(and What Doesn’t)

The world of nails is full of advice — but not all of it is true. From “nails need to breathe” to “gel polish ruins your nails,” myths have been passed down in salons, on TikTok, and even from friends who swear they know the secret to nail health.

The problem? Many of these so-called “facts” are misleading. In this guide, we’ll bust the most common nail care myths and explain what actually keeps your nails healthy, strong, and beautiful.

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Myth 1: “Nails Need to Breathe”

Busted: Nails don’t breathe. They’re made of keratin, the same protein that makes up your hair, and they don’t have lungs, pores, or the ability to absorb oxygen.

Your nails get everything they need (like nutrients and oxygen) from your bloodstream, not the air. This means wearing polish, gel, or BIAB won’t suffocate them.

💡 What actually helps: Keep nails hydrated with cuticle oil and hand cream. This strengthens the nail plate and prevents peeling.

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Myth 2: “White Spots Mean Calcium Deficiency”

Busted: Those little white marks (called leukonychia) aren’t usually caused by lack of calcium. They’re most often the result of minor trauma — like accidentally hitting your nail or too much buffing.

In rare cases, white spots can indicate a mineral deficiency, but for most people, they’re harmless and grow out naturally.

💡 What actually helps: Treat your nails gently — avoid harsh filing, don’t peel off gel polish, and give your nails occasional breaks.

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Myth 3: “Gel Polish Ruins Nails”

Busted: Gel polish itself doesn’t damage nails. The real issue is how it’s applied and removed.

• Peeling off gel polish strips away layers of your natural nail.
  

• Over-buffing can thin the nail plate.
  

• Skipping proper prep can cause lifting and breakage.
  
  

When applied correctly and removed safely, gel polish can actually protect nails by adding a shield over them.

💡 What actually helps:

• Always soak off or file gently — never peel.
  

• Use a strengthening base like BIAB or builder gel under colour to reinforce nails.
  

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Myth 4: “Cutting Cuticles Is Good for Nail Health”

Busted: Cuticles aren’t just “extra skin” — they’re a natural barrier that protects the nail matrix (the area where new growth starts). Cutting or removing them completely increases the risk of infection.

💡 What actually helps:

• Gently push cuticles back with a cuticle stick.
  

• Apply cuticle oil daily to keep them soft and healthy.
  

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Myth 5: “Nail Strengtheners Always Work”

Busted: While some nail strengtheners do help, others contain harsh chemicals like formaldehyde. These may make nails appear harder at first, but over time they can actually make nails brittle and more prone to splitting.

💡 What actually helps:

• Use strengtheners sparingly and avoid those with strong chemicals.
  

• Choose builder gels or BIAB for added support if your nails are weak.
  

• Focus on good nutrition — protein, iron, and biotin all support nail health.
  

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Myth 6: “Soaking Nails in Milk or Garlic Helps Them Grow”

Busted: Home remedies like milk, garlic, or even toothpaste might sound fun, but there’s no scientific evidence that they actually boost nail growth.

💡 What actually helps:

• A balanced diet with plenty of protein.
  

• Keeping nails hydrated.
  

• Using BIAB or builder gels to protect them while they grow.
  

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Myth 7: “Nails Grow Faster in Water”

Busted: Nails don’t actually grow faster when wet — they just swell slightly, which makes them feel softer or longer. Extended water exposure can even weaken nails, leading to peeling and breakage.

💡 What actually helps: Wear gloves when washing dishes or cleaning to protect nails from over-soaking.

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FAQs: Nail Care Truths

Q: Does biotin really help nails grow?
Yes — research suggests that biotin can improve nail strength and thickness, especially if you’re deficient.

Q: Is it bad to always have nail polish on?
Not necessarily. As long as polish is applied and removed properly, your nails can stay healthy. Just give them occasional breaks if they start to feel weak.

Q: Can diet affect nail health?
Absolutely. Nutrients like protein, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and E play a big role in strong nails.

Q: How fast do nails grow on average?
 Fingernails grow about 3 mm per month, while toenails grow more slowly — around 1 mm per month.

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What Actually Keeps Nails Healthy?

Now that we’ve busted the myths, here are the real habits that support nail health:

• Moisturise daily: Cuticle oil + hand cream = stronger, more flexible nails.
  

• Remove safely: Soak-off products and gentle filing protect the nail plate.
  

• Protect hands: Wear gloves for cleaning and gardening.
  

• Balanced diet: Protein, iron, and biotin are your nails’ best friends.
  

• Choose strengthening systems: BIAB and builder gels provide structure while letting your nails grow naturally.
  

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Conclusion

The truth is simple: healthy nails don’t come from myths or quick fixes — they come from proper care.

• No, nails don’t need to breathe.
  

• No, white spots don’t mean you’re calcium deficient.
  

• And no, gel polish doesn’t ruin nails if applied and removed correctly.
  
  

Instead, focus on hydration, gentle handling, good nutrition, and using the right products to keep your nails strong and beautiful.

👉 Discover Belle Beauty’s Cuticle Oils, BIAB Kits, and Gel Polish for products that actually make a difference.