4 Tips To Transform Your Nails In 30 Days

Weakened and brittle nails can be a major source of pain and frustration. Luckily, whether you're starting your natural nail journey or counting down the days to a big event, we have some expert-backed tips for rejuvenating your nails in a short amount of time. 

Women talked exclusively to salon owner and celebrity nail artist Lisa Kon to get the low-down on short-term nail transformation, with the brand founder explaining how much change you can expect to see after a 30-day period. "While a full transformation depends on the severity of the damage, significant improvement is definitely possible in 30 days," Kon said. 

"Nails grow at an average rate of 3-4 millimeters per month, so while you won't have an entirely new nail, you can strengthen and nourish them considerably in that time," she added. Kon went on to explain that a complete transformation would more realistically take between three to six months, but that "with the right care, you can see noticeable improvements within a month!"

Products that promote hydration and strength will help transform your nails within 30 days, according to Kon. She specifically recommends the daily use of cuticle oil for its nourishing properties. While there isn't a specific ingredient in cuticle oil that stimulates nail growth, the product protects and moisturizes the nail bed and surrounding skin, which facilitates healthy nail growth. Pure Body Naturals' Organic Jojoba Oil is a good option to use every night before bed, or try ella+mila's Soften Me Up Cuticle Oil Pen for an on-the-go alternative. 

Nail strengtheners are another expert-backed option, with Kon recommending products containing keratin or calcium. It's important to note that nail strengtheners are sometimes confused with nail hardeners, but that the two products serve different purposes. Strengtheners are used to nourish and restore nails, while hardeners make the nails less flexible. Though nail hardeners can serve as a short-term solution for those struggling with overly soft nails, there are downsides buyers should be aware of. 

"Since ingredients like formaldehyde or toluene found in some nail hardeners are harsh chemicals, they can potentially damage your nails or cause dryness, making them even more prone to breakage and chipping," cosmetic chemist Yashi Shrestha told InStyle. In place of hardeners, experts recommend looking for products intended to nourish the nail and promote flexibility, such as ORLY Nailtrition Nail Growth Treatment.

Manicure practices are important to keep in mind when it comes to rejuvenating nails. For one, glass nail files are a game-changing tool every nail enthusiast should have, as their fine grit makes them gentler than most alternatives. Still, no matter the type of file, Lisa Kon recommends filing your nails in one direction. While your instinct might be to use a back-and-forth sawing motion to shape and trim your nails, this can result in premature breakage and overall weakness. 

Buffing is another manicure maintenance step that requires a lot of care, as it can easily lead to brittleness. This manicure step involves sanding down a layer of the nail plate using a buffing block in order to prep for polish, smooth out any ridges, or create a shiny look. If you already have damaged nails, you might want to skip this step, as mechanically removing another layer of the plate can further weaken the nails. For those intent on the practice, ensure you follow the most important rule of nail buffing and avoid overdoing it. 

Just as nails can provide insight into your health, lifestyle and everyday habits can impact the state of our nails. Hydration and nutrition both play a part in transforming your nail health, Kon said. "Drink plenty of water and incorporate biotin, collagen, and omega-3-rich foods into your diet," she told Women. While the exact amount of water consumption recommended varies between individuals, adults should generally drink 4-8 cups of water each day. 

As for foods that promote nail health, liver serves as a major source of biotin, but the vitamin can also be found in dairy products, nuts and seeds, and fruits and veggies like avocados, sweet potatoes, and cauliflower. Collagen production is linked to vitamin C, which is found in fruits such as kiwis, oranges, and strawberries, and vegetables like bell peppers and tomatoes. Omega-3 fatty acids are most associated with fatty fish like tuna, salmon, mackerel, and trout, but non-seafood-enjoyers can also look to eggs, walnuts, and chia seeds. 

While sustained changes in diet and hydration will promote nail health in the long-term, you can kick-start your nail transformation by integrating some of these vitamin-rich foods into your diet and being mindful of your water intake. If you're considering taking a supplement, experts recommend consulting your doctor, since factors like overuse or ingredient contamination can impact your overall health.

In addition to practicing habits and using products that strengthen and moisturize the nails, people looking for a 30-day transformation can also minimize potentially harmful practices. First off, Lisa Kon suggests that nail enthusiasts avoid excessive exposure to water and harsh chemicals. "Prolonged soaking weakens nails," she told Women. "Wear gloves when cleaning or washing dishes."

The negative impact of water on hands may come as a surprise, but nails are significantly more absorptive than the skin. The cells of the nails expand when exposed to H20 and then contract when dry, a process that can damage the nails over time. Harsh chemicals and detergents can also weaken the nails, so experts recommend avoiding exposure to things like laundry detergent and cleaning products.

Picking at or peeling any sort of polish is also a no-go, with Kon explaining that "This strips the nail layers, making them weaker over time." Instead, it's recommended that you remove gel and acrylics at a professional salon and use a gentle remover for regular polish. While it's important to remember that a complete nail transformation will take several months, you can use these expert-backed tips to begin seeing positive change in as early as 30 days.