An attractive set of nails reflects general wellness and adds a finishing touch to any look. By choosing the appropriate products, nails can be nurtured, kept hydrated, protected from damage and discoloration while remaining resilient against potential future attacks.
Daily use of cuticle oil that contains nutrients like vitamin E or antioxidants, along with one with brush application can help protect nails against damage.
Non-toxic
Traditional nail polishes contain harmful chemicals that weaken nails, cause brittleness and may trigger allergic reactions; while non-toxic nail products offer a safer experience and support a healthy manicure experience.
Chemicals such as dibutyl phthalate, toluene and formaldehyde have long been recognized as endocrine disruptors and have been linked with hormonal shifts and reproductive issues. Furthermore, salon technicians may be exposed to these substances while working on clients’ nails.
Velvet Files carries eco-friendly nail products like Zoya, Dazzle Dry and The Gel Bottle that meet these criteria without harming our environment with harmful chemicals or the Big 10 Free list. Velvet Files offers these eco-friendly brands for convenient shopping at Velvet Files.
Avoiding polish altogether is the most sustainable choice, however we understand not everyone is ready to give up their mani-pedis just yet. In order to reduce waste and toxins, look for non-toxic products in recyclable or biodegradable packaging that have minimal environmental impact.
Organic
Organic nail products use natural ingredients that are better for both your nails and health, without harmful toxins such as toluene, dibutyl phthalate and formaldehyde found in traditional polishes and nail care products. Look for organic polishes, strengtheners and cuticle oils at health stores or online.
Many non-toxic nail care brands prioritize eco-friendly packaging and sustainable sourcing for their products, helping the beauty industry avoid harmful environmental pollutants while creating healthier ecosystems.
At home, try using coconut or olive oil to nourished nails and cuticles, and massage your hands daily with jojoba oil to prevent hangnails and strengthen nails. Or visit an organic nail salon; ask friends for recommendations before conducting research to make sure that they use safe products.
Strengthening
Biotin supplements may be one of the best ways to achieve strong nails, though other strategies such as diet can also be effective. Most nails-strengthening products claim they strengthen nails but research on most is limited compared with biotin’s effectiveness. Aim to get a range of vitamins, minerals and nutrients from whole food sources like fruits, veggies, beans nuts and seeds when selecting products like these.
Nail strengthening base coats can be invaluable, particularly if you regularly opt for gel manicures or press-ons. Look for formulations with ingredients like calcium and folic acid which promote growth while preventing peeling; celery seed extract helps soothe peeling while leaving cuticles moisturized and comfortable.
Our Byrdie testers spent 12 weeks testing 18 nail strengtheners, applying one or two times weekly and rating each product’s efficacy in terms of nail growth, splitting prevention, and breakage prevention. Here are the ones that made the cut; use these as often as desired but make sure to pair it with daily cuticle oil applications for optimal results!
Repairing
Diets rich in proteins, biotins, vitamins C and E, iron, healthy fats and antioxidants may help strengthen and improve the appearance of nails. Brittle or cracked nails could be a telltale sign of other health conditions like thyroid imbalance or allergic reactions to hardeners, polishes or adhesives used on them.
“To keep your nails nourished and strong, Miss Pop, an editorial nail artist in New York City recommends massaging cuticle oil such as jojoba every day into them,” according to an expert on editorial nail care in NYC. She cites its effectiveness at strengthening, preventing hangnails and peeling as well as prolonging manicures longer. Products containing vitamin E may help restore strength to damaged nails as well as help to extend manicure sessions such as CND SolarOil Nail & Cuticle Care or an easy pen applicator pen application product such as CND SolarOil Nail & Cuticle Care or this pen applicator pen applicator pen applicator pen applicator product may help extend manicure sessions further.
