I Think This £11 Nail Strengthener Just Repaired My Brittle Nails in Just 3 Days
I put Essie's Hard to Resist nail strengthener to the test to see how quickly it could repair my damaged, brittle nails.
I'm the type of person who has nails that grow quickly. But my nails aren't very strong, so it's nearly impossible to grow my nails without them splitting, breaking or peeling—all it takes is one knock, and they snap. And if you're reading this too, you might have the same problem as I do, wondering how to stop your nails peeling, how to stop nails from breaking and how to grow your nails more easily. So, I've made it my quest to find the best nail strengtheners and nail growth serums around to help transform my bendy, brittle nails into long and strong nails of my dreams.
However, one nail strengthener I have yet to try is Essie's Hard to Resist Nail Strengthener (£11), which promises to strengthen nails in just three days. I was sceptical, but I've been putting it to the test to see just how quickly this nail strengthener works. Scroll ahead to see how I got on.
Essie Hard to Resist
Pros
- Strengthens nails in 3 days
- Shiny, glossy finish
- Dries quickly
- Also comes in a pink and purple tint
Cons
- Takes a few weeks to see full results
- Can peel off after a couple of days, so top-ups are required
The Formula
Essie's Hard to Resist polish comes in three different shades, including a clear formula (which I tested) and two tinted shades with a clear pink and purple hue, designed to brighten and disguise nail discolouration. The formula contains MSM, a compound that helps to encourage keratin production in the nails to increase strength and help prevent splitting and breakages.
I personally opted for the clear shade, which promises to repair nails in just three days. You apply it to clean, bare nails for it to get to work. Essie recommends applying two coats for the best results. I've been wearing mine for three days now, and I have some thoughts on it.
My Verdict
My first impression of the polish is just how glossy it is. I picked the clear version, and even without a tinted hue, it definitely made my nails look instantly healthier-looking and shiny after two coats. And it dries within a minute, so there's no hanging around waiting for it to dry.
It's a great nail strengthener to keep on your nails in between gel manicures or polish. It's tempting to leave your nails bare when you want to give them a rest, but this really helps to form a protective barrier that makes them feel harder right away, as well as shielding them from water (which, with repeated exposure, can soften bendy nails even more) and helping give them a chance to grow. Before applying this, some of my longer nails were a little bendy and prone to breaking, but since applying this a few days ago, I've not had any breakages or splitting. Result!
Whilst it might be too soon to give a full review of how well this nail strengthener works, I have remarkably noticed some benefits after just a couple of days of wear. My nails definitely feel harder and stronger.
I will say that I have noticed the polish peeling away a little, so you may need to top it up every few days to maintain the shielding and strengthening benefits. But all in all, I'm happy with the results I've seen so far, and I'm looking forward to seeing the full benefits after a couple more weeks of testing.
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