Let’s talk nails, shall we? If you’re like me, you're always looking for the best way to rock those mani trends—but here's the secret: Healthy nails are the real MVPs. You could be the queen of nail art, but if your nails aren’t in good shape underneath, that cute design will only go so far. And trust me, I’ve learned the hard way. From trial and error, I can confirm that keeping nails strong and healthy is the true key to a flawless mani (and the perfect excuse to try every trend you can find).

So, what exactly makes nails healthy? A good nail should be smooth, undiscolored, and flexible. Nothing too shocking here, but you’d be surprised at how many people overlook the basics. If you notice any weird changes like discoloration, thickening, or painful hangnails—yeah, that’s not just a bad day at the nail salon. Your nails might be trying to tell you something, like you need to lay off the acetone and take a break from those gel manicures.

Now, let’s get real—you don’t need to go full-on health guru to keep your nails in check. The secret lies in a few simple, at-home tips that’ll have you rocking those nail trends with no regrets.

Healthy Nail Tips for 2025

  1. Cuticle Oil Is Your BFF Forget what you’ve heard—cuticle oil is not just a fancy salon thing. You need to be slathering that stuff on daily. Whether it’s in the morning or before bed, get that nourishing goodness into your cuticles and around your nails. It’ll keep them hydrated and so much healthier. Plus, it makes your polish last longer, so you can skip that mid-week touch-up.

  2. Let’s Talk Length, Baby This one might sound obvious, but it’s so true—nail length = lifestyle. If you’re constantly breaking your nails, maybe it’s time to go a little shorter. If you’ve got a 9-5 that requires your hands to do a lot of heavy lifting, think about a length that’s practical. Long nails are great for photoshoots, but if you can’t type or do anything remotely useful with them, they’re just not worth it.

  3. Protein Power! Yeah, I know, we all hear about the importance of protein. But did you know that nails love it too? If your nails are looking a little weak and fragile, you might want to check your diet. Make sure you're getting those proteins from chicken, eggs, or tofu—and throw in a few leafy greens for good measure. Your nails (and your whole body) will thank you.

  4. Don’t Use Your Nails as Tools Seriously, stop using your nails to open cans, scrape off stickers, or pry open packages. Those tiny traumas add up and can leave your nails looking rough. I mean, they’re not meant to be multi-purpose tools, right?

  5. Protect Your Hands Okay, so this one sounds a little extra, but hear me out. Gloves are your friend—especially when you’re doing the dishes, cleaning, or getting a little DIY done. Your nails (and hands) need a little protection from harsh chemicals or water that can dry them out.

  6. Dial Down the Polish Removal Taking off polish is fun, but don’t overdo it. If you’re constantly removing and reapplying polish, your nails will get dry and brittle. Aim to remove polish only twice a month to keep things fresh without overdoing it.

At the end of the day, your nails are a reflection of how well you take care of yourself (yes, it’s true). You can still have fun with trends like neon colors or ombré, but keeping your nails healthy underneath will make all the difference. Plus, when your nails are happy, your mani’s going to be even happier.

So, here's to glowing, healthy nails and a little less drama in 2025. Because at the end of the day, great nails are the best accessory.