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If your nails chip, peel or break at the slightest touch, and you’re looking for the best nail care products for stronger nails in Nigeria, you’re not alone. From constantly washing your hands and doing household chores to going to the salon for treatments, your nails go through a lot.
The good news is that healthy nails can be achieved with the right products and a simple routine for growing strong.
This guide explains why nails become weak, offers easy care tips you can start today, and lists the best nail strengtheners, cuticle oils, creams, supplements, and polish removers you can find locally. It also includes natural home remedies that can help you strengthen your nails.
Why Do Nigerian Nails Get Weak and Brittle?
Your nails are made mostly of keratin, a protein which can become fragile for various reasons:
Frequent Water Exposure and Harsh Detergents: Washing your hands multiple times daily, doing laundry, and cleaning with strong soaps or detergents dries out your nails and cuticles. This causes nails to become dry and prone to breakage.
Nutritional Deficiencies: A diet low in biotin (vitamin B7), zinc, iron, and other essential nutrients can slow nail growth and weaken nails. Unfortunately, many Nigerians don’t get enough of these key nutrients regularly.
Salon Treatments and Acrylic Nails: Acrylics and gel manicures are trendy but can cause damage if done too often or removed improperly. The chemicals and filing involved thin the nail plate, making nails fragile.
Climate Effects: Nigeria’s weather is a mix of hot, humid, and dry seasons. Humidity can weaken nails by making them softer, while dry harmattan air causes cracking and peeling.
Bad Habits: Nail-biting, picking at the polish, or filing nails roughly damages the nail surface, making it more likely to split or peel.
Pro tip: Wearing rubber gloves while doing household chores like washing dishes or cleaning helps protect your nails and keep them hydrated.
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The Best Nail Care Products You Can Buy in Nigeria
Good products tailored to Nigerian nails can make a huge difference. Here are some top recommendations by category:
Nail Strengtheners & Base Coats
Sally Hansen Hard As Nails: the formula reinforces soft, weak nails with a protective shield. It helps prevent peeling, chipping, and splitting, making it perfect for those who do frequent chores or struggle with thin nails.
Price: $6.92 Where To Buy: Shop Amazon
Cuticle Oils & Creams
CND SolarOil is a professional-grade nail and cuticle conditioner formulated to nourish and protect nails and surrounding skin. It's enriched with natural oils and vitamins that penetrate deeply to promote healthier, stronger nails.
Price: $9.90 Where To Buy: Shop Amazon
Hand & Nail Creams
Vaseline Healthy Hands & Nails: This cream is thick enough to hydrate nails and cuticles yet light enough for daily use. It is lightweight and non-greasy and strengthens nails while keeping hands smooth. It’s ideal for daily use, especially for women who do chores regularly.
Price: $15.66 Where To Buy: Shop Amazon
E45 Moisturising Cream: Known for soothing dry skin, it strengthens nails, deeply hydrates, and helps restore moisture balance. It’s a great all-in-one for skin and nails, found in pharmacies nationwide.
Price: ₦17,575 Where To Buy: Shop TOS Nigeria
Nail-Friendly Supplements
Perfectil: A comprehensive beauty supplement with vitamins and minerals that improve hair, skin, and nails. Perfectil contains biotin, zinc, and selenium to support healthy nails, skin, and hair. It’s ideal for those looking to improve nail strength and appearance from the inside.
Price: ₦17,620 Where To Buy: Shop HealthPlus
Gentle Nail Polish Removers
Nail HQ Acetone-Free Remover: Removes polish without stripping natural oils, which helps brittle nails stay strong. Gentle on nails but effective at removing polish, this acetone-free remover in Nigeria helps avoid dryness and brittleness. It’s a go-to for anyone with sensitive nails.
Price: ₦5,333.08 Where To Buy: Shop Care To Beauty
Simple Nail Care Habits For Stronger Nails
Building a strong nail care routine doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Here are some everyday habits to start today:
1. Moisturise Your Nails and Cuticles
Dry nails are weak nails. Regularly apply cuticle oils or creams to keep nails and surrounding skin hydrated. Oils help prevent hangnails and peeling.
2. Use a Nail Strengthener or Base Coat
Before applying nail polish, use a nail strengthener or hardener base coat. These products add a protective layer, prevent breakage, and help nails grow stronger.
3. File Nails Gently
Avoid aggressive filing or using rough nail files. Opt for fine glass or crystal nail files and file in one direction to avoid splitting.
4. Take Breaks from Nail Polish and Acrylics
Give your nails some time to “breathe” by staying polish-free or skipping acrylics for a week or two every month. This helps restore nail health.
5. Consider Supplements
If your diet lacks essential vitamins, supplements with biotin or collagen can support stronger nail growth from the inside.
Natural Nail Care Remedies Popular in Nigeria
Many Nigerian women swear by natural products for nail care. Here are some easy-to-use remedies:
Shea Butter: Common in Nigerian homes, shea butter deeply moisturises cuticles and nails. Warm a small amount and massage it into your nails daily.
Coconut Oil: Apply a few drops regularly to keep nails soft and hydrated.
Lemon Juice and Baking Soda Scrub: Mix lemon juice and baking soda into a paste and gently scrub your nails to brighten them and remove stains.
Leafy Greens and Bitter Leaf Smoothies: These are rich in folate, zinc, and other minerals essential for healthy nails. Including these in your diet supports nail growth from the inside out.
Your Path to Stronger Nails Starts Today
Strong, beautiful nails in Nigeria are achievable when you combine simple, consistent care habits with the right nail care products. Start by protecting your nails during chores, moisturising cuticles daily, using a nail strengthener, and taking breaks from harsh treatments like acrylics. If needed, add supplements to boost growth from within.
Remember, your nails reflect your overall health and care, so don’t neglect them. Pick up a nourishing cuticle oil tonight or a strengthening base coat this week, and watch your nails become stronger and healthier over time.