Maybe it’s been the lockdown boredom (or maybe it’s the wealth of nail-art trends we’re itching to try once that salons are finally open), but it seems so many of us are attempting to grow our nails longer and stronger right now.
If you’ve ditched the acrylics and taken a much-needed break from the gels, yet your nails are still brittle and flaky, we feel your pain.
On a mission to achieve the long, resilient talons of our dreams, we’ve tried out all the hacks – and enlisted some of the best experts – to reveal exactly how to make our nails grow longer, stronger, and healthier for good. Stay with us for everything you need to know.
How To Grow Longer And Stronger Nails
1. Use A Cuticle Oil Daily
COLD-PRESSED JOJOBA OIL
Eclat Skincareamazon.co.uk
2. Consider Biotin
Studies show that brittle nails prone to peeling and breakage could be a sign of biotin deficiency, so it might be a good idea to supplement your diet with an extra dose of this essential B vitamin.
‘Biotin-rich foods may help to strengthen brittle nails,’ says Amanda Griggs, Nutritionist at the Khera-Griggs Cleanse Clinic, Urban Retreat. There are several small studies to support this, although Griggs highlights that ‘they did not include a placebo group and also did not include the baseline biotin status of the participants.’ However, they did show significant increases in nail thickness and hardness after taking 2.5mg biotin supplement each day.
28 PODS OF BEAUTY
Advanced Nutrition Programme
GLOW INNER BEAUTY ESSENTIAL
The Beauty Chefcultbeauty.co.uk
KILLER NAILS
HUM Nutritioncultbeauty.co.uk
BIOTIN
Myvitaminslookfantastic.com
3. Invest In A ‘Soft’ Nail File
You might have heard that glass nail files are better for filing with, but while they’re pretty, longer-wearing and easy to clean, it pays to invest in a ‘soft’ file, according to Session Manicurist, Ami Streets.
‘To get the best finish from your filing, always opt for a soft file to prevent tearing or splitting your nails,’ she says. Her top picks? ‘Orly’s nail file is probably one of best I’ve used because of the durability and the way it gives the smoothest finish really fast.’
Image from Getty Images
‘Pro products are always best and usually more hard wearing. I really like the Natural Nail Company because you can choose a file depending on whether your nails are soft or hard, and there are even options for acrylics.’
What’s more, you really need to nail (sorry) your filing technique. Back and forth see-saw motions will only cause the nail to splinter, so always file in one direction, using long, swift but gentle strokes.
Pro Tip: ‘Start from the outside edge and move into the centre,’ advises Streets. ‘This technique will give you a smooth finish and more control over the shape you’re trying to achieve.’
COLOURED EMERY BOARDS
Brushworkslookfantastic.com
QUATRO 4 IN 1 NAIL FILE & BUFFER
Leighton Dennymarksandspencer.com
EMERY BOARDS – SOFT NAILS
The Natural Nail Companylookfantastic.com
NEON FILEMATES (3 NAIL FILES AND CASE)
Tweezermanlookfantastic.com
4. Nourish Your Nail Beds
If a bumpy, ridged nail bed is completely ruining your mani, you might need to increase your vitamin B9 intake.
Otherwise known as folic acid, this vitamin repairs and multiplies the cells that make up nails, which speeds up growth and promotes overall nail health. It has also been shown to boost strength and prevent peeling.
IMAXTREE
‘Folic acid is responsible for healthy cell growth in skin tissue as well as hair and nails,’ explains Griggs. ‘A true deficiency in folic acid may cause discolouration and contribute to brittle and weak nails.’
If you think you’re lacking, foods like beans and whole grains are rich in folic acid – but you can buy folic acid supplements over the counter, too.
FOLIC ACID 60 TABLETS 400UG
Holland & Barretthollandandbarrett.com
FOOD-GROWN© FOLIC ACID
Wild Nutritionplanetorganic.com
MYO INOSITOL WITH FOLIC ACID POWDER
Viridian planetorganic.com
DAILY WELLBEING + VITAMIN COMPLEX
anatomēcultbeauty.co.uk
AMBRA VERNUCCIO
5. Upgrade Your Nail Polish Remover
When your manicure shows signs of chipping, it’s all too easy to pick up any old bottle of nail polish remover. But those containing high concentrations of acetone (the potent solvent that is responsible for dissolving nail polish quickly) is extremely harsh on fragile nails and can dry them out almost instantly – cue peeling, flaking, and splitting.
Your best bet? Go acetone-free. These formulas might be gentler, but don’t underestimate their ability to leave your nails perfectly clean – even after a jet-black mani. There are heaps of gentle yet effective formulas out there with the muscle to whip off remnants of polish in moments.
EXPRESS NAIL POLISH REMOVER POT POWERED BY COLLAGEN
Nails Inc.
NAIL POLISH REMOVER PADS
Elegant Touch
ACETONE-FREE NAIL POLISH REMOVER
OPI
CRYSTAL ACETONE FREE NAIL POLISH REMOVER
Mavala
6. Try A More Natural Nail Polish
Quashie recommends giving ‘free from’ varnishes a go, which purposefully exclude any potentially toxic chemicals. ‘In terms of natural credentials, the scale runs from “three-free” all the way up to “13-free”, which means that brand does not have any of the most commonly used chemicals that have been identified as potentially harmful in their varnishes.’
So, which brands to go for? ‘Some great ‘free-from’ brands are Kure Bazaar, Nailberry and Butter London – some of the larger brands such as Nails Inc and Orly are bringing out similar formulas too.’
NAILPURE WOMANGER NAIL VARNISH
nails inc.lookfantastic.com
L’OXYGENE NAIL LACQUER CHERRY CHERIE
Nailberry
MAGNIFICO
kure bazaarcontentbeautywellbeing.com
L’OXYGENE NAIL LACQUER BLACK BERRY
Nailberry
7. Eat A Nail-Friendly Diet
Forget all the crash-diet propaganda that’s been drip-fed into your brain for decades, because the best diet for all-round health – including your nails – is rich in variety.
For growing nails longer and stronger, Griggs recommends ‘a nutritious rainbow diet including colourful fruit and vegetables, leafy greens, oily fish, nuts, seeds, avocado, eggs, lean meat, a little whole grains and sweet potato.’
To take things to the next level, add in foods that encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria, such as kefir, miso, live yogurt, and kimchi. ‘Finally, don’t forget to keep hydrated and minimise alcohol consumption and refined sugars,’ she says.
8. Use A Keratin Treatment
Found naturally in nails, it’s responsible for making them flexible – but don’t let that word put you off. It doesn’t mean they’ll be thin, fragile, or bendy, but fortified and much less likely to chip.
Pro Tip: It might sound obvious, but Quashie’s top piece of advice is actually the easiest way to keep your nails looking as good as possible. ‘Don’t use your nails as tools – remember, be gentle!’
SCIENTIFIQUE K PLUS NAIL HARDENER
Mavala
RESCUE DAILY KERATIN TREATMENT
CND
COMPLETE SALON MANICURE 3.0
Sally Hansen
SHEER WISDOM NAIL TINTED MOISTURISER
butter LONDON
The Best Nail Growth Treatments and Strengtheners
The world might be starting to reopen, but our nails on the other hand, are still in hibernation mode. To get them nail-art-ready, invest in a nail treatment that’s designed to promote growth and strengthen, so you’re ready for your full diary of social obligations.
We tested some of the best available, to see which ones really deliver results. Below are the ones we rate.
How We Tested
We asked over 1,000 women to trial over 42 brands of nail growth treatments and strengtheners for a one-month period; the products ranged from oils to polishes to creams.
For nail growth products, testers assessed whether they prevented breakages and peeling, if they helped with growth, and if nails were left looking healthier and stronger.
For strengthening treatments, testers noted whether the products helped with any flakiness, as well as if they had an impact on smoothness and strength.
Both types of product, were also judged on how easy they were to apply, their drying time and how often they needed to reapply.
Best Nail Strengtheners and Growth Treatments
ORLY NAIL DEFENSE STRENGTHENING TREATMENT
Packed with proteins that help to prevent breakages, we were impressed with how well it kept our nails intact, spotting some visible growth too. It provided them with a glossy sheen and lasted a decent amount of time without chipping.
Key specifications
Type: Polish
Volume: 18ml
Apply: A thin layer to clean, dry nails.
Phthalate free: Yes
Toluene free: Yes
Formaldehyde free: Yes
Best Base Coat
YVES SAINT LAURENT LA LAQUE COUTURE 98 BASE COAT
Not just a pretty face, this luxe base coat leaves nails looking stronger and healthier, all while preventing breakages. In just one stroke, it added shine to nails and left the surface looking smoother. It took us two weeks to see improvements in the overall health of our nails, earning it a gold star from us.
Key specifications
Type: Polish
Volume: 10ml
Apply: As a base coat.
Phthalate free: Yes
Toluene free: Yes
Formaldehyde free: Yes
Best For Anti-Peeling
ESSIE NAIL CARE ALL-IN-ONE NAIL POLISH BASE COAT AND TOP- COAT
A perfect mani needs a smooth base. This polish aims to leave nails looking stronger and more even, acting like a primer for nails. It took us two weeks to notice a difference, but our nails did appear tougher, with less peeling and breakages.
Key specifications
Type: Polish
Volume: 13.5ml
Apply: As a base coat.
Phthalate free: Yes
Toluene free: Yes
Formaldehyde free: Yes
Best Nail Tint
DIOR BASE COAT ABRICOT
We challenge you to find a celebrity manicurist kit that doesn’t include a bottle of this. It provides nails with a healthy flush (so you don’t have to bother trying to perfect a French mani) and we noticed it left uneven nails smoother.
Key specifications
Type: Polish
Volume: 10ml
Apply: As a base coat.
Phthalate free: Yes
Toluene free: Yes
Formaldehyde free: Yes
Best Nail Hardener
SALLY HANSEN DIAMOND STRENGTH INSTANT NAIL HARDENER
Finding your nails snap before they reach the length you want? We noticed this polish made nails instantly more resilient against breakages, with less peeling. We didn’t see much improvement in the long-term condition of our nails, but it’s great for a quick-fix solution.
Key specifications
Type: Polish
Volume: 13.3ml
Apply: Alone or as a base coat.
Phthalate free: Yes
Toluene free: Yes
Formaldehyde free: Yes
Best For Sensitive Cuticles
DR. HAUSCHKA NEEM NAIL AND CUTICLE OIL
If the worst part of your manicure is getting your cuticles cut, this oil should do the trick to soothe any sensitivity. It helped improve the appearance of our cuticles, with less nail flakiness as a result. The dispenser pump was a bit fiddly at times, often drenching our hands in oil, but there is a pen alternative available.
Key specifications
Type: Oil
Volume: 18ml
Apply: Massage into cuticles.
Phthalate free: Yes
Toluene free: Yes
Formaldehyde free: Yes
Best Nail Growth Treatment
DURI REJUVACOTE 2
Claiming to improve nail health in a matter of days, this polish aims to leave them longer and more resilient. It worked a treat when it came to strengthening nails, resulting in them looking less flaky and with fewer cracks.
Key specifications
Type: Polish
Volume: 14ml
Phthalate-free: Yes
Toluene-free: Yes
Formaldehyde-free: No (contains derivative)
Best for smoother nails
NAIL HQ ALL IN ONE
This treatment claims to be the solution for stubby nails, helping them grow up to the heavens (well, almost). The result? We noted seeing less peeling and breakages, with nails looking smoother and healthier by the end of the trial.
Key specifications
Type: Polish
Volume: 10ml
Phthalate-free: Yes
Toluene-free: Yes
Formaldehyde-free: No
Best for dry nails
NAILS INC OVERNIGHT DETOX MASK STRENGTHENING NAIL TREATMENT
Like a sleep mask for your nails, this polish gets to work while you slumber, so you can wake up to better nails. After use, our nails appeared significantly more hydrated, erasing any uneven texture and rough skin. The brush was on the larger side (in case you have small nail beds) but it does mean you can coat one nail in a single swipe.
Key specifications
Type: Polish
Volume: 14ml
Phthalate-free: Yes
Toluene-free: Yes
Formaldehyde-free: Yes
Best nail cream
LEIGHTON DENNY RENOVATE INTENSIVE NAIL CREAM s
More of a hand cream wearer? This soaked into skin seamlessly, avoiding any greasiness. Nourishing cuticles with its seven essential oils, we found this was great at hydrating parched hands and nails, leaving them feeling stronger too.
Key specifications
Type: Cream
Volume: 10ml
Phthalate-free: Yes
Toluene-free: Yes
Formaldehyde-free: Yes
