BEAUTY LAB

Do your talons need to visit Nail Rehab? We say “go, go, go”

Mavala Scientifique K+, £14.95

Designed to harden soft tips prone to splitting, using keratin-strengthening dimethylurea, which boosts the bond between the three major nail layers. This is definitely one for longer-nailed ladies, but a full nail treatment makes more sense for people like me who have more nail bed than tip.

NeoStrata Nail Conditioning Solution, £18.99

The key ingredient is an alpha hydroxy acid usually found in exfoliating skincare (no surprise given NeoStrata is known for its gold-standard skin products). The AHA does the opposite here, binding to the nail bed and promoting healthy growth. You won’t get overnight results, but expect good-as-new nails before you reach the end of the pot.

Nails Inc Green Fingers Conditioning Treatment + Base Coat, £12

This saintly strengthener is infused with plant proteins and other natural nourishers such as aloe vera and pomegranate. It wears like a glossy polish and makes your nails look and feel instantly healthier, so if you don’t like having bare nails while you treat them, this is the one for you.

Candy Coat Rapid Repair, £15 (and £89.99 for the UV lamp)

An at-home gel polish that repairs rather than damages? I was sceptical, then gobsmacked when my sad, peeling nails came back to life. Available in four shades and infused with nourishing essential oils, it softens under your gel top coat over the two-week treatment period, so half your nail bed doesn’t peel off during removal.