Are you tired of picking at your brittle flaky nails? Then, try a nail strengthening treatment. The most common types are nail serums, nail cream, and cuticle oil. These types of daily, or bi-weekly, treatments help to heal your nails and promote healthy nail growth.
“I’ve found [nail serums] to be better for promoting growth and strengthening compared to nail cream,” former nail tech and current creative director of SNS nails, Anna Parvatova, told 21Ninety.
While nail creams aren’t ruled out by the former nail tech, she noted that if you’re dealing with severely brittle nails, a nail serum has a better chance of bringing your nails back to life. But, if they’re not that far gone, still give nail creams a try.
“You may also consider adding high-quality cuticle oil to your nail care routine,” Parvatova added.
What Causes Brittle Nails?
Brittle nails have a few different causes.
“Frequent use of nail polish and exposure to nail polish removers can weaken and thin the nails over time,” Parvatova explained.
She also noted that you should avoid nail hardeners as they often contain formaldehyde – which can severely damage your nails.
“Over time, this can lead to increased brittleness, making your nails even more prone to chipping and breaking,” the SNS nails creative director warned.
- Best Budget Nail and Cuticle Oil: Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail & Cuticle Oil
- Best Nail Cream: Londontown Restorative Nail Cream
- Best Nail and Cuticle Oil: L’Occitane Strengthening Shea Nail and Cuticle Oil
- Best Nail Polish Treatment: Londontown Perfecting Nail Veil #4
- Best Nail Serum: Manucurist Paris The Complete Serum
Best Budget Nail and Cuticle Oil
Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail & Cuticle Oil
Sally Hansen’s Vitamin E Nail & Cuticle Oil is a vial of nutrients that help heal brittle nails. Within the 0.45-ounce bottle is a blend of apricot kernel oil, aloe vera, and vitamin E that both moisturizes dry cuticles and helps strengthen brittle nails. You can use this vegan oil blend on natural nails daily while you’re restoring them. And, apply these on manicured nails to maintain your moisturized nail beds.
Best Nail Cream
Londontown Restorative Nail Cream
Londontown Restorative Nail Cream specifically moisturizes your nails. In the jar is a cream that’s made with soybean oil, coconut oil, vitamin E, lavender oil, and glycerin. Plus, the cream comes with a set of treatment gloves.
For the best results, the “How to Use” section recommends massaging a small amount into your nails in circular motions a couple times a week. And, for an occasional overnight treatment, you can apply a generous amount before slipping the included gloves on and going to bed.
Best Nail and Cuticle Oil
L’Occitane Strengthening Shea Nail and Cuticle Oil
L’Occitane’s Strengthening Shea Nail and Cuticle Oil is a paraben- and phthalate-free treatment that brings brittle nails back to life. It’s made with a number of moisturizing oils. Shea, apricot, sweet almond, castor, argan, and avocado oil are just some of the most recognizable ones. As Parvatova mentioned, “[Cuticle oil] promotes healthy nail growth from the outset since nails start growing from the cuticle.”
Best Nail Polish Treatment
Londontown Perfecting Nail Veil #4
Londontown’s Perfecting Nail Veil #4 is a tinted nail treatment that conceals your brittle nails while they heal. Underneath the pale pink surface, there’s a moisturizing – yet invigorating – combination of ingredients that supports healthy nail growth. Vitamin E, cucumber extract, and garlic bulb extract are all within this nail treatment.
Best Nail Serum
Manucurist Paris The Complete Serum
Manucurist Paris The Complete Serum is a water-based treatment for your nails. Since there is no oil in this serum, it won’t leave a greasy residue on your nails. This serum uses vegetable glycerin and chestnut seed extract combination to revive and strengthen brittle nails.
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