Organic Nail Care (2024)

FAQs

What is best to put on natural nails? ›

Acrylic overlay is a popular choice for those who want to transform their natural nails without the need for extensions. It allows you to achieve the length and shape you desire, while still maintaining the natural look and feel of your nails.

Gel manicures last two to four weeks, depending on how fast your nails grow. "Natural nails can actually become stronger and longer while using gel polish [because] the layer of polish helps protect the natural nail and encourage growth," said Barry Shields, managing partner of Red Carpet Manicure.

Because gel extensions act like a protective layer over your natural nail, causing little-to-no damage. "In fact, they can even help your natural nails underneath grow longer and stronger," she adds. Acrylic extensions, on the other hand, are notoriously damaging.

Choose soak-off gel nails instead of acrylic nails.

While gel nails can cause nail brittleness, peeling, and cracking, they're more flexible than acrylic nails. This means your own nails are less likely to crack. You'll want to ask for gel nails that soak off rather than ones that must be filed off.

Applying a nail hardener might help strengthen nails. Ask your doctor about biotin. Some research suggests that the nutritional supplement biotin might help strengthen weak or brittle fingernails.

Focus on whole fruits and vegetables, mushrooms, leafy greens, and healthy fats via eggs, lean meats, nuts, and salmon. Nutrients such as biotin, omega-3s, protein, and iron found in these foods contribute to strong nails.

"It helps your cuticles, keeps your hands and nails hydrated, and works better than callus removal if you put it on your feet and wear socks overnight," says Nguyen. "The best part is that it's affordable and probably already in your medicine cabinet!" she adds. It can even help prevent pesky broken nails.

Olive oil is rich in vitamin E, which is a natural moisturizer. Olive oil penetrates the nail and promotes quicker and stronger nail growth. Thus, olive oil is good for dry brittle nails.

What is a Russian manicure? For the uninitiated, a Russian manicure is a dry manicure, so no soaking in water is required. The technique consists of very precise cuticle work, often involving a nail drill and other special equipment to clean and remove excess skin around the nail bed.

Does jello help your nails grow? ›

First, the collagen you eat gets digested in your gut. More important, your fingernails are not made up of collagen; they”re made up of keratin. Although it”s also a structural protein, keratin is unrelated to gelatin. That”s why eating gelatin or soaking your nails in it will not affect your nails in any way.

Though dip powders are generally considered the gentlest option, both gels and dips can be used long-term without damaging your nails. Once again, choosing a high-quality product – and taking care of your nails properly – are the most important factors when it comes to nail health.

Overall, Dip Powder Manicures are a great way to get a healthy manicure that will protect and strengthen your nails without causing any damage. Just like any nail treatment, you do have to make sure you properly remove it to keep your nails safe and healthy – Don't pick at your manicure!

Polygel nails are stronger than gel nails and more flexible than acrylic nails, which makes them less likely to chip or break. “If someone is hard on their hands, it bounces back more easily instead of cracking,” says Kandalec.

If acrylic nails are a good option for long, shapely styles, then gels are the right choice for achieving more natural looks. If you like shorter nail styles, like square, circle, and squoval styles, gel nails can help you achieve them with ease.

However, if you crave a more natural look and prioritize nail health, then a gel manicure might be better. Gel polish offers a high-shine finish and may be less damaging, but it can sometimes chip more easily than acrylics. Consider your lifestyle and nail goals to make the best pick. Ultimately, you can try them both.