I Can Finally Grow Out My Natural Nails With This Nail Strengthener

I’ve personally tried this formula, as well, and keep one in the cup holder of my car to moisturize on the go. It’s so light that I’ve literally put it on at a traffic light and it’s all absorbed by the time I take off.

• How to use: Be sure to massage it into nail beds and the back of the hands well. Apply as often as you need, especially right after hand washing when skin is still damp, to seal in all the good stuff.
• What we’re into: It hydrates both hands and nails; super lightweight formula
• Things to consider: If your hands are super dry, you may need a thicker cream on top

Best for Yellow Nails: Dermelect Luminous Nail Brightening Treatment

When I was introduced to this product at an event, it was love at first swipe. I’m always up for a multitasker and this formula is like a filter for your nails, blurring and brightening as it strengthens, with ingredients like vitamin E, peptides, and biotin. It has a milky-white hue so it’s also a great solution if your nails are yellowing. “I love how it goes on so smoothly, and the brush was thinner than most for a precise application,” says Eileen G. “Each coat dried quickly, and my nails look and feel healthier. And there has been no chipping after five days and a lot of dishwashing.”

• How to use: You can apply it under polish, as a base coat, or on its own. I like to apply three coats, so I get more coverage.
• What we’re into: Makes nails look brighter; can wear on its own or under polish
• Things to consider: It looks more pearlescent in the bottle than it does on your nails

Best Intensive Nail Strengthening Treatment: Duri Rejuvacote 1 Original Maximum Strength Nail Growth System

My manicurist Sunshine has recommended this formula to me for years. It’s the only one on the market that she completely swears by. “Overall, I always turn to Rejuvacote for hardening and strengthening. There’s really nothing like it,” says Sunshine. With wheat and soy proteins plus calcium, the formula is designed to help make nails hard and strong, yet still flexible—and pliability is important if you use your hands a lot. Celebrity manicurist Pattie Yankee is a fan as well. “I’ve seen great results with my clients,” she says. “It seals in moisture and promotes nail growth without over-hardening the nail.”

• How to use: If you are using it on bare nails, apply two coats and then reapply every day for seven days. Then you can remove it and just use it once a week. If you’re using it with polish, apply it as a base coat, then paint on your nail color. Reapply it on top every day for a week.
• What we’re into: It’s been around for a long time; the pros rely on this formula for results; can use with or without polish
• Things to consider: You need to commit to using it daily for seven consecutive days for the best results

Best for Gel Polish Wearers: Essie to the Rescue UV Gel Damage Repair

“As a nail artist, my natural nails are my canvas, so I swear by a strengthening base coat,” says NYC-based nail artist Miss Pop. And unfortunately (as us UV gel polish devotees know), the long-wearing formulas can take a toll on nails, especially if you’re peeling off the polish instead of removing it properly. “If you are recovering from a gel mani gone wrong, or too many of them, I would try this formula—it’s great because you can still wear nail polish on top,” she says. It uses a blend of proteins to seal, thicken, and protect the nail bed from thinning and splitting. I personally loved the neutral tint it gave my nails—just like my natural color, but better. After wearing it for a week, I felt confident going to my gel manicure appointment.

• How to use: Apply two thin coats to bare nails, allowing each to dry completely. Keep it on for five days, whether you wear it alone or under polish.
• What we’re into: Specifically addresses the issues of wearing gel polish; mitigates peeling, splitting, and thinning
• Things to consider: Should use for five days for best results

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