Caring for ourselves can be a full time job. Between creating a skin care routine that works for you, maintaining your mane and heading into the salon for everything in between, nourishing your nails can fall by the wayside. But what if we told you the journey to healthy nails didn’t have to be so hard?
In fact, you’ve probably got most of the key ingredients (i.e. products) to nourished nails already sitting in your beauty cabinet. But don’t worry if you don’t. We’re here to give you an extensive guide to happy and healthy nails…
Nail Tools
OPI Edge File
From $8 at Sephora
You know the old adage that getting your hair cut keeps it healthy? Well the same is true for nails. Sure you don’t have to cut them right back to see the benefits, but buffing away sharp, rough edges will ensure they keep growing strong (and straight). This cushioned-file allows for effortless and precise on-the-go manicuring, leaving behind salon-worthy nails.
Key features:
- 240 level grit
- Edge design allows for precise shaping
- Cushioned-core for efficient filing
Available at:
- $8 from Sephora
- $7.95 from Adore Beauty
- $7.95 from Oz Hair and Beauty
Manicare Cuticle Clippers
From $31.69 at Healthy Life
Okay, so we totally get the urge to bite or pick and your cuticles, they’re dry (we’re getting to that) and crusty right? Well the simplest (and quickest) solution to crusty cuticles is chopping them off. That might sound dire, but we swear cutting away the dry dead skin is going to help keep your mani looking the freshest for longest. Just be careful to cut only the old dead skin away.
Want to read more? Read Manicare Cuticle Clippers Reviews here…
Key features:
- Designed for long-lasting performance
- Heat-treated hardened cutting edge
- Spring-side design allows accuracy
Available at:
- $25.95 (usually $31.69) from Healthy Life
- $31.99 from Priceline
- $21.99 (usually $31.69) from Chemist Warehouse
Cuticle Oils
Manicare All in one Nail Therapy Oil
From $22.99 at Priceline
We promised we’d get to dealing with the ‘dryness’ of the issue. And here’s the solution: a fast-absorbing, nourishing oil. Enriched with not only a myriad of nail nourishing oils (think: argan, organic jojoba, macadamia and avocado oils) but also formulated with 95 per cent natural ingredients and nourishing rich vitamins. This formula is here to ensure your nails are nourished and nurtured.
Want to read more? Read Manicare All in one Nail Therapy Oil Reviews here…
Key features:
- Fast-absorbing
- 95 per cent natural formula
- Enriched with five key minerals
Available at:
- $11.49 (usually $22.99) from Priceline
- $15.99 (usually $22.99) from Chemist Warehouse
Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail and Cuticle Oil
From $12.97 at iHerb
With a promise of softening even the roughest of cuticles, it’s time to put this vitamin E-bolstered oil to the test. With a formula designed to care for your nail and condition unsightly cuticles, we think everyone ought to have a bottle of strengthening, growth-promoting oil on hand at all times.
Want to read more? Read Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail and Cuticle Oil Reviews here…
Key features:
- Infused with active nail-strengthening ingredients
- Vitamin E works to nourish nails and cuticles
- Blend works to prevent from breakage
Available at:
- $12.97 from iHerb
- $17.95 from Priceline
- $10.69 (usually $17.95) from Amazon Australia
Nail Repair Serum
Plunkett’s NS Therapy NS Cuticle & Nail Repair
From $10.49 at Healthy Life
Damaged nails don’t stand a chance when it comes to Plunkett’s. This reparative formula is rich in nourishing emollients and bolstered with anti-inflammatory aloe vera (not to mention the 14 natural actives). The 99 per cent natural cuticle and nail treatment has been dermatologically-tested to promote the growth of healthy nails. Exactly the kind of treatment we’ve been looking for.
Want to read more? Read Plunkett’s NS Therapy NS Cuticle & Nail Repair Reviews here…
Key features:
- Non-greasy formula
- Rich emollient formula
- Enriched with nourishing aloe vera
Available at:
- $9.45 (usually $10.49) from Healthy Life
- $9.95 from Amazon Australia
OPI Repair Mode™ Bond Building Nail Serum
From $39.95 at Myer
If your nails have fallen into a state of what we call ‘disrepair’, then boy has OPI come up with the serum for you. Switching the flick into ‘repair mode’, this building bottle has been bolstered with protective keratin and OPI’s very own Ulti-Plex, bond-building technology.
Want to read more? Read OPI Repair Mode Bond Building Nail Serum Reviews here…
Key features:
- Infused with protective keratin
- Nine-free formula
- OPI’s patented Ulti-Plex technology builds new bonds
Available at:
- $39.95 from Myer
- $40 from Sephora
- $39.95 from Adore Beauty
Nail Polishes
essie Treat Love & Color Nail Polish Collection
From $14.11 at Amazon Australia
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: multi-functional beauty products are our one true love. Yep, big call. But wait until you hear what this mighty polish can do. Okay, so obviously first and foremost it’s a nail polish, giving you a gorgeous wash of pale pink tone. But wait, that’s not all. This unassuming bottle also works as a nail-strengthening, hardening and protecting polish. What’d we say? It’s incredible.
Want to read more? Read Essie Treat Love and Colour Nail Polish Collection Reviews here…
Key features:
- One-step formula
- Infused with collagen and camellia extract
- Nail nourishing colour
Available at:
- $14.11 from Amazon Australia
- $14.99 (usually $17.95) from Chemist Warehouse
Mavala Switzerland Timeless Colours Nail Polish
From $9.95 at Mavala
This is a PSA to all nail polish wearers. Most formulas are designed to not let your nails breathe. And while that’s not necessarily bad, giving your nails the chance to feel the cool fresh breeze is just the better option. So thankfully Mavala have developed this ‘free-from’ formula that is all about nourishing your nails while providing shining long-lasting colour.
Want to read more? Read Mavala Switzerland Timeless Colours Nail Polish Reviews here…
Key features:
- Long-lasting colour
- Enriched with silicium
- Allows nails to breathe
Available at:
- $9.95 from Mavala
Hand Creams
MOR Marshmallow Hand & Nail Cream
From $34.95 at Myer
To be totally honest, some of our ‘to deal with dryness’ products are reserved for behind closed doors (heel balm perhaps?). But this delightful cream is just not one of them. Sitting in pride of place on our office desks, the sweet enticing scent lingers as the lightweight formula sinks in. Be sure to get your mitts on this because it’s set to transform your nail journey.
Want to read more? Read MOR Marshmallow Hand and Nail Cream Reviews here…
Key features:
- Enriched with marshmallow extract and shea butter
- Non-greasy formula
- Made in Australia
Available at:
- $34.95 from Myer
- $27.96 (usually $34.95) from Oz Hair and Beauty
- $27.96 (usually $34.95) from Look Fantastic
Neat Feat Neat 3B Ultimate Hand Repair Moisturising Balm
From $20 at Neat Feat
A lovely light hand lotion is perfect for when you’ve kept up your moisturising, but when dry skin strikes, it’s time to crack out this thick restorative balm. Suitable for all skin types, this mighty balm effectively works to deliver a dose of hydration right when your hands need it most. But how does that help your nails? Well a) nourished nails need healthy hands and b) rubbing the heavy-duty balm into your cuticles will give them an extra added layer of hydration.
Want to read more? Read Neat Feat Neat 3B Ultimate Hand Repair Moisturising Balm Reviews here…
Key features:
- Provides deep relief to dry hands
- Effectively restores natural moisture barrier
- Promotes hand health
Available at:
- $20 from Neat Feat
Main Image Credit: Getty
Do you have any top nail care tips? How often do you take the time out to create healthy nails?
It looks like a decent routine, I just prefer less steps.
I need some of these for my gardening hands, I just find it too hard to wear gloves.
I wear gloves but they don’t seem to help much.
I hate to get dirt under my nails, so I always wear gardening gloves. I keep them in a plastic screw-top jar to prevent spiders from getting inside them.
I’m on the press-on train right now and loving it.
I’ve been meaning to give this a go! They look great
YOu’ve got to be careful about clipping cuticles – you can give yourself a nasty infection.
I like the Mavala Switzerland Timeless Colours Nail Polish. It gives you the opportunity to try different colours for a small cost.
I would love to try the MOR hand cream.
Yes that sounds lovely
Hand cream and lip balm are my daily essentials
Apart from hand cream, I’m happy to leave the rest to professionals.
I have ordered the new OPI nail serum from Adore beauty, can;t wait to get it
Key is to and try and gently push back cuticles regularly and don’t leave it for a week, every time i do that, they are harder to push back and you can get rips in your cuticles
I love cuticle oils and my nails benefit too!
Hand cream and attention to cuticles each day. I like doing my own manicures.
I apply hand cream a few times a day. It really helps to keep my cuticle looking good too.
I take good care of my nails! Use hand cream, cuticle oil, nail strengthener
I always rub hand cream into my nails
I have always had natural nails. I have however never cut back my cuticles, I only ever push them back with a cuticle stick. Always working with hands, gardening, baking, washing, cleaning etc does make it a challenge to keep them perfect. My nails are never the same length as there is always one that’s split or broken. I guess working hands just can’t be perfect, but that’s OK.
hand cream every day even twice a day in cold weather
I don’t do too much to my nails. Mainly trim them and apply a hand cream at night. That’s about it currently.
I love my Manicare crystal nail file & Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Balm, but I don’t apply it as regularly as I should.
I’ve tried Revitanail before and also Mor Marshmallow handcream which I like although the scent is a bit cloyey
Woah, so many different products.
Opi produtcs are always good. Worth the price
I need to take better care of my nails! MOR hand cream smells incredible
I often apply hand cream at night to control dryness of my hands.