Let’s talk about your nails. Those tiny canvases of self-expression. Your mood barometers. Your “I have my life together” badges. Or at least, that’s the dream.
But let’s be real: somewhere between back-to-back meetings, endless doomscrolling, and that half-hearted DIY mani, your nails are screaming for help—and not in a cute pastel pink.
Whether you’re a gel junkie, a cuticle clipper, or just someone who paints over chipped polish because “it’s still kinda fine,” we need to have a chat. Because chances are, you’re making at least one of these common nail care mistakes. And your nails deserve better.
Mistake #1: You Treat Your Nails Like Tools (Not Jewels)
Snapping open cans, scratching off stickers, or using your nails as mini screwdrivers? Guilty. Ripping off packaging with your gel-coated index? Ma’am. No.
All that “handy” work can cause serious splits and breaks. Your nails are not your Swiss Army knife — they’re fragile little extensions of your style and self-care. Whether it’s your natural nails or acrylic masterpieces, using them as tools is a one-way ticket to chips, breaks, and tears. Nail enhancements may look strong, but they’re not invincible. And once they snap, they snap.
Let your nails live a soft life. Keep a mini tool or keychain opener nearby if you’re a chronic can-popper. Your future manicure will thank you (and so will your nail tech).
The scissors, keys, and bottle openers have a reason for their existence—your mani has better things to do. Like look pretty on Instagram.
Mistake #2: You’re Peeling Off Gel, Shellac or Dip Powder
We’ve all been there. That single, satisfying peel of gel polish lifting off in one glorious piece. But behind that satisfaction? Absolute chaos for your nail plate.
Whether it’s gel, Shellac (hi there, hybrid polish), or dip powder—removal is everything. Peeling it off strips away layers of your natural nail, leaving it thin, weak, and craving nutrients.
The fix? Acetone soaks, gentle filing, and patience. Or better yet, book a nail tech via Blys and have it removed professionally without the trauma in your own living room.
Mistake #3: You Think Acrylics and Extensions Don’t Need TLC
Acrylics and extensions may look like they can handle anything—but underneath, your natural nails are still sensitive and delicate.
Ignoring maintenance appointments, skipping fills, or keeping your extensions on longer than recommended (hello, month-old mani?) is a big no-no. That’s how you end up with fungal infections, lifting, and serious damage.
Pro tip: Keep up with regular infills (every 2–3 weeks), and if your extensions start lifting—don’t wait for disaster. Call your fav nail tech to your home through Blys before things get messy.
Mistake #4: You’re Cutting, Not Caring for Your Cuticles
Let’s clear this up once and for all: cuticles are not the enemy. That dry little rim of skin actually protects your nail bed from bacteria. Trimming them too aggressively (or worse, yanking them off during an anxious spiral) opens the door to infection and irritation.
Instead of cutting, try this: gently push them back after a warm shower using a cuticle pusher and moisturise like your nail health depends on it—because it actually does. Cuticle oil is your saviour. Moisturiser isn’t just for your face, you know. Your nails and cuticles are crying out for hydration too, especially if you’re washing your hands a zillion times a day or using sanitisers that suck the life out of your skin.
Massage a cuticle oil or hand cream into your nail beds daily. It’s a small step with major impact—and it keeps that fresh mani looking photo-ready.
Mistake #5: You’re Skipping the Base Coat
We get it. You’re in a rush. You’ve got dinner in 30 minutes and your nails are currently looking like they’ve just come out of a survival reality show. But slapping colour straight onto bare nails? That’s a no-no.
Base coats aren’t just a nice-to-have—they’re the primer that prevents staining, gives your colour something to grip, and extends your mani’s life. Skipping it is like painting a wall without sealing the cracks. It’s just… wrong.
Mistake #6: You’re a Biter (Still)
If you’re still nibbling at your nails like it’s a nervous tick from your high school days—girl, it’s time for an intervention. Nail biting doesn’t just ruin the look; it introduces bacteria, causes infections, and slows growth. Plus, it’s a vibe killer when you’re trying to show off your mani.
Try a bitter-tasting polish or distraction techniques. Better yet, keep your nails looking so fresh and fabulous that you won’t want to bite them. (Honestly, nothing breaks the biting cycle like a luxe mani from a nail expert coming right to your home.)
Mistake #7: You’re Going Too Hard with the Filing
Let’s talk about filing techniques. If you’re going back and forth like a DJ scratching a record, stop right there. That kind of motion weakens your nails and leads to splits. Instead, file in one direction only—preferably from side to centre—using a gentle grit.
Also, if you’re filing right after a soak or shower? Nope. Wet nails are bendier and more prone to damage. Patience is a virtue.
Mistake #8: You Ignore Aftercare Like It’s Optional (Spoiler: It’s Not)
Whether you’ve just had a full set of acrylics or a flawless gel mani, the real magic is in the aftercare. You wouldn’t get eyelash extensions and then rub your eyes, right? (At least we hope not.)
Same logic applies here. Avoid hot water for the first 24 hours post-gel, don’t pick at dip powder as it lifts, and moisturise those hands like your next mani depends on it—because it totally does.
Keep cuticle oil on your nightstand, your desk, your handbag—basically everywhere. Hydrated nails = happy nails.
Mistake #9: You’re Skipping the Break Between Manis
We get it—naked nails feel weird. Once you’re used to the high-gloss perfection of gel or dip, bare nails can feel like your fingers are suddenly… underdressed.
But even the best-dressed nails need a breather.
If you’re constantly layering back-to-back gel, Shellac, acrylic, or dip powder with zero downtime? You’re not letting your natural nails breathe or recover. That’s how they end up thin, bendy, and prone to breakage.
Give them a mini vacay. One week off every couple of cycles (with a good nail strengthener and cuticle oil) can do wonders.
Mistake #10: You Think At-Home Acrylic Kits Give Salon-Level Results
Look, we’re all for an at-home self-care moment. Bubble bath, wine, Spotify playlist? Yup, we hear you.
But when it comes to sculpting acrylics or layering dip powder at home with zero training? That’s where DIY becomes D-I-Why-Though.
Improper application can trap bacteria, damage the nail bed, and leave you with lumpy, uneven results (and the frustration to match).
Save yourself the stress. Book a mobile nail artist through Blys and let a pro do it—safely, cleanly, and beautifully. Bonus? You don’t even have to change out of your tracks or PJs.
Mistake #11: You’re Not Giving Your Diet Enough Credit
Your nails are literally built from the inside out. No amount of topcoats will make up for a diet lacking in nail-nourishing vitamins.
Biotin, iron, zinc, omega-3s, and a whole lotta leafy greens can do what no quick-dry polish can: grow strong, healthy, naturally glossy nails.
Snack smart. Sip water. Love your nails like you mean it.
Real Talk: What You Should Be Doing
We’re not here to shame—just to lovingly guide you toward better nail choices. Your hands go through a lot, and a proper nail care routine isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about self-care, confidence, and treating yourself the way you deserve.
Not vibing with DIY right now? No stress. That’s what Blys is for.
Book an in-home nail appointment with Blys, and one of our qualified beauty professionals on the platform will come to you—armed with polishes, cuticle oil, top coats, and the skills to undo your past mistakes. Whether it’s a classic mani, a deluxe pedi, or gel extensions, they bring the salon experience right to your living room.
So the next time you reach for that soda can with your pinky nail—pause, breathe, and remember: you’re better than that.
The Bottom Line: Nail Care Is a Lifestyle
Whether you’re rocking a minimal mani or an OTT acrylic set that would make Cardi B proud, nail care isn’t just about looking cute—it’s about maintaining healthy habits that let your nails thrive under all that glam.
And hey, we’re not here to judge—we’re here to upgrade your routine.
With Blys, you can skip the salon drama and get your nail fix at home. Gel, Shellac, dip, acrylics, extensions—whatever your style, our pro nail artists come armed with tools, talent, and a whole lotta polish.
