Weak nails can turn your special day or occasion into an unpleasant and bad experience. Sounds too big of a deal? Well, all beauty queens would agree!
Women own all the rights to look and feel beautiful. However, weak nails are a total turn-off. Weak nails rip off their ability to grow strong and beautiful nails.
Weak nails can’t hold themselves together within a week or so. And the worst part? It could lead to some dangerous events, too. A sudden hit with an obstacle may rip half of the nail and sometimes a part of the nail bed, too.
Did reading this hurt? Well, don’t worry. We are here to help you out. Let us introduce you to nail strengtheners and hardeners- your nail’s best friends!
We have carefully crafted this guide to educate you regarding nail straighteners, what nail strengthener do, and most importantly, whether nail strengthener and hardener works or not.
So, without further ado, let’s get straight into it!
Table of Contents
WHAT IS A NAIL STRENGHTNER?
It is a clear polish, which works just like the way a hair mask does. Nail strengthener is packed with essential nutrients and vitamins imparted into the nail bed, making it stronger and less brittle.
It is applied just the way you apply the nail paint!
WHAT DOES NAIL STRENGHTNER DO?
Its job is pretty simple – making girls happy! Just kidding. Although its application does make fashionistas and beauty queens happy and satisfied, its job is a little bit on the technical side.
So, what does a nail strengthener do? Nail strengthener works as a protective and flexible film. It is responsible for reinforcing the structure of the nails and providing moisture by imparting vitamins and nutrients.
They are also responsible for restoring keratin, which is lost. As a result, nails turn weak.
A side note: Nail strengtheners are only for soft and weak nails and not for the brittle ones. So, it won’t work for brittle nails.
WHEN TO APPLY NAIL STRENGTHENER?
Before questioning when to apply nail strengtheners, you should analyze a few things, like your nail health and the ultimate purpose for choosing a nail strengthener.
A nail strengthener is applied for the following reasons:
- To repair damaged nails.
- For general maintenance to prevent damage.
TO REPAIR DAMAGED NAILS
If your goal is to repair your damaged nails, we advise you to stay patient. Don’t just expect your nails to improve with a single coat.
Apply every day or every other day for at least two weeks. Trust us, the wait is worth it! You will get those healthy, strong, and long nails resultantly. So, trust the process and don’t hurry.
FOR GENERAL MAINTENANCE TO PREVENT DAMAGE
If your goal is to prevent your nails from damage firsthand, then consider applying nail strengtheners once a week and as a base coat with each manicure.
HOW TO APPLY NAIL STRENGTHENER?
Using a nail strengthener is as easy as applying a nail paint. However, it involves a few more steps. We have crafted an easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide on how to use nail strengtheners.
STEP 1: CLEAN AND TRIM YOUR NAILS
Begin the process by cleaning your nails, as it is better to start with clean nails. Remove the nail paint if you are wearing it. Then, please pay close attention to your hands while washing them.
It is recommended to trim your nails, too.
STEP 2: USE THE MAGIC NAIL STRENGTHENER
Grab your nail’s best friend and apply a single coat on your nails. It will dry within 5 minutes.
Repeat this procedure for 5 to 7 days religiously.
STEP 3: REMOVE IT
Remove the substance with nail strengthener remover after a week.
STEP 4: REPEAT THE PROCESS
After the first week, repeat the process.
A FEW THINGS TO REMEMBER
Do not use nail strengthener products from different brands. It may not be beneficial and may make the situation worse.
Please stick to one nail strengthener brand and stick to it. Make sure you choose the best one.
Wash your hands after every reapplication.
Don’t be impatient. An average nail cycle lasts for about 8 to 10 weeks. So, if you religiously stick to a consistent application and reapplication of nail strengthener, you will see improved results a few months later. So, wait for the recommended time to see the nail strengthener before and after effects.
HOW TO REMOVE NAIL STRENGTHENER?
Knowing how to remove nail strengtheners helps you use the product more confidently. Fortunately, the process for nail strengthener removal is simple. Below is a step-by-step breakdown of the procedure:
STEP 1: TRIM THE NAILS
Begin by trimming the nails. Although this step is completely optional, doing so would benefit you later on.
If you trim your nails to your liking, you will find it easy to rub the product off your trimmed nails.
If you don’t like to trim, that is completely fine and won’t affect the procedure.
STEP 2: GRAB YOUR NAIL POLISH REMOVER
It’s time for the magic to happen. Grab your nail polish or strengthener remover; make sure it is acetone-free.
Why though? Well, acetone-based nail strengthener removal can undo the effects of nail strengtheners. That is why it is important to know what nail strengtheners do in the first place. Please use a natural ingredients-based nail strengthener remover for optimal results.
Begin by placing a few drops of the product on a cotton ball. Then, gently rub it on your nails while paying close attention to the deep creases around them. Just make sure you have removed one weak worth of nail strengthener.
A side note: Close the nail strengthener remover container once you are done to prevent liquid evaporation and bacterial contamination.
STEP 3: REAPPLY THE NAIL STRENGTHENER
Wash your hands with mild soap and water to remove the product after you are done with the removal process
Dry your hands thoroughly and completely with the help of a paper towel.
To obtain the desired results-strong nails, we recommend reapplying the nail strengthener and repeating the treatment.
DOES NAIL STRENTHNER WORK?
The short and simple answer is YES! Nail strengthener works if you use it correctly and for the right purpose.
It may not work, or it may even make the situation worse if you use it for the wrong purpose. Please don’t get confused; let us break it down for you!
A nail strengthener will work on weak nails. It will repair the lost keratin and provide nutrients and vitamins, which in turn will make the nails stronger and harder. It will help grow the nails without tearing.
But it won’t work if:
- You apply nail strengtheners on brittle nails to achieve toughness and durability. You will end up disappointed. You may ask why. Well, because brittle nails already contain more than necessary keratin connectors, nail strengtheners won’t serve the purpose here.
- Also, it won’t work if you apply it on nails whose tips are easily bendable or whose nail beds are easily scratched because a nail hardener is necessary for this job.
In conclusion, nail strengtheners work if you use them for what they are capable of.
TIPS AND TRICKS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF NAIL STRENGTHENER:
To optimize the results, you may want to follow the following information along with using a nail strengthener:
PREFER VEGEN NAIL PAINTS:
Normal nail paints contain harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and toluene, which increases the chances of negative health conditions like skin allergies and even kidney issues. Not only that, such nail paints can weaken the nails too.
However, such problems can be avoided just by a single swap. You can save yourself from such consequences by choosing vegan nail paints.
They contain little to no chemical and animal products. In addition to this, it is much gentler on the nails as compared to the regular ones.
MINIMIZE MANICURE:
Yes, we know manicure is important. But you know what’s more important? Strong and healthy nails!
So, if you are on the journey to strengthen your nails, it is recommended to avoid manicures as much as you can. Because applying nail paint and removing it frequently is not good for this process.
IMPROVE YOUR DIET AND ADD SUPPLEMENTS:
Everything starts from within our bodies. One of the major reasons for weak nails is poor diet. It plays an important role in building and maintaining strong and healthy nails.
So, try to consume a diet rich in Vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, Iron, biotin, and protein. Such nutrients are beneficial for strong and healthy nails.
In addition to that, try adding supplements to your diet to bridge the nutritional gap. However, if you are pregnant, we suggest consulting your doctor or nutritionist first.
USE THE BEST NAIL STRENGTHENER:
To get the best results:
- Try grabbing the best nail strengthener present in the market.
- Focus on the ingredients before making the purchase.
- Try choosing the one that does not contain harsh chemicals.
WHAT IS NAIL HARDENER?
It is a product applied to the nails that helps the nails grow stronger, harder, and longer. It protects the nails from further damage.
WHAT DOES NAIL HARDENER DO?
A nail hardener is responsible for binding the keratin protein more tightly and hardening nail plates, and all of it makes the nails less flexible.
HOW TO APPLY NAIL HARDENER?
Its application is simple and is just like the way you apply nail polish or nail strengthener.
- Trim your nails (optional), and clean them to remove any nail paint. Then, carefully wash your hands and dry them thoroughly with the help of a paper towel.
- Apply a thin layer of hardener all over the nail and let it dry.
- You can apply nail paint over it, or you may go natural. It’s completely up to you.
HOW TO REMOVE NAIL HARDENER?
Again, the process is pretty simple. You can remove the nail hardener just like you remove the nail straightener.
- Trim your nails (optional). Wash your hands and thoroughly dry your hands with the help of a paper towel.
- Grab a nail strengthener remover, place a few drops on a cotton ball, and gently rub it.
- Clean the product thoroughly, including deep creases around the nail.
- Wash your hands with mild soap and water and reapply a nail hardener for at least a few weeks to achieve optimal results.
FAQ’S
CAN YOU PUT NAIL STRENGTHENER OVER POLISH?
Yes, you can use nail strengthener over nail polish. Nail strengtheners could be used as a top coat over nail polish, too.
However, it is better to first go for a patch test. Apply nail strengthener over nail polish for one nail and see how it goes.
If it goes well, repeat the procedure over the other nails, too. Different brands may have different responses, so it is better to stay safe and go for a patch test.
CAN YOU PUT NAIL POLISH OVER NAIL STRENGTHENER?
Yes, you can use nail polish over nail strengtheners. Technically, there is nothing wrong with it. However, it is better not to apply nail paint over it. Let us explain why:
If your goal is to get stronger nails with the help of a nail strengthener, then you should avoid applying nail paint as it may affect the nail-strengthening process.
CAN YOU PUT NAIL HARDENER OVER NAIL POLISH?
Yes, no problem with that. But it is recommended to go for a patch test first to be on the safer side
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Multiple factors contribute to the weakening of the nails, but it is not something to be worried about as the market has the solution to your problem.
We hope you are now educated enough to know what nail strengthener does and how it solves your problems.
You must be aware while purchasing them and continue the process religiously. You will end up growing strong and long nails resultantly.