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Original poster

Best nail hardening product recommendations please

30 replies

Jemster · 13/04/2013 11:12

After weeks of gel overlays I've managed to grow my nails to a decent length. I can't keep up the cost of the gel but my nails are paper thin underneath so will not survive long!
Can anyone recommend the best product for hardening nails as I really need this to have any chance of keeping them decent without the gel. Thanks

OP posts:
quietlysuggests · 13/04/2013 11:13

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

AndMiffyWentToSleep · 13/04/2013 11:16

I liked Nail Envy by OPI.

Original poster
Jemster · 13/04/2013 11:20

Thanks can you buy nail envy in shops or only online?

OP posts:
bubbakin · 13/04/2013 12:30

I have really weak nails & only think that has worked for me is solar oil by creative nails. Lasts ages too. I bought mine from beauticians that used creative nail products.

hermioneweasley · 13/04/2013 15:34

Mavala scientifique is th best I've tried

armagh · 13/04/2013 15:52

Do NOT use Dr, Lewinns- total crap. My nails are in bits after it. Likewise Nail Magic- terrible. There must be some ingredient common to both that ruins my nails
Sally Hansen is crap too.
Years ago both my friend and I were allergic to someyhing in the Revlon nail hardeners. We got our money back.
Opi didn't do much but at least my nails weren't wrecked

armagh · 13/04/2013 17:48

I am going to try Mavala next.
So Sally Hansen No
Opi No and
Dr. Lewinns No

msmorgan · 14/04/2013 07:02

Try Nailtiques, I use no2 but you may need no1. They have a website you could have a look to see which one would be best. I order it from Amazon, there are lots of reviews to give you an idea if you think it will work for you.

You brush it on daily for a week, remove then repeat until your nails improve. Usually takes 2 weeks to see a difference with mine. It just looks like clear polish.

Numberlock · 14/04/2013 07:22

Iron and folic acid tablets

knitknack · 14/04/2013 07:42

Marvella - it's totally different from all the others (it's not a 'varnish'h AND, most importantly, it WORKS! You'll be astonished (I was).

Parsnipcake · 14/04/2013 07:49

Nailtiques number 2 worked better than nail envy for me.

TheDailyWail · 14/04/2013 07:52

I've just started to use the Mavala Scientifique for my nails - I have 2 nails on each hand which are soft and look like claws when they get too long as they don't grow straight. I will report back.

DTisMYdoctor · 14/04/2013 07:57

I have that problem TheDailyWail so will be interested to know whether it helps!

armagh · 14/04/2013 09:12

Oh yeah I forgot about Nailtiques- used that too - to no availHmm

armagh · 14/04/2013 09:13

KnitKnack is Marvella different to Mavala or ate they the same product?

Nerfmother · 14/04/2013 09:16

Interesting. I've been using sally hansen miracle cure for a week and my nails are worse! Dr haushka nail oil worked brilliantly when I could be bothered. Opi nail envy crap. Will try mavala next - does boots stock it?

ihatethecold · 14/04/2013 09:32

watching with interest. i found that the OPI oil and nail envy havent made much difference to my nails.

is there more than 1 marvala product that is being recommended or is it just the scientifique?
thanks

Original poster
Jemster · 14/04/2013 09:52

I think i might try the marvala. I had not good results with sally hansen.

OP posts:
CrayolaLola · 14/04/2013 10:06

Don't laugh but...

We've recently moved house and the area is covered by Avon. Avon lady is lovely so I did the honourable thing and placed a little order, just for their 'Nail Experts Gel strength Base Coat' as it looked hopeful. I kid you not, it lasts about week (which is good by any standards - exceptional for Avon) and my nails are dagger strong. Their ordinary nail polishes last about 5 seconds but this gel base coat stuff is great!

knitknack · 14/04/2013 10:31

marvala!! My ipad is a loon (as is my spelling) :)

dontyouwantmebaby · 14/04/2013 10:48

I've got weak, soft nails that split too. They never manage to grow very much either. I think damage must be due to years of wearing false nails in my 20s.

Have also tried everything!

OPI nail envy was shite and expensive.
Mavala, Sally Hansen, Nailtiques, Essie, Boots - you name it, I've tried it.They may have temporarily made my nails look a bit better but they didn't do a damn thing to strengthen them. Also took folic acid to no effect. I might try iron tablets as suggested above.

Wonder if more calcium would be good? Anyone tried that?

Good luck OP, I am sure different products work better on different people. Sorry am not much help!

armagh · 14/04/2013 11:15

Am on calcium supplements and hair and nail help tablets for years- to no avail !
Avon is moving out of Ireland again

dontyouwantmebaby · 14/04/2013 12:04

oh no going to cancel calcium order then Smile

crayola - I think Avon might be the way to go!

armagh · 14/04/2013 12:54

I shall try and get avon before they shut down shop here. Don't cancel cacium order. Calcium is good for your bones Smile

kikidee · 14/04/2013 16:35

Dr Lewinns Renunail has worked wonders for me. I've tried Mavala and OPI without success.