This comprehensive buyer’s guide will walk you through everything you need to know about keratin treatments for nails and how you can make the best use of them to get the perfect Insta-worthy nails.
Everything from genetics to environmental factors can play a role in weakening your nails. But some of the most common culprits are listed below:
Back-to-back application of gel or acrylic nails and then removing them improperly without professional guidance can be a cause of nail breakage. Overuse of nail polish and acetone-based remover also causes the nails to dry out and weaken.
Overexposure to water and detergents is also a big factor that can lead to cracking. It’s important to note that excessive hand washing should be avoided as well to prevent stripping away of natural oils. If you do have to constantly wash your hands, moisturizing routinely can help keep your skin and nails hydrated.
Taking care of the above factors along with making little changes in the diet, like drinking at least 8 cups of water a day and adequate consumption of vitamin C, is the way to go to make a huge difference in your nail’s health.
A nail strengthener is an at-home treatment that can provide you with long-lasting results as these products provide added strength and protection to your nails. Usually, the main ingredient in these products is the keratin protein that naturally occurs in our skin, nails, and hair. These nail strengtheners also contain various moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, and oils to help replenish any lost moisture or nourishment in the nails. To get the maximum benefits, apply nail strengtheners right after you’ve removed your nail polish or fake nails to immediately provide your nails with the nourishment they might require.
Calcium is one of the few minerals and vitamins that have been proven effective at preventing brittle nails. This mineral is naturally present in dairy products, like milk and yogurt, as well as leafy greens such as spinach and kale. If you aren’t big on dairy or veggies, try taking a calcium supplement to make sure your body gets enough of it every day.
We all know how harsh dishwashing soap can be on our hands, so why not protect your nails from drying out by wearing gloves when doing chores? Wearing gloves while washing dishes or cleaning surfaces will prevent frequent contact of nails with water, soap, and chemicals which can be extremely drying. This can also keep grime from building up under your fingernails and causing discoloration.
Moisturizing your nails in a circular motion with your favorite nail oil can help increase blood flow to the nail beds. This strengthens the nail and prevents cuticles from becoming dry and flaky, which can lead to peeling and breakage.
Acetone-based polish removers may be convenient, but they’re actually very harsh and can really take a toll on our nails over time. So, it’s best to use non-acetone removers instead. These solutions contain ingredients that do not compromise your nail’s health.
Be sure to buy a nail strengthener that is jam-packed with rich ingredients, like keratin, hyaluronic acid, and other emollients to give your nails the love they need. Keep an eye out for products that contain at least 2% keratin, vitamins, ceramides, and hydrolyzed collagen (peptides) because they help provide deep hydration.
Before you buy a keratin-based product, it’s important to check out what’s in it. Some products might include other ingredients that can irritate your skin or cause allergic reactions. Make sure you do some research on any potential ingredients before you buy.
Opting for a one-step nail-strengthener is a wise choice for a beginner as two-step nail strengtheners can be tricky. But if you are well-versed in manicures and know how to use a supporting product along with the strengthener then you should definitely go for it.
In the first spot on our list is this versatile keratin treatment by Nail-Aid. It contains a long list of potent ingredients, which include keratin amino acids, vitamin E, vitamin D, vitamin B5, and hydrolyzed wheat protein. This amazing blend is sure to absorb into your nails and put an end to peeling and chipping. You can also use this keratin solution as a top and base coat when applying nail polish to better nourish and flaunt your nails for longer. This product’s effective ingredients at an affordable price earned it the top spot on our list.
This keratin treatment for nails by CND boasts a formula that is gentle enough for daily use. Its main ingredients are keratin, jojoba oil, and sweet almond oil. These three ingredients work hand in hand to strengthen the nail plate and provide excellent deep moisturization and conditioning to your nails for quick results. This nail strengthener-cuticle oil hybrid not only nourishes the nails but imparts tons of hydration to the nail beds as well.
The next pick on our list is this keratin treatment from Nutra Nails which offers quicker results than most nail strengtheners in only five to seven days. Its unique formula is filled with rich ingredients, like keratin amino acids, milk protein, collagen, soy protein, corn oil, aloe vera juice, and calcium. The formula is also fast-absorbing which helps it deeply penetrate into your nails and provide them with the vital nutrients and nourishment to combat brittleness.
The Duri Keratin for Nails is the perfect option for nails that break and chip easily. This amazing nail hardener polish is enriched with keratin, calcium, and hydrolyzed wheat protein to repair your nails and regain their strength. Its non-irritating formula makes it great for skin that is sensitive. The best part? You can double this product as a base and top coat of your nail polish to get lush long nails in no time!
The final product on our list is a keratin treatment for nails by Nailtiques. It has been specifically formulated for people with pigmented and rough nails. It contains some of the top ingredients for nail strengthening, such as hydrolyzed keratin and protein, calcium, and gelatin. This formula repairs nails by rebonding their foundation. This helps prevent splitting or peeling to get long, healthy, and strong nails. This keratin for nails is also perfectly safe for all skin types as it is free of most allergens and toxic ingredients.
A: You shouldn't expect results overnight, as a nail strengthener takes time to work its magic. You should start seeing visible results after two or three weeks of regular application.
A: Yes, but in order to do this make sure that the keratin-based product you’re using can be doubled as a base coat as not all nail strengtheners have this ability.
A: Apply a second coat after allowing the first to dry. Repeat the process every alternate day for a week. After the week is over, you can remove the polish with an acetone-free nail polish remover and start over.