After years of experimenting with my nails and trying
different products, I’m ready to share here some of my favorite products.
Biotin
Biotin (Vitamin B7) is an inexpensive supplement that strengthens nails and
hair. I saw improvements in the thickness of my nails within a few days after I started taking it. For most people it takes several
weeks to see a difference. I use Natrol 10,000 mcg Biotin.
Some people find that silica works better for them than
biotin, while others find that taking silica and biotin together works for them best.
White Iodine
White Iodine/Decolorized iodine strengthens nail and also treats some nail fungus. Use a
dropper to apply to nail and cuticle.
For strengthening – use it once a week on a clean nail and
leave over night. While White Iodine is clear and doesn't stain nails, it does however leaves yellow stains on fabrics and surfaces. To whiten yellowish nails - massage them daily with coconut oil.
For treating fungus – use White Iodine at least twice a day on the
infected area, until the nail is completely healed. This might take several
months. Toe nails grow a lot slower than fingernails, hence it
takes a longer time to get rid of toe nail fungus. Other topical treatments for nail fungus: Tea tree oil and
oregano oil.
Cuticle cream
Massaging your cuticles with cream on a daily basis will moist and soften the skin
around the nail. I had a teacher in
elementary school who used to massage her cuticles with Sally Hansen’s cream during the class. I still
remember the peach scent of her cream. I prefer the more natural products such as Burt’s Bees or
Badger’s.
Cuticle remover
Using cuticle remover every week will help you to minimize
the need to cut your cuticles. Many dermatologists recommend to avoid cutting cuticles
since the process can cause injury, infection, and in some cases even disfiguration
of the nail. The two cuticle removers that I like are Be Natural Cuticle Eliminator and Sally Hansen Cuticle remover
Nail Polish
Nail strengthener:
Over the years I have tried several products that promised to strengthen nails. The only product that worked for me and really allowed me to
grow long and strong nails is O.P.I Original Nail Envy.
Nail color neutralizer:
Zoya’s Lavender perfector is a great solution for those of
you who prefer to leave their nails natural and want to keep the white tip from looking yellow. Despite the lavender color – it is very sheer.
Top coat:
After trying several products on the market I’ve decided
that Seche Vite is the best. It dries faster than the other products that I have tried,
leaves a nice thick coat on the
nail, and keeps the nail polish for a week. If you decide to buy this product,
also consider buying Seche Vite Restore – the thinner, since Seche Vite doesn’t dry fast
only on your nail, but also in the bottle.
Manicure tutorial video by Sally Hansen
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