What are nail strengtheners? We asked the experts

While upgrading your skincare range or refreshing your make-up bag can be a natural way to improve your beauty routine, we often forget about our nails. People spend many hours getting their hair and skin in good condition, though nail health is just as important. Do you exercise regularly? weird nail art or prefer minimalist manicuresThe key to keeping your nails healthy is with a little TLC. So what are your options?

You’ve probably passed a few bottles of nail strengthener while browsing the aisles at Target, wondering exactly what it is and more importantly, does it work. To set the record straight, we asked top nail experts for the full product breakdown, including how to use it, when to expect results, and how to find the right formula for you.

What are nail strengtheners?

Nail strengtheners are topical treatments that improve the health of your nails.“Most (nail strengtheners) come in the form of a polish,” shares Rita Remark, Essie’s global lead educator. “Formulas are infused with ingredients that promote repair and nourishment of damaged or weak natural nails.” Thea Green, founder of Nails. INC also claims that the product can help with durability and improve the resilience of brittle nails.

How exactly does this work? Your nails are made of a protein called keratin, which keeps your nail bed covered and protected from bacteria. But your nails still need nutrients to grow long and strong. While you get some of these naturally, a nail strengthener can give you an extra boost. According to celebrity nail artist and CEO Mazz Hanna of Nailing Hollywood, most nail strengtheners contain keratin, calcium and vitamins to promote healthy nail growth. He explains that some can also work to hydrate your nails, which keeps them strong over time.

Who should use it to strengthen nails?

Anyone can use it to strengthen nails, but experts say that they are weak, brittle, thin or whiten your nails will benefit the most. Although most of these problems can be a side effect of frequent use nail extensionsthey are not the only cause of nail damage. “Our nails take a lot of wear and tear from everyday activities, such as washing our hands or using harsh cleaning chemicals. Adding a nail strengthener can help keep them strong,” says Remark.

In addition to daily activities and the stress of extensions, Green tells us that aging can also affect nail health. “As we age, our nails can become thinner and may need some extra TLC to keep them healthy and strong,” she says. Trauma and post-health nail damage can also affect the natural strength of your nails, making them an ideal nail strengthening product.

How to use it to strengthen nails

The good news is that it’s easier than applying nail strengthener recreating the latest nail trend. In most cases, you will apply a nail strengthener like a typical nail polish. Start with clean, bare nails. The note emphasizes the importance of this step, as it ensures that you get all the benefits of the product. After you cut and file your nails, Green suggests applying a coat as well as a cover over each nail. Be sure to cover the edge and tips of the nail to prevent splitting.

As for how often you can apply the product, Hanna says the frequency varies. “Most products recommend applying a new coat every 2-3 days,” he explains. But to see long-term results, you’ll need to use it like any other beauty treatment. “Incorporating a booster into your routine, along with regular maintenance, will give you the best results.”

What to look for

When shopping for nail polish, Remark says a little self-diagnosis goes a long way. Assess your main nail concerns and find ingredients to treat them. “If your nails are damaged and peeling from gel removal, you’ll need a strengthener to help rebuild and smooth your nails,” she explains. However, if you’re unsure of a problem, Hanna says it’s best to look for products with nourishing ingredients like keratin, calcium, biotin or oils that will hydrate and strengthen. (Here is our list tried and tested nail strengtheners with these types of components.)

If you’re looking for a more intense solution, celebrity nail artist Elle Gerstein recommends opting for a strengthening system. These will generally have two steps: one to open the pores under the nails and another to provide nutrients. This allows the product to penetrate deeper for a more detailed view.

Nail strengthener vs

Although they may look and sound similar, nail strengthener and nail hardener are not the same thing. According to Green, the key differences are in their purpose, formulation and overall effect on your nails. “A nail strengthener is designed to improve overall nail health, while a nail hardener is specifically used to make nails harder and stiffer,” she says.

A nail strengthener is aimed at improving the overall health and resilience of the nails by hydrating and nourishing them. Prevents breakage by making nails more flexible and less prone to splitting. A nail hardener, on the other hand, usually adds stiffness to the nails, making them harder but not necessarily healthier. Overuse of hardeners can lead to brittleness, so they are best for short-term use or specific cases of soft nails.

Last Takeaway

Using a nail strengthener can have many benefits, but as with beauty, consistency is key. If you want to see noticeable improvements, such as growth and a reduction in dryness and brittleness, you’ll need to commit to regular use. “Nail strengtheners can improve the overall health of your nails, but the long-term benefits depend on regular application and proper nail care habits,” says Hanna. With them on, you’ll likely start to see your nails become smoother, ridge-free, and stronger.