The Can’t-Skip Tip For Painting Weak Nails

Photo: Sarah Silver/Trunk Archive

Having a flawless manicure isn’t always easy if you have cracked or peeling nails. Sure, the polish looks nice for a day—but then the chipping and flaking begins. That’s to be expected, says Nicole Wasylychyn, a nail technician at The Spa at Pebble Beach. “Polish does not adhere well to cracked or peeling nails,” she explains. But you’re not doomed to a chipped manicure.  Wasylychyn has an easy fix: Fill in the crevices with nail glue, then press any peeling edges back down to the nail bed. After the glue has set, gently buff the nail to smooth the surface. From there, polish as usual. “This technique strengthens the nail and improves the lifespan of your manicure,” Wasylychyn says. Busted-looking nails, we hardly knew ye.

Related: What Are Your Nails Trying To Tell You?