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Gel or polish? When we settle into the nail salon chair, most of us don’t think much beyond choosing between the two, or which trending shade we’ll wear for the next few weeks. But a growing shift toward organic nail care is changing that mindset, placing nail health squarely into the wellness conversation.
For many of us, years of gel or acrylic manicures have taken their toll—damage that biotin supplements and strengthening serums alone can’t always undo. (And don’t get me started on cuticles.) To better understand what it really takes to restore nail health, I spoke with Amy Ling Lin, founder and CEO of Sunday studya wellness-inspired nail brand with six locations in New York City.
Why is nail health so important?
Caring for your nails goes far beyond aesthetics. While I love the element of self-expression (and the subtle satisfaction of a seasonal change from burgundy in the fall to slate gray in the winter), nail health plays a much more functional role. According to Lin, a manicure is often the first line of defense in protecting your nails.
“Nails are protective structures,” he explains. “When nails become brittle, peel, or remain chronically irritated, they are more vulnerable to breaking, discomfort, and even infection around the nail folds.”
Natural nails are in fashion
It’s no surprise that nail health is having a moment. The clean-girl aesthetic (think natural nail colors and shorter, minimalist shapes) has influenced more than just polish choices. It has completely changed the way people think about nail care. When there is nothing to hide behind, the condition of your nails becomes part of the look.
“Minimum, your-nails-but-better Manicures like ‘clean girl nails’ and ‘no makeup manicures’ are popular because they celebrate a natural look,” Lin explains. “They also make nail conditions more visible, which naturally generates more interest in nail health.”
As skin care and body care have become more intentional in recent years, Lin sees nail care following the same trajectory.
“We’re seeing the same shift that’s happened in skin care,” he says. “People are moving from covering their nails to caring for them. Nail care is becoming something that helps you look healthy and feel good.”
What habits could be damaging your nails?
In recent years, gel manicures have come under increased scrutiny, and rightly so. The polish itself is a factor, but the UV exposure needed to cure it is a bigger concern. It’s essentially a mini tanning bed for your nails, which isn’t ideal for long-term nail or skin health.
Beyond UV exposure, frequent polishing and removal can take a cumulative toll. According to Lin, almost every step of the gel or acrylic process introduces stress to the nail. “Wearing and filing of acrylic also contributes to the formation of microplastic particles,” he notes. “It’s one of the reasons we’re seeing so many people going back to simpler manicures.”
That being said, nail damage is not limited to gels or acrylics. Some of the most damaging habits are surprisingly common, even among those who polish themselves regularly. Lin mentions a few to pay attention to:
- Peeling or removing gel: This can lift layers of the nail plate (keratin), causing thinning, weakness and long-term damage, especially once the gel has begun to lift.
- Nail biting or cuticle picking: Both compromise the nail bed and cuticle barrier, increasing the risk of irritation and infection.
- Aggressive presentation: Excessive abrasion, often during gel or acrylic preparation and removal, can thin nails over time.
What changes can you make to have a healthier manicure?
“Simple is usually the healthiest,” says Lin. Think shorter lengths, gentle shaping, wearing gloves for housework, and consistent hydration. These small decisions may seem basic, but over time they make the biggest difference.
Your nails function much like your skin: they have protective barriers that need care. Just as you would avoid aggressive treatments on your face, it’s worth making smarter, gentler decisions for your nails.
If you have dryness or brittleness, Lin recommends focusing on barrier support:
- Stop peeling the gel and remove it properly. Peeling is one of the quickest ways to thin the nail.
- Prioritize clean tools and good salon hygiene. Healthy nails start with clean practices.
- Supports the nail barrier daily. Regular use of cuticle oil and hand cream helps prevent dryness and breakage.
Switching to non-toxic nail polishes and visiting non-toxic nail salons can also make a significant difference. Gentler formulas are less likely to dry out nails or cause discoloration over time, making them a better choice for long-term nail health.
The best products to support nail health
These are the products worth turning to when you’re focusing on stronger, healthier nails. From nourishing oils to gentle removers and barrier-strengthening creams, each supports a careful manicure routine without unnecessary stress on your nails.
More Nail Health Essentials We Love
Cuticle Oils (Daily Barrier Support)
Hand Creams (Skin + Nail Barrier Care)
Soft nail polishes (for uncompromising color)
- Zoya nail polish. A non-toxic, long-lasting color line, free of harsh chemicals, ideal if you are removing heavy gels or acrylics.
- Londontown Café au Lait Nail Polish. A subtle, wearable neutral that feels polished without weighing down the nails. Londontown’s formula is designed to be less drying and better support overall nail health, perfect for those who want relief from more intense enhancements.
Nail strengtheners
- OPI Nail Envy Original. A cult favorite strengthening treatment that strengthens weak or peeling nails with repeated use.
- Essie treats love and color. A lightly tinted strengthening base that adds subtle color while providing protein and nutrients to support resilience.
