We’ve also noted whether the below products contain formaldehyde, phthalates and toluene. They’re most commonly found in industrial cleaning products, so it’s understandable to be wary of applying them to your skin, but in beauty products they’re used to prolong shelf life. While they do have a bit of a bad reputation, they don’t cause any damage at this low potency or in this format. How we test Ethyl Acetate, Butyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Adipic Acid / Neopentyl Glycol / Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Acrylates Copolymer, Dimthicone, Hydrolyzed Rice Bran Protein, Caprylic / Capric Triglyceride, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Calcium pantothenate, CI 15850 (Red 6) , CI 19140 (Yellow 5 Lake). Further, beware that some nail hardeners contain ingredients that can cause damage in the long run. Formaldehyde is one common culprit. Again, these materials can ultimately cause nails to become more prone to breakage. Use products with formaldehyde sparing or, ideally, not at all.

Simply Pure™ hydrating oil AND weekly manicures allow my super thin nails to grow without breaking.

Nail Hardener Vs. Nail Strengthener: Which One Do You Need?

A nail hardener is ideal for short-term protection, adding a tough top layer to the nail that can help prevent breakage. However, in the long term, nail hardeners make the nail plate increasingly brittle. This can ultimately cause even more breakage. So, nail hardener or nail strengthener: Which one is right for you? It depends on your goals. Remember, a nail hardener toughens up the nail plates. In contrast, a nail strengthener nourishes the nail, making it stronger with time. Nail strengtheners are likewise applied like nail polish. They are painted onto the nail with a small brush and left to dry. As with a nail hardener, it’s essential to allow the solution to dry thoroughly before applying a nail color on top.

Apply one coat to clean and dry nails and wear for 4-5 days. Can be worn with or without nail colour on top. Remove with Nail polish remover and re-apply.Ripping off gel nails or getting acrylics without a break in between appointments will also weaken them. Always get them removed professionally, or give them the proper DIY removal treatment at home. Nail strengthener and nail hardener are both valuable items to have in your manicure toolkit. While these two terms are often confused, they refer to different solutions, each with benefits and purpose.

Just like with our skin and hair, nails can become brittle and dry when we don’t drink enough water, so make sure to get your two litres a day. I rehydrate with Simply Pure™ by doing an overnight hydration treatment, then remove dirt and surface oil with rubbing alcohol before applying a new manicure using the Fab 5 Method. The Fab 5 Method When your nails are dry, weak, and brittle, they break easily. This can make growing out your tips impossible, which can be frustrating if you’re hoping to experiment with different nail styles. Short nails are limited in shape, allowing for little more than a rounded or square tip. So, you’ll need to strengthen your nails but are now confused about the difference between nail hardener and nail straightener. Ingredients: Ethyl Acetate, Butyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Adipic Acid / Neopentyl Glycol / Trimellitic Anhydride Copolymer, Acetyl Tributyl Citrate, Isopropyl Alcohol, Acrylates Copolymer, Dimethicone, Hydrolyzed Rice Bran Protein, Caprylic / Capric Triglyceride, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut Oil), Calcium Pantothenate, Violet 2 (CI 60725). Alternatively, if you don’t want to add a vibrant hue, wear the hardener solo, which will provide a shiny finish. This can make for a nice natural look that works well in professional settings and complements any outfit.

Reviews

A nail strengthener simultaneously acts as a protective layer, creating a web-like coating over the nail that reinforces its natural structure. In this sense, it shares the purpose of a nail hardener—which is one reason why people tend to confuse nail hardener vs nail strengthener. Just like when your hair needs a trim to grow, so do your nails. By cutting the ends off, you are freeing nails from damage and keeping them healthy, says Mona Gohara, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University. 2. Avoid harsh soaps and cleansers This growth treatment helps keep your nails in great condition with replenishing ingredients that help balance moisture levels in your nails to keep them flexible and prevent brittle nails that break easily. The formula contains Pentavitin (which acts as a moisture magnet), Biotin, Acqua-Biomin/Calcium Y3 Complex and Vitamins A and D as well as Nonychosine-E. Together these ingredients moisturise, condition and strengthen nails to make them healthy and grow well. With over five years’ experience in beauty and health journalism, Florence has written for ELLE, Women’s Fitness, Sister Magazine, National Geographic Traveller and many more, with a strong sustainability angle thread through much of her work. You don’t have to reapply nail hardener with every manicure. You may reach for it on special occasions when you notice your nails are particularly brittle, dry, and bumpy. A nail hardener is a good solution since this can make for a poor canvas for painting on polish.