As nail care turns into spring and summer’s big beauty trend (cue the favored “no-nicure” nails), constructing strong nails are a can’t miss step for mani-pedi season. Whether you’re into the Lori Harvey-approved micro-French tip, or prefer decorated, extra-long Nicki-like nails, a healthy cuticle, nail bed, and fingernails are all the time a must. “Nail health can affect the longevity of a manicure,” celebrity nail artist Aja Walton tells ESSENCE. “Stronger nails are less susceptible to chipping or lifting, leading to a longer-lasting manicure.”

Below, Walton shares her top tricks to strengthen your nails this summer.

What causes weak nails?

“Weak, brittle nails are sometimes the results of dehydration, poor nutrition, an excessive amount of water exposure, or other serious medical conditions like thyroid issues or psoriasis,” Walton says. Although the important thing to healthy nails are regular manicures, in response to CND, using improper techniques creates a nice line between strong and weak nails. “90% of my encounters with brittle nails are the consequences of improper removal and/or application of nail enhancements including gel color, gel extensions, acrylic or glued on suggestions.” 

Other causes similar to “an absence of essential nutrients like biotin, iron, and vitamins A, C, and E can result in brittle, discolored, or weak nails.” Meanwhile, frequent exposure to cleansing products, acetone, and other harsh chemicals can weaken and damage nails. Excess nail biting, and improper trimming can even impact how your nails look with “fungal or bacterial infections causing discoloration, thickening, or separation of the nail from the nail bed.” 

If none of those aspects affect you, aging might. “As we age, nails can naturally turn out to be thinner and more brittle,” she says. 

Tips on how to tell in case your nails are weak

It might be difficult to inform in case your nails are weak, especially under nail enhancements. “It’s best to consider strengthening your nails in the event that they are consistently peeling, breaking, or have visible signs of injury, similar to ridges or splits,” she says. Splitting is the tell tale sign of weak nails, so “it could just be time to alter up your nail shape to a more tapered or rounded look,” as square nails may chip more easily.

How do you strengthen your nails?

Noticing in case your nails are weak is just step one. Implementing a routine to assist rebuild your nails is the important thing to a healthy mani-pedi. “My suggestions for strengthening nails include keeping the nails hydrated with cuticle oil, steering clear of harsh chemicals, using nail strengthening treatments, and accessorizing with gloves for chores,” she says. Apart from avoiding excess drill use and poor application techniques, “don’t forget to bask in a balanced eating regimen wealthy in vitamins and minerals.” 

Adding products filled with powerhouse ingredients like keratin, biotin, calcium, and vitamins A and E are essential for healthy nails. “My ride or die picks are Essie’s Hard to Resist Advanced Nail Strengthener and Essie’s Hard to Resist in Glow & Shine, which, as a bonus, has a ravishing sheer pink tint.”