Why Are My Nails So Weak
SoftweakSoft nailsnailnailnailsWeak nails10 Best Nail Strengthener Review 2018
- Nail Magic Strengthener.
- Hard As Hoof Nail Strengthening Cream.
- Gelish Vitagel Recovery LED/UV Cured Nail Strengthener.
- Sally Hansen Diamond Strength Instant Nail Hardener.
- Nailtiques Nail Protein Formula 2.
- Quimica Alemana.
15 Tips for Stronger Nails
10 Best Nail Strengtheners Overview
- OPI Natural Nail Treatments.
- L’Occitane Shea Nail And Cuticle Oil.
- Nail Tek Intensive Therapy-2 Treatment.
- Barielle No Bite Pro Growth.
- OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener.
- Quimica Alemana Nail Hardener.
Are Nail Strengtheners Toxic
While many nail products contain toxic ingredients, the nail strengtheners on our list are all safe to use. Some nail strengtheners are known for harboring toxic chemicals, like formaldehyde and phthalates. However, the amount present in each bottle is so minuscule they virtually pose no threat to the human body. Even then, its important to steer clear of your skin and cuticles when applying nail polishes and strengtheners , as skin irritations can occur.
We love all-natural and non-toxic products, which is why we included a handful of them on our list. If youre looking for a non-toxic nail strengthener, we highly recommend .
How Do Nail Strengtheners Work
Our nails are a clear indication of our health. Commonly, we experience dry and brittle nails when we lack proteins like keratin or vitamins like biotin and B12. Nail strengtheners were designed to coat the nail with a protective layer or supply them with missing nutrients, thus reinforcing them and making them less pliable.
Nail strengtheners come in three forms, but depending on your needs, you might only need one of them.
- Nail Hardeners: A topical nail hardener usually comes in the form of a polish, which prevents further breakage by thickening the nail plate. These can be applied to bare nails and sometimes even used as a top coat. Some nail hardeners, like , offer the best of both worlds: they harden your nails while infusing them with nutrients.
- Nail Hydrators: Nail hydrators tend to come in the form of a cream or oil. Theyre infused with nutrients that help restore moisture. At the same time, they heal , which promotes growth. However, nail hydrators dont always work their magic in a time-efficient manner, which can leave the nail susceptible to breakage in the interim. Thankfully, combining a hydrator with a nail hardener can prevent this from happening.
- Supplements: If applying cream, oil, or polish daily just isnt for you, you can always opt for nail strengthening supplements. On top of strengthening your nails, these supplements will also do wonders for your hair and skin. Theyre loaded with vitamins!
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What Are The Best Press
If you want something simple and you only plan to wear them lightly, the best press-ons for you might be something more affordable from the drugstore. But if you want something personalized that looks like the real thing and has the best fit, luxury press-ons are probably the better choice for you. Shop a few of our fave options for all occasions, below.
VINYLUX MANICURE
Best For Damaged Cuticles: Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail And Cuticle Oil

Overworked and parched cuticles need the healing powers of this vitamin E-rich oil. The intensely hydrating formula caters to damaged cuticles and brittle nails using a nourishing and soothing blend of softening apricot kernel and moisturizing aloe, which also boasts antiseptic properties. Panthenol strengthens the cuticles and nails, while wheat germ reduces redness and promotes healthier overall-looking skin.
Love, love, love this product,. The skin around my nails was cracked and bleeding from dryness. I applied this cuticle oil and two days later, they were normal looking again.Another reviewer added, My nails have been dry and brittle and break easily for years I’ve been using this for two weeks and my nails are long, super strong, smooth, and the rough cuticles are gone!
Shop now: $6 or ulta.com
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How Do You Remove Shellac
Where you see the most nail health benefits of Shellac is in the removal process, Arnold says. Shellac has a unique formulation that, when applied, forms tiny microscopic tunnels throughout the coating. This means that when its time for removal, the acetone penetrates through those tiny tunnels, all the way to the base layer, actually releasing the polish off of the nail. In other words, no long removal times or dreaded scraping. As simple as the process is, Arnold recommends getting the polish removed at a salon rather than doing it yourself.
What Causes Weak Nails
Before we get to the nitty-gritty of shopping for the best nail treatment for weak nails, lets first understand what are the causes of weak nails. Theres no one single factor to blame for brittle and weak nails, but there are several elements that may be causing it. Some of these causes include:
You have nutritional deficiencies
One of the common causes of weak nails is nutritional deficiencies. You may be low on iron and that can cause stunted nail growth. If you have folic and vitamin C deficiency, youll likely suffer from brittle nails. Diets that are low in protein can also lead to weak nails.
Not maintaining your nails
Regular nail maintenance is the key to stronger nails. With a regular manicure, your nails are cleaned properly which prevents infection that can cause a number of nail abnormalities and disorders. With nails properly shaped, you also allow your nails to grow stronger. But ultimately, youll prevent chipping and splitting with proper maintenance.
Using the base coat wrong
You might think that prepping your nails with a base coat is a good thing. Youd be wrong. Base coats generally contain chemicals that will ruin your nail plate making it weaker and prone to breaking. Instead of doing the base coat first, you should apply a small amount of hand lotion onto your nails before polishing.
Leaving nail polish for too long
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Opi Nail Envy Nail Strengthener Best Seller
When it comes to the best nail strengthener for peeling nails and other nail abnormalities, the OPI Nail Envy Strengthener is a high-end brand that offers a maximum strength formula for faster results. The formula is fortified with hydrolyzed wheat protein and calcium giving you stronger and longer nails in no time.
To begin with, you have to apply two coats of the formula, after that you only have to apply one coat every day on top of the existing coats. For best results, use every day and by the end of the week, remove the product and start the process again. You should see some dramatic results in a matter of weeks.
With over 2,300 OPI nail strengthener review on Amazon, this product is definitely one of the best products you can buy. The only downside is the price tag. It cost twice as much as other nail strengtheners.
What We Liked
What We Didnt Like
- Expensive
Best For Strengthening: Cnd Solaroil
Not only does this oil condition your nails and soften your cuticles, it also acts as a nail strengthener thanks to the combination of vitamin E, jojoba oil, and almond oil . According to the brand, the deeply penetrating and fast-absorbing formula also helps nails hold color and enhancements better, which is great if youre someone that loves sporting acrylic nails. More than 1,400 Amazon customers left a positive review for this all-in-one nail treatment many people said their nails really did get stronger after incorporating the oil into their routine.
“I had peeling, weak nails for years. Tried everything,”. “I bought in February. This size bottle lasted a bit more than a month religiously applying it two to three times a day. I was really seeing great improvement so I bought another bottle in late March. By May, all the peeling had grown out and my nails were getting stronger every day.
Shop now: $9$41 or ulta.com
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Best Color Selection: Jinsoon Nail Lacquer
Jin Soon is one of the most beloved manicurists in the biz, with an impressive roster of celeb and editorial clients . Her eponymous line of polishes makes it easy to get that same, pro-inspired touch at home, thanks to a silky smooth and shiny formula thats also free of five commonly-used questionable chemicals. And the shade range cant be beaten, an extensive yet curated collection of spot-on classicsthink nudes and redsalongside more on-trend colors.
Sure, it may seem a little extra to buy designer nail polish, but this one is well worth every penny. All of the hues are formulated with unique pigments that up the vibrancy and intensity, along with polymers that ensure extra grip between the color and your nail. Theres also silicon in the mix to help strengthen nails, and the formula is free of toluene, formaldehyde, phthalates, and camphor.
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How Long Do Press
Depending on the type of adhesive you use, press-on nails can last as long or as little as you want them to. With a strong-hold nail glue, your press-on mani might still look good two weeks later, but the beauty of press-ons is that you can change them up easier and faster than other types of manicures on this list. If you want your nails to last for a night, use adhesive tabs, or to make them last for days, use glue and buff the surface of your nails to help the glue adhere better.
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Can You Use Nail Strengthener As A Top Coat
nail strengthenertop coatnailsusenailsusenail strengthener
- Essie Nail Care Strong Start Nail Polish Base Coat.
- Barry M Iron Mani Nail Hardener.
- Superdrug Weak Nails Strength Serum.
- Oriflame The ONE Nail Hardener.
- Cutex All-In-One Nail Strengthener Treatment.
- Sally Hansen Advanced Hard As Nails.
What Is The Difference Between Polygel And Gel Nails

Think of polygel nails as the happy medium between acrylics and gel nails. With the thick, gel-like solution of the original Gelish PolyGel , you get the strength of liquid and powder acrylics and the flexibility of LED hard gelsyet polygel is lighter and feels more natural than either of those. Nail techs can use this versatile product as an overlay, or use it to sculpt and extend nail length. Because it doesn’t set until you cure it under LED light, it also gives the artist plenty of time to work with it.
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How Do You Remove Acrylic Nails
The removal process requires a process of filing and soaking in acetone to remove the acrylic material, so its recommended that you go to a salon to have a nail tech remove the acrylics for you. Much better than ripping the acrylics themselves, which, honestly, makes me queasy just thinking about it.
THE FINAL TAKEAWAY
If you were looking for a definitive answer of what type of manicure is better than the other, sorry, cant help ya. The best type of manicure really just means the best type of manicure for you. As long as youre seeing a properly trained technician who knows what theyre doing, you should have great results from any option you choose.
Strengthen Your Nails By Giving Them A Break
While theres no scientific evidence that keeping your nails polish-free will make a difference, anecdotally I can tell you that we totally notice a difference in the strength and health of the nails when our clients do take a break, says Tuttle. Choi and Holford agree all three recommend keeping your nails au naturel for at least a few days after sporting a gel, acrylics, or dip.
If you really need to keep them polished, use a nail strengthener as a base coat, suggests Holford. You can also look for a color that contains strengthening ingredients.
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Best Nail Strengthener After Gel Polish
If you already have your gel polish kit and a LED nail lamp, you can use your gel base coat and gel top coat as a nail strengthener without having to buy any nail hardeners.
If your gel base coat and gel topcoat run low, getting old, or having questionable quality, you can use the Gelish brand. This is the brand I use after testing several different ones since I started using it in 2010.
Gelish was the first gel polish brand that came to the market in 2009 and its superior quality is still second to none. That is why professional nail techs and nail salons use them even with gel colors from different brands.
comes with four different bottles.
This kit is the best nail hardener after gel nails. You can use this to repair you nails after gel polish to give your weak, thin nails an added strength until they grow out.
You can buy them separately but they are less expensive if you buy them in this kit.
This high-quality gel kit costs under $40 and will last a year if you use it at home if you know how to store gel polish properly. You can check out .
Happy gelling.
Want to know the best nail salon near you? If you know these five things about nail salons, pick out the best nail salon is easy.
Hydration Will Strengthen Your Nails
Now that the gel-dip-acrylic is off, the key is to moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. “Prolonged use of gel manis and acrylics dehydrates your nails, making them dry, brittle, and fragile,” says manicurist Jin Soon Choi, founder of JINSoon nail polish and salons.
A cuticle oil is your BFF for imparting deep hydration. Focus on slathering it not only on the nail itself, but also massaging it well into the cuticle the cuticle is where new, healthy nail growth will start so it’s important to nourish and hydrate this area, says Choi.
One best-seller to try: CND Solar Oil Nail and Cuticle Conditioner. Holford also likes using straight up jojoba oil, which can strengthen nail beds and boost healthy nail growth. She recommends applying it three times per day for five days for the best results.
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How Can We Strengthen Our Nails
There are many products on the market that can help to strengthen weak fingernails, I think the best types to use are Nail Strengtheners and Nail Hardeners. Basically, the difference between nail strengthener and a nail hardener is just as obvious as it sounds:
- A nail strengthener makes the nail stronger, whereas
- A nail hardener makes the nail harder
So if your nails are soft and weak, then I recommend using a nail hardener. If they are hard and brittle, then I suggest a nail strengthener. Its that simple.
What Makes Nails Weak
Splitting nails, thin nails, brittle nails, soft nails, discolored nails these are all signs of nail weakness that every woman wants to avoid. The medical term for these conditions is Onychoschizia. The reasons for these conditions vary and can be due to a range of things such as physical or hereditary conditions, dietary considerations, stress,environmental factors, lifestyle and more.
If you would like to learn more about what weak nails you may find this post useful: What Can You do About Brittle Splitting Nails
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Trind Natural Nail Repair Best For All Nail Types
Some of the best drugstore nail strengtheners might leave your nails feeling stronger with regular use but theres also one problem that goes along with impressive results. Many of these products leave your nails hard, dry and inflexible. If youve tried various nail strengtheners and youre not satisfied with the results, we recommend the Trind Natural Nail Repair.
Its a unique formula that strengthens your nails while still keeping it flexible. What sets it apart from other products, is the perfect balance of keratin and moisture it produces in the nail.
For best results, use the Trind Natural Nail Repair daily.
Its ideal for women of all ages and suitable for all nail types. You should be able to see some significant results in just two weeks. If youre satisfied with the improvements, use the formula once a week as a base coat or gloss for maintenance.
What We Liked
What We Didnt Like
- Contains formaldehyde
How Long Does Dip Powder Last

Dip powder manicures can last two to four weeks, but Terrell doesnt recommend going beyond 14 days. Its never a great idea to keep anything on your nails for an extended period of time without removing or replacing it, Terrell explains. Keeping it on too long can cause bacterial infections to form between the nail beds and the powder.
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Essie Treat Love & Colour: Best Nail Strengthener With Colour
Price: £8 |
Perk up lacklustre nails with US manicure brand Essies Treat, Love & Colour nail strengtheners. The nourishing one-step care and colour product is available in semi-sheer shades, like peachy Tinted Love, pretty-in-pink Sheers To You, and chic Laven-dearly. It gives a healthy glow to your nails, and your digits will feel as good as they look thanks to a detoxing formula that promises to repair, hydrate and strengthen. If youre looking for a pretty polish with added nail-care benefits, the Essie Treat, Love & Colour collection will be just the job.
Key specs – Pack size: 5ml
Price: £13 |
Your morning smoothie benefits from a dose of kale, and so will your nails. The Nails Inc Nailkale Superfood nail strengthener is all you need for healthier-looking nails that dont break or chip. Thanks to its potent blend of kale extract and Nails Incs patented Regenerating Complex, vitamins A, C and K immediately increase the keratin production in your nails for ultimate hydration and nourishment. Dont be alarmed by the sheer pale-green colour of the bottle: Nailkale dries to a clear and glossy finish. Apply a base coat of Nailkale Superfood on bare nails and then top it up every couple of days for stronger and smoother nails in a couple of weeks.
Key specs – Pack size: 14ml
Price: £11 | Buy now from Typology
Key specs – Pack size: 15ml
Price: £4 |
Key specs – Pack size: 13.3ml
Price: £9 |
Key specs – pack size: 15ml