Worthwhile nail hardener vs gel/acrylic nails

boxer16

Hi all

I was wondering if anyone could give me their experiences with any nail hardeners that have actually worked?

I have horrible thin nails - I have my entire life. I've had acrylics on and off for a few years. I know they're not great for your nails but seeing as though mine were so flimsy anyway, that haven't had that much of an effect on them. I'm getting a bit sick of acrylics though, lifting at the base after a week or so.

Is there anything that will help me get nicer, stronger nails? I've read up on all the Sally Hansen products but the reviews are really mixed and mostly bad.

I've also seen UV gel advertised in my local salon but would these just be similar to acrylic?

I'm saving up for my wedding so cost effectiveness also needs to be considered! I'm just sick of paying £20 every few weeks for something that in the long run isn't really doing my nails any good!

snow_ball

I've used Sally Hansen products and found them to be really good, my nails used to be brittle and break easily but very rarely break anymore. I've also had UV gel nails once (for a wedding) and was sceptical that they wouldn't damage the nail underneath, but they were fab! Nails grew longer than I'd normally allow them to because they were protected by the gel and were as strong as ever when I had them soaked off.

boxer16

Which Sally Hansen products have you used? I've been looking at the hard as nails and other strengtheners but the reviews really aren't great!

snow_ball

Sorry, just seen this! I've used the diamond strength instant nail hardener (silver bottle) and nail growth miracle (gold bottle). The growth miracle was the best and I also used a sally hansen cuticle cream (orange pot) that smells gorgeous but wasn't so effective for me. I bought an OPI cuticle oil and I use hand cream regularly, all of which helps my nails too.

melancholly

I tried a Sally Hansen one - can't tell you which bottle it was now - but it all flaked off as soon as had a shower/did washing up/anything that made my hands wet. Was disappointed. Bought some Nail Envy and that seems to be a lot better - but given the cost, I'd expect that. I got it in a set from QVC (normal nail envy, pink nail envy and the cuticle oil) which was a lot better value than buying individual bottles.

CH27

OPI Nail Envy is excellent.