How to treat damaged nails, depending on your concern
16 January 2024 – 5 min read
Struggling with dry, flaky nails after too many gel manis? Breakages getting you down? Not sure how to handle cracked cuticles? Our Nail Care Set is here to help.
One note before we jump in: brittle, splitting or yellowing nails can be more than just a damper on your manicure routine - they could be signs of health issues that no amount of topical products can fix. As ever, it's important to check in with your GP ASAP if you have any concerns.
If you have dry, flaking, peeling or splitting nails
Dealing with peeling, flaking or nails that are more parched than the Sahara Desert? It happens. There are a number of potential environmental and health causes that could be behind your issues - some of the most common being overexposure to water, age, a nutritional deficiency and (sorry!) the regular use of acrylics or gel manicures.
The good news is that you can help bring your nails back to health with our Rest & Repair Mask. Infused with a host of ultra-nourishing ingredients like antioxidant-rich green tea extract, vitamin E and sweet almond oil, this overnight treatment works by hydrating the keratin cells of the nails. Think of it as a serum but for your nails, making them smoother, healthier and more hydrated.
How to use: To repair dry and damaged nails, massage Rest & Repair Mask into bare nails using the applicator and leave overnight, then rinse off with warm water in the morning. Finish with Self Love Oil for extra hydration and TLC. Repeat for 2-3 weeks or until your natural nails appear smooth and uniform.
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If you have weak, soft or yellow nails
Having weak nails that break or tear isn’t just annoying - it can be downright painful. If you find yourself suffering from weak nails (or are just trying to grow your healthy nails), there are a handful of lifestyle changes that can help get them back to a strong state. Think: eating a well-balanced diet, avoiding harsh chemicals, keeping buffing to a minimum and using a nail strengthener.
Enter Miracle Treatment Base Coat, a natural nail strengthener packed with good-for-you ingredients such as hexanal (Kester Black’s patented, plant-derived hardening agent) for strong, long nails. Our #1 best-selling product, it also doubles as a brightening base coat to maintain your manicure and prevent yellowing.
Pro tip: if your nails are on the dry and flaky side, say after one too many gel manicures, they will benefit more from our Rest & Repair Mask and Self Love Oil first. When you pull or pick at any long-wear product you rip off layers of the nail plate, so you’ll need to focus on mending the damage and preventing water absorption (with Rest & Repair Mask) before strength building (with Miracle Treatment Base Coat).
How to use: Always test first and discontinue use immediately if the condition of your nails worsens. For maximum strength building, apply two coats of Miracle Treatment Base Coat per nail, twice a week for 2-3 weeks. Make sure you start fresh, removing the treatment before your next application using our Non-Acetone Nail Polish Remover.
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If you have dry or cracked cuticles
Cuticles might just be some of the most underappreciated parts of the human body: their whole purpose is to provide a protective seal on top of your nail matrix to shield new nail growth from bacteria. But hand washing, sanitising, nail-biting and excessive trimming can damage them, resulting in dry, cracked, inflamed and irritated cuticles.
If you need some nourishment, Self Love Oil promises to replace the natural oils and moisture you lose on the daily with a blend of jojoba, sweet almond and avocado oil, plus vitamin E. Not only does it support overall nail health, promote nail growth and prevent nails from absorbing water (which can cause peeling), it also extends the longevity of your manicure, whether it be regular polish, gel or extensions. No wonder our founder Anna has dubbed Self Love Oil the most underrated step to strengthen and protect your nails!
How to use: Use Self Love Oil as often as you’d like, aiming for at least once a day. Apply a generous coat over each nail and cuticle and gently massage in small, circular motions moving towards your hand. For best results, apply before bed and let the oil work its magic overnight. Also key: apply before swimming to help protect your nails from water damage.
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If you have chipped polish and sun damage
Sure, a clear top coat creates a glossy, high-shine finish, but its work goes beyond aesthetics. You’ll want to opt for a formula that helps seal your polish, prevents the colour from fading and protects from chipping - bonus points if there’s a hydrating component, too.
With certified organic passion flower, jojoba oil and Australian-sun-proof UV filters, Supersonic Top Coat boasts chip resistance, sun protection and moisturising properties, plus it dries to the touch in 90 seconds.
How to use: Once your base coat or nail polish is dry (five minutes should do it), apply a thin layer of glossy Supersonic Top Coat.
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How to use the Kester Black Nail Care Set
TO REPAIR NAILS (BEST FOR SPLITTING, PEELING, DRY NAILS)
Use Rest & Repair Mask and Self Love Oil to nourish dry or damaged nails. Start by massaging Self Love Oil into bare nails and cuticles. Just before bed, apply Rest & Repair Mask onto bare nails and rinse off in the morning. Repeat for 4-6 weeks or until your nails appear smooth and uniform. You must remove these products before application of the Miracle Base Coat and Supersonic Top Coat.
If you have peeling. Flaking, or splitting nails, please do not continue on to use the Miracle Base Coat or any other products that could be dehydrating your nails (e.g nail polish, remover or hand sanitiser) and minimise exposure to water and chemicals (wear gloves while doing the dishes and cleaning).
FOR STRENGTH BUILDING (HEALTHY NAILS ONLY)
Use Miracle Base Coat and Supersonic Top Coat to strengthen healthy nails. Start with Miracle Base Coat. Apply one coat, once a week. Make sure you start fresh, removing the treatment before your next application using a Non-Acetone Nail Polish Remover. Once your base coat or nail polish is dry (five minutes should do it), apply a thin layer of Supersonic Top Coat for added protection against UV damage and to prevent chipping. Massage Self Love Oil into your cuticles every evening or as often as desired.
You should not be using the Rest & Repair Mask at this stage. If your nails are still dry or damaged, please stop using all nail polish and nail polish removers.
