The best nail treatments to strengthen and repair nails at home
by Telegraph BeautyIt's more than likely that you're probably missing trips to your favourite nail salon at the moment. The welcome down-time and mood-boosting benefits of gel manicures is one thing, but maintaining nail health is another.
Regularly employing nail treatments is a hard and fast way to prevent breakage. However, having tried a host of products on the market, we've found that while our nails might look and feel sturdy after buffing away any leftover gel varnish and liberally applying the treatment, within a week they peel at the sides and split. Fortunately, things are looking up and several trailblazing products genuinely do deliver on their promises.
Both Nails Inc and Essie’s strengthening polishes not only have nourishing formulas, but they also have a slight hint of colour to give your nails an instant healthy look. Nails Inc Back to Life Recovery Treatment & Base Coat has a pinky hue and promises results in three weeks, however our nails felt stronger within a week and didn’t peel – truly, a miracle. Essie’s Treat Love Color range comes in three sheer shades and has the same concept as Nail’s Inc in terms of hydrating ingredients.
For those who want a treatment without the colour, look to Nailberry’s aptly titled The Cure Nail Hardener, £19.50. It more than lives up to its name, though you do need to be religious with your daily application. If you’re desperately in need of a DIY manicure, it’s also worth looking into the brand’s Holy Grail Bonding Base Coat. The innovative formula binds to your natural nail bed to ensure the colour lasts longer.
You should also consider making a few swaps to your nail regime to help boost the results of your at-home treatment. Opt for a glass file rather than an emery board to shape your nails and look for a gentle nail polish remover that doesn’t contain acetone.
While these tweaks alone won’t completely reverse the damage caused by peeling off a gel manicure overnight, they definitely help revive your nails and prevent further breakage.
The essential nail kit
The best nail file
A glass file is less likely to split or peel your nails. Plus, this one is as cheap as an emery board.
Read more: How to do a manicure at home
The best base coat
Nailberry Strengthen & Breathe Oxygenated Strengthening Base Coat, £17.50
This is the most innovative base coat we’ve come across in terms of extending the life of your manicure.
The best repairing nail treatment
Nails Inc Back to Life Recovery Treatment & Base Coat, £15
Whether you’re addicted to gel manicures or you bite your nails, this is a game-changer.
Read more: Best at-home gel nail kits
The best tinted nail treatment
Essie Nail Treat Love Color in Laven-dearly, £8.99
For nourishment and just a hint of colour, look no further than this clever range.
- Read more: How to do a pedicure at home
The best nail polish remover
Dior Dissolvant Abricot, £17.50
The removal process is where your nails can get damaged. This formula is pricey but gentle.