Make sure you are purchasing a nail conditioner that is designed to penetrate into the nail.
If you are just buying an oil that claims it has vitamin E or some other group of ingredients (like antioxidants) - there is a good chance you are wasting your money.
These oils can not penetrate into the nail (past the nail's protective coating) and do the conditioning and replenishment of lipids that are needed.
If an oil claims it can get your nails "fixed" in a short period of time - again there is a very good chance you are wasting your money.
Your fingernails usually take anywhere from 2 to 4 months to grow out - so take this into account for the "quick fix" claims.
Hardeners should be a definite no-no and we'll take about them separately.
In your search for a nail conditioner - again please strongly consider using a penetrating nail conditioner.
The results aren't immediate, but use as directed and stick with it and you should see some great results! Most reputable penetrating conditioners will require at least once a day applications (twice is better) to the nail, cuticle, base and the underside (extending past the finger) of each nail.
Just apply a thin coat as you would apply a nail polish and let it sit for a few minutes.
Then, simply massage in any excess solution with your thumb and finger.
Don't bother to wipe off any excess solution as it should quickly absorb into your cuticles.
Apply penetrating nail conditioners to clean nails that have been dry for at least one hour.
If you are applying to wet nails the water acts to partially repel the oil based product.
Also, if possible, apply before other creams or lotions you may use.
When you are first starting to use a nail conditioner or if your hands are frequently in water, apply two or more times daily if possible (or at night and let it completely be absorbed).
Important usage considerations The oil needs to penetrate into the nail and also the cuticle.
To ensure help with penetration, you need dry hands and you need to give it time to soak in.
You will also be saving yourself a lot of aggravation and wasted time with products that maybe sound good but just don't work.
If you are just buying an oil that claims it has vitamin E or some other group of ingredients (like antioxidants) - there is a good chance you are wasting your money.
These oils can not penetrate into the nail (past the nail's protective coating) and do the conditioning and replenishment of lipids that are needed.
If an oil claims it can get your nails "fixed" in a short period of time - again there is a very good chance you are wasting your money.
Your fingernails usually take anywhere from 2 to 4 months to grow out - so take this into account for the "quick fix" claims.
Hardeners should be a definite no-no and we'll take about them separately.
In your search for a nail conditioner - again please strongly consider using a penetrating nail conditioner.
The results aren't immediate, but use as directed and stick with it and you should see some great results! Most reputable penetrating conditioners will require at least once a day applications (twice is better) to the nail, cuticle, base and the underside (extending past the finger) of each nail.
Just apply a thin coat as you would apply a nail polish and let it sit for a few minutes.
Then, simply massage in any excess solution with your thumb and finger.
Don't bother to wipe off any excess solution as it should quickly absorb into your cuticles.
Apply penetrating nail conditioners to clean nails that have been dry for at least one hour.
If you are applying to wet nails the water acts to partially repel the oil based product.
Also, if possible, apply before other creams or lotions you may use.
When you are first starting to use a nail conditioner or if your hands are frequently in water, apply two or more times daily if possible (or at night and let it completely be absorbed).
Important usage considerations The oil needs to penetrate into the nail and also the cuticle.
To ensure help with penetration, you need dry hands and you need to give it time to soak in.
- Water: Nails exposed to water are often trouble nails - ask anyone that washes their hands multiple times a day (nurses, hygienists, swimmers, etc).
Apply the conditioner to nails that ideally have not been exposed to water for at least half an hour (showers, baths, swimming, even hand washing).
The water works to repel the oil and much less gets absorbed into the nail. - Letting it soak in: Don't be neat applying a nail conditioner.
Brush on a thin coat quickly over your nails and on your cuticles.
If you can, leave it there for a while before rubbing in any of the excess.
Don't be afraid to leave it on for 5 or even 10 minutes if you have the time.
Some people apply a thin coat right at bedtime and let it completely penetrate and soak in.
Don't worry about it every time, but when you can, let it soak in.
You will also be saving yourself a lot of aggravation and wasted time with products that maybe sound good but just don't work.
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