Your nails do more than complete your look. They often reflect your overall health and hygiene. From hydration levels to vitamin deficiencies, even small changes in texture or colour can point to underlying issues.
DIY nail care has become more popular in recent years, especially with easy access to kits and tutorials. But not every nail problem can be fixed at home. Some signs suggest it’s time to bring in a professional.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the most common red flags and explain when expert support is the smarter option.
1. Your Nails Are Constantly Breaking or Splitting
If your nails never seem to grow past a certain length without breaking, they may be trying to tell you something. According to Medical News Today, brittle nails are often linked to dehydration, frequent chemical exposure, or nutritional deficiencies.
What causes it
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- Repeated exposure to water or harsh cleaning products
- Frequent use of nail polish remover with acetone
- Underlying issues like low iron or biotin levels
- Natural ageing or rapid temperature changes
What to watch for
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- Nails that peel in layers
- Split or cracked edges
- Chips within a day or two of applying polish
If these signs sound familiar, your nails might need more than just another coat of polish.
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2. Deep Ridges or Grooves Are Appearing
Ridges in your nails can be easy to overlook, but they often reflect what’s going on beneath the surface. Vertical ridges are fairly common and usually linked to ageing. However, deeper horizontal grooves, known as Beau’s lines, can indicate something more serious. These lines may appear after a high fever, physical trauma or periods of intense stress. In some cases, they’re associated with iron or zinc deficiencies.
Although it’s tempting to buff or paint over them, ridges should never be ignored. A professional nail tech won’t just reach for the polish. They’re trained to spot changes in your nail health and can suggest when it’s time to see a GP.
Tip: Adding more biotin-rich foods like eggs, seeds and leafy greens, along with proper hydration, may support nail strength. Still, no supplement beats the trained eye of a nail professional.
Not sure which nail style suits you best? Learn the difference between Gel-X and Dip Powder nails to find your perfect match.
3. Your Cuticles Are Inflamed, Torn or Overgrown
Cuticles might seem like a small detail, but they serve as your nail’s natural barrier against infection. When they become inflamed, torn or start creeping over the nail bed, it’s usually due to improper care or neglect. In some cases, this can lead to paronychia—a common infection that causes redness, swelling and tenderness around the nail.
Here’s what typically causes the problem:
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- Over-trimming or cutting too far
- Skipping cuticle oil in your routine
- Using dull, non-sterile tools
- Pushing cuticles back too aggressively
Once the cuticle area is compromised, your nail bed becomes more vulnerable to damage and infection.
A qualified nail professional won’t just treat the area—they’ll help restore it. Blys nail techs arrive with sterile tools and professional-grade repair solutions so you don’t risk making it worse with DIY mistakes.
4. Stains, Discolouration, or Thickened Nails
If your nails are starting to yellow, show white patches or feel thick and brittle, it could be more than just leftover polish or daily wear and tear. These signs are often linked to fungal infections, nail trauma or underlying skin conditions like psoriasis.
Here’s a quick guide to what those changes might mean:
| Nail Change | What It Might Mean |
| Yellow or brown tint | Possible fungal infection |
| White spots or streaks | Nail trauma or mild fungal growth |
| Thickened, crumbly nails | Advanced fungal infection or long-term damage |
| Black or green stains | Bacterial infection or trauma |
| Redness or swelling nearby | Signs of paronychia (infection) |
As noted in this study on nail diseases and the Medical News Today chart, these symptoms should be assessed early. A mobile nail tech can safely clean, trim and restore your nails without risking further irritation or infection.
5. Your Manicure Never Lasts More Than a Few Days
If your polish is chipping within a day or two, it’s a sign something’s off. A manicure should last at least a week, especially with gel. When it doesn’t, the issue often comes down to poor nail prep, leftover oils on the surface or naturally weak nail beds that don’t hold polish well.
Applying polish on nails that haven’t been properly cleansed or buffed can stop it from adhering fully. Even tiny bits of residue or moisture can lead to early peeling or flaking. If you’re doing it yourself at home, it’s easy to miss these small but important steps.
Mobile nail techs, like those from Blys, use proper base coats, sealing techniques and salon-quality products that actually last. They also assess your nail type and customise the approach.
Stop redoing chipped polish every few days. Book a long-lasting at-home nail treatment near you with Blys today.
6. Your Nails Are Painful or Sensitive to Touch
Pain or sensitivity in your nails is never normal. If you notice soreness when applying pressure or even just brushing against something, it could be the result of over-filing, trauma or an allergic reaction to nail products.
This discomfort often happens after repeated DIY sessions, especially when using harsh tools or strong adhesives. You might also see redness, swelling or a warm sensation around the nail, all of which suggest that the area is irritated or damaged.
Instead of covering it up or pushing through the pain, it’s best to stop and let a professional take a look. A qualified nail tech can assess the situation gently, avoid further damage and use safe, healing products to support recovery. Giving your nails a proper break can make all the difference in getting them back to a healthy state.
7. You’re Relying on Press-Ons or Gel Kits with No Breaks
Press-ons and DIY gel kits can be fun and easy, but using them non-stop without giving your nails a rest can lead to long-term damage. You might not notice it at first, but eventually your nails may start showing signs of stress.
Common issues include:
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- Nail thinning or softness
- Peeling or flaking layers
- Dry, brittle texture
- Bacterial growth under loose or lifted edges
These signs mean your nails need a break from glue and gel. Leaving them covered all the time prevents air from reaching the nail plate and weakens their natural structure.
A professional nail tech can help you reset without sacrificing style. They may recommend lighter polish options, hydration-focused treatments or even a short break between sets. These small changes make a big difference in how your nails grow, feel and look in the long run.
Still confused about the differences between Shellac, Gel, SNS, and Acrylic? This guide answers it all in one easy read.
Nail Health Deserves a Professional Touch
Nail problems aren’t just about appearance. They can signal everything from nutritional gaps to infections, and catching the signs early makes all the difference. While DIY nail care has its place, knowing when to hand it over to a professional can protect both your nails and your wellbeing.
With Blys, you get more than just a manicure or pedicure. You get a personalised, hygienic experience at home—whether you’re in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth.
Here’s how easy it is to book:
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- Choose your service from the full Blys nail menu below.
- Pick your date, time and location—we come to you, wherever you are in Australia.
- Relax and enjoy salon-quality nail care in the comfort of your own space.
Blys Nail Menu
| Hands | Feet |
| Classic Manicure | Classic Pedicure |
| Luxury Manicure | Luxury Pedicure |
| Gel Shellac Manicure | Gel Shellac Pedicure |
| Classic Manicure & Pedicure | Luxury Manicure & Pedicure |
| Gel Shellac Manicure & Pedicure | No Polish Manicure & Pedicure |
| Acrylic Manicure | |
| Acrylic Infills | |
| Hard Gel Infills | |
| Hard Gel Full Set | |
| Dip Powder on Natural Nails | |
| Dip Powder with Removal | |
| Dip Powder Nail Extensions | |
| Dip Powder Ombre | |
| Dip Powder Removal Only | |
| Gel-X – Short | |
| Gel-X – Medium | |
| Gel-X – Long | |
| Gel-X Removal Only |
Ready for nails that feel as good as they look? Discover the difference with a Blys manicure, delivered to your door anytime you need.
