Recommend me a nail strengthener. Please.

[Raffertys]

My nails are in serious need of some intense TLC.

I've been considering a purchase of OPI Nail Envy but have seen terrible things about it on MN. Anyone have any good experiences of it? Or can someone recommend a strengthener that will turn my splitting, peeling little stumps into amazing nails?

use nail oil (Boots do one) or something like Nu Nale from Boots also - I use both, all the time, every day in an attempt to get stronger nails and the products do help. I think your diet and health generally can affect your nail strength and condition so you might want to check you're eating properly etc.

I don't paint my nails very often BUT do find that if they are painted I don't pick at the edges...

Treat yourself to a manicure to start you off then use nail products and hand cream to continue to the good work.

Ive heard good things about hoof cream, not using it constantly though as it can make nails brittle if used all the time but it's supposed to be very good

The only one I've had success with is Nail Tek Xtra.

Mavala Scientifique nail hardener.

I use Nail Envy and now have fabulous nails. Mine used to split and bend easily now they are strong and rarely split. I don't keep them too long because of my job but I love them now.

Hmm...ok. you are all supposed to recommend exactly the same product in order to make this a lot easier

I have heard good things about Mavala. But still tempted by OPI...

What's wrong with Nail Envy? I've tried everything - Sally Hansen, Nails Inc, No7, etc - and Nail Envy's the only one that's really made much difference to my splitting nails. Well, that and taking hair/nail/skin supplements...

Nail envy was ok for me but didn't sort my nails completely, neither did Mavala. Nailtiques formula 2 is brilliant.
I think they're much like skincare though and what works for one person won't work for the next.
I agree a nail oil is more important than a strengthener, ideally use both.

The best I've found is Rimmel nail rescue. Really sorted my weak flaky nails out, and it's cheap.

wildfig'After some googling and searching of MN I just wasn't overwhelmed by the reviews, and I thought I would be.

Totally get the hand cream thing. I'm going to stock up. I'm pregnant so taking vitamins which I hope will sort my nails out too. In the mean time I might get cracking (no pun intended) with OPI and hope it's worth the money. Although I've found it on amazon for £11!

Thanks so much for your recommendations

Sorry, raffertys that came out more aggressive than I intended! It was more 'oh no, what's wrong with Nail Envy?' - I remember reading some threads about Seche Vite turning out to have a problematic ingredient that I had no idea about as I worked my way through about a million bottles of it

I like nail envy. But for me it only really works as part of a good nail care routine. My nails were very split and peel-y a few months ago but have been using the nail envy, nail oil and lots of handcream, and taking calcium and magnesium (as well as my usual multi vit and omega efas). This week I am wearing polish for the first time in ages! (It was never worth putting it on when nails were in bad condition, as a nail would crack or peel within a day)

fig don't be daft; I didn't take it that way at all

Looks like I need to get my whole nail care routine sorted...