. opening cans or scratching off labels).
✔ Keep nails at a comfortable length - longer nails are more prone to accidental breaks.

7. Maintain a Healthy Diet for Nail Growth

Nutrition plays a big role in nail strength. Encourage clients to eat foods rich in:
✔ Biotin (found in eggs, nuts, and avocados) for stronger nails.
✔ Vitamin E (found in almonds, spinach, and sunflower seeds) for hydration.
✔ Protein & Iron (found in meat, fish, and leafy greens) to support nail growth.

8. Keep an Eye on Nail Health Issues

As a nail technician, you may spot signs of nail health issues before your clients do. Be on the lookout for:
🚩 White spots – Often caused by minor trauma or lack of calcium.
🚩 Brittle, peeling nails – Could indicate dehydration or excessive filing.
🚩 Yellowing nails – May be due to smoking, frequent dark polish use, or an underlying health issue.
🚩 Ridged or bumpy nails – Sometimes linked to ageing, but deep ridges could signal a deficiency.

If you notice anything concerning, advise your client to consult a dermatologist or doctor.

9. Use High-Quality Nail Products

The products you use can make a huge difference in nail health. Cheap, low-quality gels and acrylics can weaken the nail plate over time. Dolla Nails Pro offers professional-grade products designed to protect and enhance natural nails while delivering long-lasting results.

Help Clients Achieve Stronger, Healthier Nails

Healthy nails lead to better manicures and happier clients. By following these expert tips and using high-quality nail care products from Dolla Nails Pro, you can help every client maintain gorgeous nails that last.