As we transition into the cooler months, our nails often need a little extra care and attention. September is the perfect time to refresh your nail care routine with products that strengthen and nourish your nails, keeping them healthy and resilient against the challenges of the season. From moisturizing cuticle oils to fortifying nail strengtheners, here’s a look at the top nail care products you should consider incorporating into your routine this September for stronger, healthier nails.
1. Cuticle Oils: Nourish and Protect
Cuticle oils are an essential part of any nail care routine, especially as the weather cools down and the air becomes drier. These oils hydrate the delicate skin around your nails, preventing dryness and cracking, which can lead to weak and brittle nails.
Top Picks:
- CND SolarOil: This cult-favorite cuticle oil is rich in jojoba oil, vitamin E, and sweet almond oil, making it a powerful moisturizer that penetrates deeply to nourish both your nails and cuticles. Regular use can help prevent hangnails and promote overall nail health.
- Olive & June Cuticle Serum: This convenient, pen-style serum is perfect for on-the-go hydration. It’s formulated with a blend of avocado and jojoba oils to keep your cuticles soft and your nails strong, all while being lightweight and non-greasy.
How to Use: Apply a small amount of cuticle oil to the base of each nail, gently massaging it into the cuticles and surrounding skin. For best results, use daily, especially before bed, to allow the oils to work overnight.
2. Nail Strengtheners: Fortify Weak Nails
If you struggle with weak, brittle nails that are prone to breaking or peeling, a nail strengthener is a must-have. These products are designed to reinforce your nails, making them more resilient and less likely to split or crack.
Top Picks:
- OPI Nail Envy: This popular nail strengthener is known for its ability to transform weak, damaged nails into strong, healthy ones. It’s packed with hydrolyzed wheat protein and calcium to fortify the nail structure, and it can be used as a base coat or on its own.
- Sally Hansen Hard as Nails: A budget-friendly option that delivers serious results, this nail strengthener has been a favorite for years. It creates a protective barrier on your nails, helping to prevent chips, breaks, and splitting while promoting nail growth.
How to Use: Apply the nail strengthener to clean, dry nails, following the product’s instructions. Most strengtheners can be used alone or as a base coat under nail polish. For best results, use regularly until your nails are stronger and healthier.
3. Hydrating Nail Creams: Lock in Moisture
Just as your skin needs extra hydration in the cooler months, so do your nails. Hydrating nail creams provide essential moisture, keeping your nails and cuticles soft and supple, which is crucial for preventing breakage.
Top Picks:
- Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream: This rich, creamy formula is packed with natural ingredients like beeswax and lemon oil to deeply moisturize your nails and cuticles. It’s also infused with vitamin E, which helps to strengthen and nourish your nails.
- L’Occitane Shea Nail & Cuticle Nourishing Oil: A luxurious option that combines the nourishing power of shea butter with a blend of essential oils, this product is perfect for those with dry, damaged nails. It absorbs quickly, leaving your nails hydrated without any greasy residue.
How to Use: Massage a small amount of cream into your nails and cuticles, focusing on any dry or rough areas. For best results, use the cream daily, especially after washing your hands or before bed.
4. Nail Growth Treatments: Encourage Longer Nails
If you’re looking to grow out your nails, a nail growth treatment can help speed up the process. These treatments are formulated with ingredients that promote healthy nail growth while also strengthening the nails to prevent breakage.
Top Picks:
- Essie Grow Stronger Base Coat: This multi-tasking base coat not only strengthens your nails but also promotes healthy growth. It’s enriched with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as nourishing wheat protein, making it an excellent choice for those looking to grow out their nails.
- Dior Crème Abricot Nail Cream: A luxury option that has been a staple in the beauty world for decades, this nail cream is designed to encourage nail growth and strengthen the nail bed. It’s rich and creamy, making it perfect for nighttime use.
How to Use: Apply the treatment according to the product’s instructions, typically as a base coat or treatment polish. Regular use can lead to noticeable results, with stronger, longer nails over time.
5. Nail Repair Kits: Quick Fixes for Damaged Nails
For those who are dealing with damaged nails—whether from gel polish, acrylics, or everyday wear and tear—a nail repair kit can provide the quick fix you need to restore your nails to health.
Top Picks:
- Orly Nail Rescue Kit: This kit is perfect for repairing cracked or broken nails. It includes a nail repair powder and adhesive that work together to create a strong, protective layer over the damaged area, allowing your nail to heal while preventing further breakage.
- Nails Inc. Nailkale Superfood Nail Repair Oil: This treatment oil is packed with a blend of powerful botanicals, including kale extract, to repair and strengthen damaged nails. It also contains vitamin C and A to nourish and protect your nails.
How to Use: Follow the instructions provided with the kit, applying the repair products directly to the damaged areas. These kits are usually easy to use and provide quick results, making them ideal for emergency nail fixes.
6. Non-Toxic Nail Polishes: Healthier Color Options
When it comes to nail polish, the formula matters. Non-toxic nail polishes are free from harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP, making them a healthier choice for your nails and overall health.
Top Picks:
- Zoya Nail Polish: Zoya is known for its wide range of non-toxic, 10-free nail polishes, which are free from the most common harmful chemicals found in traditional nail polish. The brand offers a stunning array of colors, making it easy to find the perfect shade for fall.
- Ella+Mila Nail Polish: Another great option for those looking to avoid toxic ingredients, Ella+Mila’s polishes are 7-free and vegan. They offer a range of trendy colors that are perfect for the season, and their formula is long-lasting and chip-resistant.
How to Use: Apply your non-toxic nail polish as you would any other polish, starting with a base coat, followed by two coats of color, and finishing with a top coat for extra shine and protection. Enjoy your vibrant, healthier manicure!
7. Glass Nail Files: Smooth and Shape Without Damage
Glass nail files are a must-have for anyone looking to maintain the shape and length of their nails without causing damage. Unlike traditional emery boards, glass files are gentle on the nails and help to prevent splitting and peeling.
Top Picks:
- Bona Fide Beauty Glass Nail File: This high-quality glass file is gentle yet effective, allowing you to shape your nails with precision without causing damage. It’s also easy to clean and lasts much longer than traditional nail files.
- OPI Crystal Nail File: Another excellent choice, the OPI Crystal Nail File is durable and provides a smooth filing experience. It’s perfect for maintaining the shape of both natural and extended nails, and it comes with a protective case for easy storage.
How to Use: Use the glass file to gently shape your nails, filing in one direction to prevent splitting. Glass files can be used on both natural and artificial nails, and they’re easy to clean with soap and water after each use.
Conclusion
September is the perfect time to refresh your nail care routine with products that strengthen, nourish, and protect your nails. Whether you’re dealing with dryness, weakness, or damage, there’s a product out there to help you achieve healthier, stronger nails this season. From hydrating cuticle oils to fortifying nail strengtheners, these top picks will keep your nails looking and feeling their best all month long. Remember, healthy nails are the foundation of a beautiful manicure, so invest in quality products and give your nails the care they deserve.