7 Nail Treatments That Will Pamper Your Fingers

If you're a nail fanatic like I am, then it only means extra stress when your nails are in a super dire state — I'm talking about those dry, flaky nails with chipped polish and uneven cuticles that prevent your manicurist from looking at you the same ever again. Nail treatments to pamper your cuticles and nails almost always seem like they take too much time, so this kind of thing happens to the best of us. Sometimes you get preoccupied and a pretty manicure isn't high up on your priority list, or maybe you've even made the decision to give your nails a breather. Acrylic obsessives know exactly what I mean when it comes to a nail detox — every once in a while you have to go natural for health's sake, but it's not always easily to some of us. Luckily, there are plenty of preventative and restorative methods to make your nails stronger, healthier, and more hydrated in no time.

There are plenty of things out there that are bad for your nails. An unbalanced diet and not enough water are probably the worst culprits — you need proper hydration and vitamins for a strong, healthy set. Removing or manipulating your cuticles is also harmful, because its sole purpose is to block bacteria and fungi from entering your body. You might also want to consider switching shampoos if you find your nails are dried out, because it tends to strip the body of natural-oils, so search for one with moisture-restoring properties. If you aren't in the mood to throw out your shampoo or alter your routine too much, here are seven simple nail treatments for a perfect at-home manicure.

1. BB Cream For Your Nails

Your hair, your face, and now even your nails have a BB cream they can use. Orly recently released the first ever BB cream specifically for smoothing, moisturizing, and adding a natural shine to your tips. In between manicures, paint it on to keep your nails looking fresh, even when they are practically nude.

Orly BB Creme, $10, Amazon

2. Soy Polish Remover

Soybean Oil and Lavender Nail Polish Remover, $12, Karma Organic Spa

Nothing strips away your health health one cotton ball at a time quite like a bottle of acetone. Now that earth-friendly beauty products are the norm, nail polish remover is finally catching up. Try out a soy-based remover to keep your nails and cuticles moisturized, while also not taking a million years to remove polish.

3. Nail Masks

Masks in general are having a big beauty moment. Something feels so good about adding some deep-moisturizing to your beauty routine — and now it's time to show the same kind of love to your cuticles with nail masks. They tend to come in the former of mini finger gloves, aka beauty finger puppets, and after 10 to 15 minutes your tips will feel refreshed and softer than ever.

Kocostar Nail Therapy Multivitamin Nail Treatment, $4, Nordstrom

4. Fortifying Cream

Dior Creme Apricot Fortifying Cream For Nails, $27, Sephora

OK, nail fortifying cream might just sound like a fancy way of saying hand lotion — but this stuff is so amazing you won't care what the difference is. It smells truly delicious and on top of that guarantees nail growth, strength, and conditioned cuticles.

5. Pink Gel Coat

Pink Formula Pink Gel Coat, $30, Sephora

This isn't your typical strengthening polish. Pink Formula's Pink Gel Coat has a keratin-rich formula that makes damaged nails look brighter, while simultaneously hardening and strengthening. Wear bare for optimal nail health or over a fresh manicure for a glossy sheen.

6. Anti-Aging Oxygen Treatment

Julep Oxygen Nail Treatment Duo, $18, Nordstrom

It thickens, it moisturizes, it evens out texture — and for Julep's Oxygen Nail Treatment Duo, that's only the beginning. The oxygen technology found inside prevents water from penetrating and drying nails out, while still allowing them to breathe. This leads to a stronger, healthier nail that breaks and splits way less often. The plant stem cell complex also has anti-aging benefits to reduce breakage and yellowing.

7. Superfood-Infused Base Coat

Nails Inc. London NAILKALE Superfood Base Coat, $15, Sephora

Kale is considered a superfood for a reason. Sure, it reduces your risk of heart disease — but why would you want that in your nail polish? With Nails Inc.'s Superfood Base Coat, they emphasize the iron naturally found in kale, which strengthens the nail on contact. It is also infused with Vitamins A and C which add a health dose of hydration.

Images: julepmaven/Instagram; Courtesy of Brands (4)