I Used to Have Dry, Damaged Nails, But This Using This One Product Turned Them Next-Level Healthy

Key Ingredients: Apricot oil, sweet almond oil, peony extract

Colour(s): Sheer peach-nude

The Dior Base Vernis is a base coat that is approved by experts and editors alike. I’ve spotted this product on my Instagram feed more times than I can count; however, I was initially introduced to it by my fellow editor, Eleanor Vousden, who says, “Working as both a base coat and a nail strengthener, Dior’s base vernis is a hydrating formula that’s perfect for all nail types, including those with dry and brittle plates. After a few months of consistent use, my nails are now longer, stronger, and way more resilient. And the best part? The sheer peach-nude hue provides a subtle wash of colour that leaves my nails looking elegant and put-together without having to add any other gels or lacquer on top.”

Key Ingredients: N/A

Colour(s): Clear

Another base coat that came personally recommended is the OPI Gel-Like Base Coat. Gel nails look great, but the honest truth is that the process of using a UV lamp can cause a lot of damage to your nail plates and skin. Luckily, this formula comes with pre-cured gel technology that delivers up to 11 days of gel-like wear and shine without the need for lamp curing or the soak off that’s usually needed for removal, allowing you to get a gel finish with minimal damage. I was first introduced to this when I took my BIAB gel off at the salon, but still wanted my nails to remain strong in between appointments. It’s a clear, glossy formula that strengthens the natural nails and is chip and scratch-free.

Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, AHAs, hexanal, castor fibres

Colour(s): Sheer rose, sheer beige, sheer golden, sheer bronze

"I love how Manucurist Active Smooth polish protects the nails with Hexanal, a vitamin-rich formula with antioxidant properties. That, plus the blend of vitamin E and AHAs, helps to hydrate, smooth ridges, and unify the nail surface, ready for any lacquer to be layered on top. The best aspect, however, is the fact that this formula comes in 4 different sheer and wearable hues, meaning there’s something for each and every one of my clients. Think of this as makeup for your nails, blurring any imperfections and providing you with a sheer but buildable wash of colour," says Michelle.

Key Ingredients: Biotin

Colour(s): clear

"If you’re looking for an ultra-natural formula with any hint of colour, Essie’s Strong Start base coat strengthens the nail with biotin to prevent weak or brittle nails. It’s the ideal product for those who want or need to maintain the bareness of their nails. Whether worn on its own or used as a first base for nail colours or design, this ridge-filling formula will leave your nails both looking and feeling healthy," says Michelle.

Key Ingredients: Camellia Oleifera seed oil, ceramides, AHAs, hexanel

Colour(s): sheer rosy-nude

Chanel’s La Base Camélia Vernis is another nail coat that celebrity nail artists and beauty editors can't seem to get enough of. Beauty director Shannon Lawlor says, “I have nails that are very susceptible to breaking, so a base coat is a non-negotiable in my manicure routine. Chanel’s Camelia base coat sits at a slightly higher price point than other polishes on the market, but its quality and ability to keep my nails strong have kept me loyal to this formula for years. It smooths out uneven nail plates, creating a smooth and durable canvas over the nail. It provides the perfect base for other polishes and colours, but I actually find myself using this pretty rosy-nude colour on its own more often than not.”

Key Ingredients: Biotin, amethyst, celery seed extract, Vitamin B5, keratin

Colour(s): sheer pale pink

You don’t have to break the bank to keep your nails protected. Rimmel’s Nail Nurse is a 2-in-1 formula that acts as a protective coat and a strengthener. An impressive blend of biotin, amethyst, celery seed extract, vitamin B5, and keratin, this formula has been praised for its ability to improve the quality of the nail plates at an affordable price tag. One customer even described it as a “miracle in a bottle”.

Key Ingredients: Apricot oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, passionfruit seed oil, hexanal

Colour(s): Sheer nude

Described as an “advanced recovery treatment for nails in dire straits,” Nails Inc. Back to Life base coat is the perfect remedy for those with really damaged nails. Formulated with apricot oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil to moisturize and hexanal to add a strong barrier to the nail, this conditioning formula is ideal for anyone who has suffered at the hands of too many salon manicures. I bought this for my sister last Christmas after her many years of acrylic extensions, who said, “I could never get much length before my nails completely fell apart before using this base coat. After a few months of applying this twice a week consistently, my nails are now long and strong without me having to worry about them breaking too easily. I’d definitely recommend using this on its own or under your favourite nail colour to anyone with damaged nail plates.”

Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, avocado oil, apricot oil, aloe vera, passiflora seed oil

Colour(s): Clear

As someone who suffers from eczema, you’ll know that dry nails go hand-in-hand with dehydrated skin. Hermès’ Les Mains Enamel Base Coat is a clear formula formulated with a blend of oils that hydrates the nails, which in turn helps protect them from breaking under the harsher chemicals the regular nail lacquers often bring. And don’t just take it from me, one customer said, “It was difficult to justify the purchase, but I have very capricious dry nails, I can't wear gel or anything like that. This base is very good, works well with Hermes varnish, and my nails are healthier looking now.”