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Original poster

Nail strengthener - best tips?

28 replies

gonerogue · 24/04/2013 09:33

Hi,

I have bitten my nails forever and have in the last few months stopped doing it. However, once my nails get to a certain length they just snap at the slightest provocation. I have no idea how to make them stronger, any advice?

TIA

OP posts:

janmoomoo · 24/04/2013 09:55

Mine are rubbish too. I find they just need loads of moisture so the last two months I have been rubbing anything I can find into them at every opportunity, and they have improved massively. I have got a handcream with something in it for nails, nails inc vitamin E oil pen, but also use almond oil, olive oil, any handcream etc. Also I have stopped filing and only use clippers.

Original poster

gonerogue · 24/04/2013 11:06

I use almond oil for my cuticles so goes on my nails, will just double the amount f applications so. And will gt handcream, always mean to but never remember, thanks

OP posts:

valiumredhead · 24/04/2013 13:36

You need Mavala - wonderful stuff and you only use it once a week, it has transformed my nails!

Original poster

gonerogue · 24/04/2013 15:02

Oh cool, thanks Valium. I'll pick that up so. Cherrs

OP posts:

hollyisalovelyname · 24/04/2013 17:28

Do not , under any circumstances use Dr. Lewin's it destroyed my nails

valiumredhead · 24/04/2013 17:38

Make sure you read the instructions - it's very strong stuff!

SnapesOnAPlane · 24/04/2013 17:40

I use leftover lipbalm (vaseline and carmex) on my nails and nail beds. Not leftover from the tin, just from my lips!
Does the trick, but mine aren't terribly brittle to start with, but it does improve the quality a good bit.

bunnymother · 24/04/2013 17:54

I must say, after suffering from the most flakey, breaky scrappy nails for years, and trying lots of products (made no difference), that Mavala Scientifique has made all the difference. They hardly break at all, and when they bend back, they don't snap, they just carry on. I am hugely impressed. Especially since its not expensive and once you paint it on, it dries almost instantly and that's your job done. Perfect for a stingy, lazy person like me.

Jemster · 24/04/2013 19:55

Where did you get the mavala from bunny?

RipMacWinkle · 24/04/2013 20:01

I wonder if I'm using that stuff wrong. I bought it after a rec on here and I didn't notice the blindest bit of difference.

Is there a secret to using it?

RipMacWinkle · 24/04/2013 20:01

Sorry, to clarify, I mean the Mavala

bunnymother · 24/04/2013 20:15

I bought the Mavala from Amazon, have applied it about twice a week. About a month later I noticed that I actually needed to file my nails shorter. Normally they just peel and snap. About to do another coat...

bunnymother · 24/04/2013 20:16

Done. And it's dry already.

FreshLeticia · 24/04/2013 20:40

Yes Mavala, I got it after a thread on here. I put it on then varnish and then Mavaladry topcoat and my nails are good for days on end.

Original poster

gonerogue · 24/04/2013 20:40

Thanks a million for that bunny will get some off Amazon ASAP and hopefully have fabulous nails really soon.

snapes that's interesting, will ferret out the 6 million tubs of balm in my drawer and try it too.

Just booked a pedicure to tackle my feet as well, get the summer ready.

OP posts:

RipMacWinkle · 24/04/2013 20:49

Did anyone use it specifically to help peeling nails or just to help strengthen them in general?

bunnymother · 24/04/2013 20:52

Both - my nails both peel and break off at the sides. They are pretty dire. Varnish wasn't making a difference, but Mavala has. I don't put anything else on my nails. I bought the 2ml Mavala from Amazon a d it's £4.50 plus £1.50 postage, approx. Pretty good value, I think, given the difference it's made to my nails. Might not solve everyone's nail problems, though.

RipMacWinkle · 24/04/2013 22:05

Thanks bunnymother. And sorry to derail a bit there OP.

I'll keep going with the Mavala and see how I get on.

Waferthinmint · 25/04/2013 10:09

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Lozislovely · 25/04/2013 21:03

Nail envy didn't work for me well it did in that it made my nails so hard but then they just literally snapped as they had no flexibility. Currently trying Flexitol nail cream and so far so good.

EuroShaggleton · 25/04/2013 21:08

Pregnancare conception vits. No idea which ingredient it is but my nails have been so much stronger since I have been taking them.

hollyisalovelyname · 25/04/2013 22:18

Opi didn't work for me either. I shall try Mavala.

valiumredhead · 26/04/2013 08:24

Rip it stopped my nails splitting. I just applied twice a week to the ends of the nails and used tons of cuticle oil.

hollyisalovelyname · 03/05/2013 07:24

I bought the Mavala, so here's hoping

ThingummyBob · 03/05/2013 09:24

I ordered after it was suggested upthread hollyisalovelyname, I've only used it twice so far on Sunday & Weds and already my brittle, splitting, peeling nails are literally hard as nails

I have been using Sally Whast-her-name hard as nails too for about 6 weeks since my last picking/biting sessionand the mavala has still really made a difference.

S&B board rocks

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