Dry, brittle nails are the worst. Whether due to nutritional deficiencies or wear and tear amplified by nail treatments like gel and acrylics, it can often feel hard to maintain healthy nails. It's safe to say that weak nails that are prone to splitting and snapping are a surefire way to ruin a fresh manicure, so to get to the root of the issue and find out how best to treat dry nails, I asked Odette Qevani, head beautician at Gielly Green, about the benefits of nail strengtheners for maintaining a healthy nail routine.
How do nail strengtheners work?
"Nail strengtheners work by boosting the overall health of your nails, supplying them with added nourishment and fortifying the nail plate with an extra layer of protection," explains Qevani. "The nail strengthener will form a flexible film on the nail surface, effectively shielding them from potential damage, making them an integral first line of defence for weak and brittle nails."
Ingredients-wise, Qevani advises looking for products with four key ingredients. The first is vitamin A, "which promotes nail growth and is the salve for vertical ridges that form on dry nails," she says. Next, holistic ingredients like coconut oil, "which works as an all-natural way to lock in moisture and protect the nails from fungal and bacterial injections."
For a further nail boost, Qevani recommends using products formulated with zinc and folic acid. "Zinc staves off discolouration on the nails that may be caused by a deficiency, and folic acid, which although commonly associated with prenatal care, is great in promoting new nail cells universally."
Keeping your nails both looking and feeling their best doesn't just stop at strengthening products. According to Qevani, "Along with using nail strengtheners, it's important to practice healthy nail habits." Namely, "Never pick off gel polish as it damages the nails underneath, and always remember to use nail oil after painting the nails as it hydrates the cuticles," she says.
In order to help you on your healthy nail journey, we've found some of the best nail-strengthening options you can shop now.
Shop the Best Nail Strengtheners:
Repair mode is an apt name for this strengthening serum that has now been in my rotation for a few months. It's a perfect base for nail polish and keeps my nails nourished in between gel appointments.
This is the Maserati of nail strengtheners, thanks to a supercharged amount of keratin—the main protein that helps our nails and hair grow. It's one worth having in your nail health kit.
Sally Hansen is famous for its nail-changing treatments, and this "miracle" product, packed with collagen and multi-vitamins, is no different.
A few dabs of this nourishing cream, packed with eight essential oils to help hydrate, revive and restore, will have you "oohing" and "ahhing" at your own nails—sans coloured gels or polish.
The vitamin A and collagen infusion in this option from Nails Inc. is the secret behind its promise of 90% stronger nails.
More Nail Health Essentials:
Quickly rectify a broken nail or hangnail on the go with this handy little kit.
Hydrated nails deserve hydrated hands, so this ultra-moisturising option from Jurlique is perfect for keeping both brittle nail beds and dry hands at bay.
If a nail strengthener isn't enough to tempt you away from colour, then make sure to lock in your latest manicure option with this super-shiny top coat.
Fact: Nailcare is skincare. So upping the ante and adding an extra injection of moisture via these repair capsules, formulated with jojoba and sweet almond oils, seems like a good idea.
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