I used to struggle with dry, damaged nails, but incorporating this one product made them incredibly healthy.

I used to struggle with dry, damaged nails, but incorporating this one product made them incredibly healthy.

      The journey of my nail growth has been quite the experience. After years of repeatedly applying and removing acrylic nails, it was inevitable that my nails became dry and fragile. Now, I make regular visits to the salon for BIAB polishes to help keep them strong, and I steer clear of nail extensions entirely. The most significant change I've implemented, though? A few years ago, my nail tech recommended adding a simple product to my nail care routine for those times I'm taking a break from stronger gels or in between salon visits. And the best part? It's something I can apply myself at home: the nail base coat.

      A base coat is designed with strengthening ingredients that nourish and protect your nails. It not only extends the lifespan of your manicure but also keeps your natural nails healthy when there's no polish or gel applied. Moreover, it can create a polished nude look that doesn’t require a salon appointment. To provide further insight, I consulted professional manicurist Michelle from @nailsncolour about the benefits of nail base coats and which ones she recommends. Keep reading for her insights and suggestions.

      What is a Nail Base Coat? Michelle explains, “A nail base coat is the crucial first step in a manicure, creating a foundation for a polished appearance. It’s a nude or clear polish applied to bare nails that helps to smooth the surface and protect the natural nail from bold-colored lacquers that may contain damaging chemicals or leave stains. Consider it akin to a makeup primer, but specifically for your nails.”

      Why Should I Use a Nail Base Coat? Michelle adds, “Without a base coat, your natural nails are vulnerable to damage from harsh chemicals and staining from bright nail polishes. The base coat provides a protective barrier between the natural nail and the lacquer to reduce damage. It not only helps prolong the manicure's life by acting as an adhesive for the polish but also includes beneficial ingredients like vitamins that strengthen and nourish the natural nail. Plus, they can be used alone as an excellent option for anyone wanting a natural mani without scheduling a salon visit or using stronger chemicals that might harm the nails,” according to Michelle.

      Continue reading to discover the top nail base coats, vetted by experts and editors alike.

      Best Nail Base Coats as Recommended by 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

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

      6. Best Affordable Base Coat: Rimmel Nail Nurse Base Coat & Strengthener, £5

      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

      Color(s): Sheer peach-nude

      The Dior Base Vernis is favored by both experts and editors. I’ve seen this product on my Instagram feed countless times, but I first learned about it from my editor colleague, Eleanor Vousden, who states, “As both a base coat and a nail strengthener, Dior’s base vernis is a hydrating formula that works well for all nail types, including dry and brittle ones. After consistent use over a few months, my nails are now longer, stronger, and more resilient. The sheer peach-nude tint provides a delicate splash of color, making my nails look refined without the need for additional gels or lacquer.”

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

      Key Ingredients: N/A

      Color(s): Clear

      Another base coat recommended to me is the OPI Gel-Like Base Coat. Gel nails look fantastic, but using a UV lamp can damage your nail plates and skin. Thankfully, this formula incorporates pre-cured gel technology, offering up to 11 days of gel-like wear and shine without needing a lamp or the soaking off typically required for removal, allowing you to achieve a gel finish with minimal harm. I discovered this after removing my BIAB gel at the salon but still wanted to maintain my nail strength between visits. It’s a clear, glossy formula that strengthens natural nails and resists chips and scratches.

      **Manucurist Active Smooth** - Best Shade Range

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

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

      “I love how Manucurist Active Smooth polish protects nails with Hexanal and its vitamin-rich, antioxidant formula. The combination of vitamin E and AHAs hydrates, smooths ridges, and unifies the nail surface,

I used to struggle with dry, damaged nails, but incorporating this one product made them incredibly healthy. I used to struggle with dry, damaged nails, but incorporating this one product made them incredibly healthy. I used to struggle with dry, damaged nails, but incorporating this one product made them incredibly healthy. I used to struggle with dry, damaged nails, but incorporating this one product made them incredibly healthy. I used to struggle with dry, damaged nails, but incorporating this one product made them incredibly healthy. I used to struggle with dry, damaged nails, but incorporating this one product made them incredibly healthy. I used to struggle with dry, damaged nails, but incorporating this one product made them incredibly healthy. I used to struggle with dry, damaged nails, but incorporating this one product made them incredibly healthy. I used to struggle with dry, damaged nails, but incorporating this one product made them incredibly healthy. I used to struggle with dry, damaged nails, but incorporating this one product made them incredibly healthy. I used to struggle with dry, damaged nails, but incorporating this one product made them incredibly healthy. I used to struggle with dry, damaged nails, but incorporating this one product made them incredibly healthy.

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