Although often overlooked, nail condition and appearance are important indicators of a person’s overall health. From dry, cold climates to frequent gel or acrylic manicures, there are countless factors that can damage nails and cuticles.
“If you do your nails regularly, I recommend proper nail polish removal, taking nail supplements and using cuticle oil [to] Prevent brittle nails,” advises Zola Ganzorigt, an LA-based celebrity and editorial manicurist who’s worked with the likes of Hailey Bieber, Jessica Alba, and Sydney Sweeney.
Brittle or cracking nails can be a headache, but using conditioning products can improve overall health and appearance by adding a layer of protection to the nail bed with vitamin-rich minerals, natural ingredients, and nourishing formulas.
While it can be difficult to determine the root cause of brittle or dry nails, experts say it’s usually due to a lack of vitamins, lack of moisture, or over-manicure. “most common [cause] It’s a lack of proper hydration, especially in winter,” explains Jin Soon Choi, celebrity manicurist and founder of JinSoon Nail Spa in New York City. “Nails can also become brittle from wearing acrylics or gels too often. Even natural causes like age can affect the health of your nails. ”
Like skin care, a nail care routine can help repair and maintain healthy nails. “If someone has weak or brittle nails, they can heal within two to four weeks by using nail strengthening products, taking vitamins and minerals, and monitoring your lifestyle,” says the CEO of the nail brand and spa co-founder Amy Ling said Sunday.
From innovative polishes to tried and tested natural products, nail specialists offer the best products to improve nail strength, appearance and overall health.
“As a manicurist, I believe nail care is just as important as skin care,” explains Choi. “I made [HyperRepair] Contains skin ingredients like glycolic, lactic and malic acids and essential nail vitamins C, E and B5. According to manicurists, brittle nails can vary in strength between two applications of a nourishing primer.
“My favorite nail hardener is Quimica Alemana,” shares New York-based manicurist Mo Qin, who touts celebrities like Ashley Graham, Emily Ratajkowski, and Beyoncé as clients. “I use it on my nails and within a week it hardens my nails.”
Thanks to its impressive list of fortifying ingredients like vitamin E, arginine, keratin, and tea tree oil, this cost-effective option is a favorite with industry manicurists and home users alike.
Blended with celery extract, this lightweight nail strengthener from Olive and June protects the nail surface and also helps repair weak, brittle nails.
Lin is convinced of the B.03 Strengthening Primer. Its impressive composition contains Vitamins A, C and E to help nourish and repair cuticles, while Soybean Oil replenishes natural moisture.
Manicures are one of senior lifestyle editor Rachel Lubitz’s New Year’s resolutions, and she’s been loving this treatment from OPI. It delivers calcium and protein to the nail bed to strengthen and condition. The polish can be worn alone or as a primer, and it’s also available in a variety of shades.
Nail Strengthening Creams and Treatments
Those looking for a more traditional moisturizer should check out Barielle’s Nail Strengthening Cream. This lightweight product contains Keratin and Biotin, proven to improve nail growth, appearance and overall health. “Biotin is a B-complex vitamin,” Qin explains. “It promotes healthy cell growth and aids in the metabolism of protein-building amino acids that are essential for nail growth.”
“Argan + Rose Moisturizing Hand Cream is perfect for on-the-go hydration, especially during the dry winter months,” shares Choi. “It contains all natural and organic ingredients, moisturizers, emollients and sealers to keep hands and nails hydrated.”
Lubitz has been using the lotion to keep her nails from tearing or cracking, and she says she’s seen a difference in just three days of use. It contains nourishing oils, vitamins, beeswax, glycerin and silk protein to help weak nails grow stronger and promote the growth of already healthy nails.
With over 11,000 5-star ratings, OPI’s Nail and Cuticle Oil is an affordable option that conditions cuticles thanks to ingredients like grape, sesame, and sunflower oils.
Along with a balanced diet rich in biotin and omega-3s, Lin recommends Cs.02 Hydrating Cuticle Serum. This serum is blended with vitamins and natural oils and can be used daily or when needed for extra hydration and hydration. “When the weather turns cold, be sure to apply a cuticle serum to moisturize your nails,” says Lin.
Castor oil is an ancient natural remedy for skin, hair and nails. The oil excels at moisturizing cuticles and contains undecylenic acid to help heal brittle or unhealthy nails. This top set comes with a dropper for easy application.
“Ex-Tract Honeysuckle + Primrose Cuticle Oil is a facial-grade oil with all natural ingredients to moisturize cuticles and nail beds,” shares Choi. “I use it at least twice a day to keep my cuticles healthy. If needed, I also use it with the HyperCare Cuticle Pusher + Reducer to gently push my cuticles back.”
Made with natural ingredients like Shea Butter, Almond Oil, and Almond Oil, this travel-friendly L’Occitane product is silicone- and paraben-free and comes with a brush for seamless application on the nail bed .
Suitable for daily use, Typology’s multifaceted strengthener contains key amounts of plant-based keratin and hyaluronic acid to focus on nourishing skin and strengthening nails.