NWR: Good Nail Hardener?

jchristel

I will no longer write rave reviews about OPI gel manicures.  After having them for months, one of my nails cracked and the girl at the salon said, "You're not supposed to do these more than 3 times (6 weeks).  It's really just for special occasions!"  Funny no one mentioned that the many weeks prior when I had them done there.

So I'm not a total moron, I knew they weren't good for my nails, but I had NO IDEA how bad they were underneath the gel. Had I known I would have stopped a while ago.  I've been OPI-less for a week and would love recommendations for something that might help them out.  Any suggestions?

nessi979

i had the OPI Axxium, and they were the worst thing I have ever done to my nails.   I use Sally Hansen Hard as Nails.  It helps.  But honestly, youre nails are going to be in pretty bad shape for a while.  Mine took MONTHS.    Good luck! 

Reilly626

Use "REJUVACOTE" I bought it at Harmons. I was getting a Pedicure and inquired about the Gel thing and they said dont waste your money, coat your nails once a day with it.  Its working great! You just have to be diligent.

uppereastgirl

I don't know, but can I ask you about the gel manicure?  I got a pedicure on the Thursday before the Fourth of July, and then went to Anguilla for a week and by day 2 or so of vacation my toes looked awful.  And then I had to live with awful looking nails for another week (okay, I'll be honest -- they still look awful because I tried to file and paint them myself when I got back and good god I am bad at that). 

Would gels have fared better on the beach than a regular pedicure, or would sand have destroyed gels too?

Edit: I do have something to contribute!  When my nails aren't happy with me (I run, so my toenails sometimes call it quits), I take GNC's hair and nails vitamins.  They make my hair and nails both grow like weeds (I don't take them all the time for that reason -- need to file my nails and get my hair cut too often) and make my nails strong.  I've read on the Fashion and Beauty board on the Nest that girls like biotin supplements for the same reason.  Might be something to try...

diamondx423

I used Nail Tek II Intenstive Therapy for soft pealing nails on my nails after I got tips off. Its amazing. You apply daily for 3 days, then remove it and start over. Its the only think thats ever helped me!

rlb81

I use and swear by Nailtiques. I've been using it for years and it's amazing as long as you use it as directed. It's a little more expensive (maybe $18 dollars per bottle) but it's so worth it- especially in your situation. They have 4 different formulas and I use the 2- but I think there might be a level 3 for nails in your condition (like an intensive therapy).

jchristel

Thanks everyone!!

Victoria- I've never heard of using the Gels for a pedicure, I usually just put on extra top coat before I go to the beach- sand is the enemy of a good pedicure!!

I actually am taking biotin and the Vitamin Shoppe's version of Nails, Hair and Skin- it's mostly just B vitamins.  I think all of that will work in the long run, but for now I just need something that will keep them from bending backward.  Ouch, I know!!

What really stinks is that my nails are always weak and thin, hence the gels.  I tried it out as an experiment for the wedding and just kept doing them because they were natural looking and didn't break.  Now I'm going to have to do the pink and white gels for the wedding and honeymoon because my natural nails will never recover in time, but you'd better believe I'll have it taken off as soon as I get back.

Thanks so much for the advice, I've heard great things about Nailtiques.  Knowing me I'll just buy all of the products you girls recommended  

Denise91980

I like Hard as Nails...my nails grow but are very weak, and it tends to strenghten and harden them.

eleven29

I second Nailtiques!  I had acrylics on and off for years and they're the only thing that ever got my nails back into shape -- such good shape, in fact, that I no longer get acrylics because my nails are so strong and grow long on their own now!