The Ultimate Nail Care Routine: Stronger, Healthier Nails in Weeks
Last Updated on March 18, 2025 by Amy
Do you want strong, healthy nails but don’t have the time or patience for regular manicures? Or maybe your job doesn’t allow polish, and you’re looking for ways to keep your natural nails looking their best. The good news is that great nails don’t require expensive salon treatments or complicated routines. With a few simple habits and the right products, you can achieve naturally beautiful nails that are strong, smooth, and healthy—no polish needed!
1. Gentle Cuticle Care
Soften & Tidy Up
Overgrown or ragged cuticles can make nails look unkempt. Instead of cutting them (which can increase the risk of infection), soften them with a remover and gently push them back. I love the Beauty Pie Cuticle Remover for this. It’s an exfoliating treatment containing Potassium Hydroxide and Glycerin that softens cuticles, loosens dead skin, and keeps everything moisturised.
- How to Use: Apply a thin layer, let it sit for 1-2 minutes, then gently push back with an orange stick or cuticle pusher. Rinse off any excess.
- Tip: Sometimes, I skip the orange stick part because my cuticles look so much better after just soaking in this and rinsing off!
Keep Cuticles Hydrated
Well-moisturised cuticles and nails are less prone to breaking and peeling. I swear by cuticle oils for this, and these are my favourites:
- CND SolarOil – A cult-favorite blend of jojoba oil, vitamin E, and almond oil that deeply nourishes cuticles. When I use this every night, my nails look infinitely better. Get it on Amazon for £11.64.
- Essie Apricot Oil Roll-On – A convenient, mess-free option for on-the-go hydration. It’s not as instantly effective as CND SolarOil, but it’s great for quick applications throughout the day. Find it on Amazon for £9.99.
2. Trim and File Regularly
Regular trims prevent breakage and splitting. A glass nail file is ideal for shaping nails smoothly—filing in one direction only to avoid damage.
I’ve had the Leighton Denny Mini Crystal Nail File for about 10 years now, and it’s still going strong. They even come with a 25-year guarantee, so I’m hoping it lasts me a few more decades! You can find it here on Amazon for £10.
Best Nail Shapes for Strength:
✔ Soft square or oval – Helps prevent snags and breaks.
✔ Rounded – Ideal for growing out nails without splitting.
3. Smooth & Buff (But Not Too Often!)
Every 3-4 weeks, use a nail buffer to smooth the surface of your nails. This helps get rid of ridges, makes nails look shinier, and can even reduce yellowing if you frequently wear polish.
I love the Onsen Secret 4-Way Buffer Block. It costs £9.95 on Amazon, and you can buy replacement pads when they wear down. It’s so easy to use and leaves my nails ultra-shiny! Check it out here.
Avoid over-buffing, as it can thin your nails and make them weaker over time.
4. Strengthen with a Nail Treatment
If your nails are weak, peeling, or brittle, a strengthening treatment can help rebuild resilience. These are some of my favourites:
- Leighton Denny Renovate Nail Repair Cream (£12.60) – This intensive treatment is packed with essential oils and vitamins to nourish dry, damaged nails. It also comes with a buffer for a natural, glossy finish. I love to use this in winter when my nails need extra care. Find it here.
- Essie Good As New Nail Perfector (£10.99) – This innovative formula looks like a polish but is full of ceramides, claiming to improve nail health in just one week. It dries to a sheer pink, matte finish—ideal for a polished but natural look. I’m still testing it out, but so far, I love how it makes my nails look! Grab it here.
5. Avoid Harsh Nail Products
Some nail products can weaken your nails over time.
- Use acetone-free polish removers to prevent excessive drying.
- Take breaks from nail polish to let your nails recover.
- Choose clean beauty nail polishes to avoid unnecessary exposure to harmful chemicals.
A 2015 study found that chemicals in nail polish can be absorbed into the body. Since then, most big brands have reformulated their products to remove potentially harmful ingredients like formaldehyde and toluene. If you’re looking for safer options, Manucurist and Nailberry are two of my favourites for non-toxic, high-performance polish!
6. Keep Hands & Nails Moisturised
Just like your skin, your nails and cuticles need hydration. Keep a hand cream in your bag for quick touch-ups throughout the day.
I personally love the L’Occitane Cherry Blossom Hand Cream (£19) and Verden Herbanum Hand Cream (£25)—they both smell incredible, are non-sticky and leave hands feeling so soft!
Create a Simple Nail Care Routine
Here’s an easy routine to follow for consistently healthy nails:
- Daily: Apply CND Solar Oil or Essie Apricot Oil Roll-On for hydration.
- Weekly: Use Beauty Pie Cuticle Remover to keep cuticles tidy and file nails gently to maintain shape.
- Every 2-3 Weeks: Trim nails to prevent breakage and maintain a neat appearance.
- Every 3-4 Weeks: Use a nail buffer to smooth ridges and add shine. Avoid buffing too often to prevent thinning.
- As Needed: Massage in Leighton Denny Renovate for extra strength and repair.
Do you have a holy grail nail care product? Have you tried any of these? Let’s chat in the comments—I’d love to hear your favourites!
