I Previously Dealt with Dry, Damaged Nails, But This One Product Made Them Extremely Healthy.

I Previously Dealt with Dry, Damaged Nails, But This One Product Made Them Extremely Healthy.

      My journey with nail growth has been quite an experience. After years of repeatedly applying and removing acrylics, it’s understandable that my nails turned dry and brittle. Now, I regularly visit the salon for BIAB polishes to keep them robust and I steer clear of nail extensions whenever possible. The most significant change I made, though? A few years ago, my nail technician suggested I add one simple product to my nail care routine for times when I'm taking a break from more intense gels or in between appointments. The best part? It's something I can use at home. Enter the nail base coat.

      Designed with strengthening ingredients that nourish and protect your nails, a base coat not only helps your manicure last longer but also maintains the health of your nails when they’re not covered in polish or gel. Moreover, they provide a perfect, sophisticated nude manicure without needing a salon visit. Don’t just take my word for it; I had a conversation with professional manicurist Michelle of @nailsncolour to delve into the benefits of base coats and to gather her expert-approved recommendations. Scroll down to learn her insights and suggestions.

      What Is a Nail Base Coat?

      Michelle describes it as “the essential first step to a manicure that lays the groundwork for a polished look. It’s a nude or clear polish applied to bare nails to prepare them by smoothing the surface and safeguarding the natural nail from contact with bold-colored nail varnishes, which might contain harsh chemicals or cause staining. Consider it akin to a makeup primer, but for your nails.”

      Why Should I Use a Nail Base Coat?

      “Without a base coat, your natural nails can be damaged by harsh chemicals or stained by bold polishes. The base coat acts as a barrier between the natural nail plates and the lacquer, which helps reduce potential damage. Not only does it extend the life of your manicure by serving as an adhesive for the polish, but it also includes targeted ingredients such as vitamins that strengthen and nourish the natural nail. Additionally, they can serve as a great alternative for those wishing for a natural-looking manicure without the need for salon visits or harsh chemicals that may cause damage,” explains Michelle.

      Continue reading to discover the top nail base coats tested and recommended by experts and editors.

      The Best Nail Base Coats, According to an Expert

      1. Best Overall: Dior Base Vernis, £30

      2. Best Gel-Finish: O.P.I Gel-Like Base Coat, £18

      3. Best Shade Range: Manucurist Active Smooth, £16

      4. Best Clear Formula: Essie Strong Start Base Coat, £9.50

      5. Best Luxury Base Coat: Chanel La Base Camélia Vernis, £30

      6. Best Affordable Base Coat: Rimmel Nail Nurse Base Coat & Strengthener, £7

      7. Best for Damaged Nails: Nails.Inc. Back to Life Recovery Base Coat, £15

      8. Best for Dry Nails: Hermès Les Mains Enamel Base Coat, £46

      **Dior Base Vernis - Best Overall**

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

      Colour(s): Sheer peach-nude

      The Dior Base Vernis is a favorite among experts and editors. I’ve seen it on my Instagram feed numerous times, but I was first introduced to this product by my fellow editor, Eleanor Vousden, who shares, “Acting as both a base coat and nail strengthener, Dior’s base vernis features a hydrating formula suitable for all nail types, even those that are dry and brittle. After a few months of regular use, my nails are now longer, stronger, and more resilient. The sheer peach-nude color gives a subtle hint of color, making my nails look polished without needing to add any gels or other lacquers on top.”

      **2. OPI Gel-Like Base Coat - Best Gel-Finish**

      Key Ingredients: N/A

      Colour(s): Clear

      Another base coat that comes highly recommended is the OPI Gel-Like Base Coat. While gel nails look fantastic, the UV lamp process can seriously damage your nail plates and skin. Fortunately, this formula utilizes pre-cured gel technology, providing up to 11 days of gel-like wear and shine without needing lamp curing or soak-off removal, allowing you to enjoy a gel finish with minimal damage. I was introduced to it after having my BIAB gel removed but still wanted to keep my nails strong between appointments. This clear, glossy formula strengthens natural nails and resists chipping and scratching.

      **3. Manucurist Active Smooth - Best Shade Range**

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

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

      "I appreciate how Manucurist Active Smooth polish protects nails with Hexanal, a vitamin-rich formula with antioxidant benefits. Combined with vitamin E and AHAs, it hydrates,

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I Previously Dealt with Dry, Damaged Nails, But This One Product Made Them Extremely Healthy.

Formulas approved by experts.