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Nail Strengthener- I pretty much always have some strengthener on at any given time. And I always use nail strengthener as a base coat under my nail color. I never even bother using regular base coat anymore. Strictly nail strengthener for me. I also never keep my nails bare as I find they break easier that way- so even if I’m lazy and don’t have painted nails- at least I’m protecting them with one coat of strengthener. I alternate between these three brands:
Nailtiques Nail Protein – Nailtiques makes several different formulas to combat specific nail problems. I use ‘Nailtiques Nail Protein Formula 2’. It’s my go-to product when my nails start getting peel-y. It whips me back into shape quickly. This stuff is a little pricey for me in U.S. …but it’s SO worth it to have on hand! In my head of think of it as my miracle product.
Sally Hansen Maximum Growth- The above photo was taken after using ‘Sally Hansen Maximum Growth Daily Nail Treatment’ for 30 days straight. I used it as a basecoat during a month-long nail art challenge and my nails came out in tip top shape! When I use it sporadically I have okay results, but when I use it regularly then I see better results. This is the product that I use most of the time since it works well, is cheap in comparison to others, and is easy to find in stores. I consider this to be a good maintenance product. If my nails are in bad shape I don’t think it necessarily fixes them. But if my nails are generally healthy, this helps them get long and strong.
OPI Nail Envy- This is stuff works well to strengthen my nails and prevent breakage. It makes them flexible and strong. I’ve reviewed the product here: OPI Nail Envy Review with before and after pics .
What products don’t work for me? Duri Rejuvacote: Duri Review with before and after pics . I also don’t have good luck with Nailtek- it makes my nails peel. L.A. Girl Calcium Builder didn’t improve my nail health either.
Wrap your tips- This means when you apply your basecoat of nail strengthener you should make sure to apply the polish to the end of your nail and ‘wrap your tips’ with the polish. This keeps almost your whole nail encased with strengthener so water doesn’t leak in and weaken them. It helps prevent splitting and peeling as well. As your nails grow longer you will be able to coat the underside of of your nail as well. I do that before every manicure and I feel good about strengthening the top AND underside of my nails! Maximum effectiveness!
Nail Filing – Always opt for filing rather than using a nail clipper. And throw out those old scratchy emery boards! Glass files are the way to go! They do less damage to your nails, they work better and file ohh so smoothly. I got one at Sally Beauty Supply for around $8 and I keep that in my purse. The one I use at home is a Mont Bleu Don’t forget- never file your nails when they are wet because that causes splitting/peeling. They say it’s best to file in the same direction too (rather than a back-and-forth sawing motion).
Moisturize those hands – The more you moisturize with hand cream, the healthier your nails and cuticles will become. In the past I have been very lazy with this one. But once I amped up my moisturizing routine I really saw a big difference. I rarely get hangnails now, my cuticles are much tamer, and my nails are less brittle and break less. I keep hand lotion at work, in my purse, on the coffee table, in the bedroom- everywhere. Here’s some products I like a lot .
Nails are not tools! I make an effort to not use my nails as tools anymore. Opening soda cans, pulling a zipper up… these are things that I do much slower and carefully now. I try to use the pads of my fingers so that there’s as little pressure on my nails as possible. It felt silly at first, but now it’s just a way of life for me. And if there’s a guy around you- just ask him to help you with stuff. He’ll feel like a macho man and you’ll save your nails. WIN/WIN! Also, if you’re gardening, or moving stuff or washing dishes- always wear gloves.
I always update my blog if I discover any other amazing products or awesome tricks! Thanks for reading!
♥ Craftynail
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Maya Muthiah says: August 3, 2013 at 10:54 pm Thank you! I am going to do what you had suggested.-Maya Frm Singapore Reply Craftynail says: August 4, 2013 at 3:30 am That’s great, thanks! Reply
Thank you! I am going to do what you had suggested.-Maya Frm Singapore
Craftynail says: August 4, 2013 at 3:30 am That’s great, thanks! Reply
That’s great, thanks!
Uma Shirodkar says: October 6, 2013 at 1:43 am I’m a reformed nail biter and after following a routine similar to yours, I’m beginning to see the difference. Thanks for the tips! BTW I dont have as long nails as yours…but am aiming for that 😀 Reply Craftynail says: October 6, 2013 at 9:09 am You’re welcome! I used to bite too.. movie theaters were the worst! I’d come out of there with barely any nails left. Lol. But once you make an effort to keep your nails nice you really do see good results 🙂 good luck and thanks for reading! Reply
I’m a reformed nail biter and after following a routine similar to yours, I’m beginning to see the difference. Thanks for the tips! BTW I dont have as long nails as yours…but am aiming for that 😀
Craftynail says: October 6, 2013 at 9:09 am You’re welcome! I used to bite too.. movie theaters were the worst! I’d come out of there with barely any nails left. Lol. But once you make an effort to keep your nails nice you really do see good results 🙂 good luck and thanks for reading! Reply
You’re welcome! I used to bite too.. movie theaters were the worst! I’d come out of there with barely any nails left. Lol. But once you make an effort to keep your nails nice you really do see good results 🙂 good luck and thanks for reading!
ThroughTheLookingGlassAndDownTheRabbitHole says: October 12, 2013 at 7:59 pm These are some great tips 🙂 My nails have been peeling like crazy recently, and I don’t know why. They have never looked so bad, ever. I hope getting my hands on some nail strengthener will fix them. Reply Craftynail says: October 12, 2013 at 10:05 pm Yeah if you keep some strengthener on them for a couple weeks straight they may perk up 🙂 I don’t really like NailTek brand though- I’m not sure if they have that near you or not. Reply
These are some great tips 🙂 My nails have been peeling like crazy recently, and I don’t know why. They have never looked so bad, ever. I hope getting my hands on some nail strengthener will fix them.
Craftynail says: October 12, 2013 at 10:05 pm Yeah if you keep some strengthener on them for a couple weeks straight they may perk up 🙂 I don’t really like NailTek brand though- I’m not sure if they have that near you or not. Reply
Yeah if you keep some strengthener on them for a couple weeks straight they may perk up 🙂 I don’t really like NailTek brand though- I’m not sure if they have that near you or not.
Melanie Watt says: June 15, 2015 at 8:05 am Thankyou so much for your tip on ‘wraps’, only been doing it a few days. And noticed a big difference already! Reply Craftynail says: August 11, 2015 at 7:50 pm Awesome! 🙂 Reply
Thankyou so much for your tip on ‘wraps’, only been doing it a few days. And noticed a big difference already!
Craftynail says: August 11, 2015 at 7:50 pm Awesome! 🙂 Reply
Awesome! 🙂
simplyreean says: August 11, 2015 at 5:06 am I have been looking for some tips on how to get strong durable nails. I have had acrylics for so long and I’m finally giving them up! Will definitely be purchasing some of the things you recommended Reply Craftynail says: August 11, 2015 at 7:50 pm Let me know how it goes <3 Reply
I have been looking for some tips on how to get strong durable nails. I have had acrylics for so long and I’m finally giving them up! Will definitely be purchasing some of the things you recommended
Craftynail says: August 11, 2015 at 7:50 pm Let me know how it goes <3 Reply
Let me know how it goes <3
Thanks for stopping by! My name's Jacqui and I paint my nails more than a normal person should. But normal isn't fun, now is it? I update my blog regularly with fun nail art ideas, swatches and product reviews. So swing back soon to see what me and my crafty nails are up to!
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Glue as a peel-off base coat and for nail art ... under Nails
OPI Nail Envy Review under Review
How to apply water slide decals to your nails- a ... under Tutorial
Duri Rejuvacote Review (before and after) under Review
Nailtiques Review – with before and after pics under Review
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Orly Ridge Filler Review under Review
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