Help! My Nails Are Weak
Weak nails? These products can help to strengthen and improve the condition of your nails.
The sound of fingernails on a chalkboard is nothing short of irritating. Lacking strong, long nails can be just as painful (and annoying), especially when they break and ruin a manicure. But this doesn’t have to be a regular occurrence. Getting into a few good habits can help to counteract this kind of cosmetic catastrophe. “Always keep your hands and nails moisturized with a great oil or lotion,” recommends Caption Polish co-founder Greg Salo. “While it sounds a little indulgent, you wouldn’t believe how just this one simple act will prevent your nails from becoming dry and brittle.” There is an abundance of ways to strengthen nails now, from polishes, serums to supplements—here’s what works best.
Supplements
Easily ingest your way to nicer nails. With breakfast, lunch and dinner (and maybe a snack, too), the all-natural dietary GROH Ergo Boost Daily Replenishing Supplements ($39) should be taken (2-4 times daily) for stronger, more fortified nails, in addition to improved skin, hair and scalp heath. After 90 days, only two supplements are needed daily for maintenance. In as little as 14 days, results, stemming from Vitamin D2 and ergothioneine, can be seen.
Serum
While serums are typically applied on the face, this one nails it. Nail Goddess by Ciaté London ($17) is a serum elixir containing with Pro-Vitamin B5, a super strengthening ingredient, and marula oil, which nourishes and hydrates. Applied on clean (bare) nails, it only takes minutes to use and should be utilized daily for best results. Optimal outcomes occur in about one month, but a difference is noticed within one week.
Base Coat
Meghan Trainor step aside—we’re all about that base. For those skilled enough to manage a gel manicure at home, Red Carpet Manicure Nail Remedy ($15) is employed as a base coat to defend nails from outside forces. It immediately seals and protects, with an enrichment of Vitamins B5, A, E and Calcium. Keeping away excess moisture, a stronger finish is created, allowing natural nail growth. It’s best to use on lightly buffed nails that are cleansed. After applying a thin coat of the remedy, nails must be placed under Pro 45 or RCM portable lights. Following the drying phase, a polish can be added.
Top Coat
Cake is great, but sometimes the icing is the best part. Though often used as a base coat, Perfect Formula’s Repair Coat ($28) can be applied on top of polish. It uses keratin (the main protein of the nail), biotin (a vitamin that improves thin, splitting, brittle nails), jojoba oil (which moisturizes to prevent brittleness), and vitamin E (which conditions and moisturizes nails). Reapplying once a week to clean nails facilitates a 30 day nail-recovery, though users can see results in as little as seven days.
