the nail care reset guide

most self-care routines focus on skin care, hair care and exercise – but what about nails and cuticles? even though your nails always look gorgeous (it’s an essie thing), they should be strong and healthy. use this guide to practice pampering nail care at home with essie nail strengtheners, treatments and cuticle oils that add self-care to your nail care routine.


nail strengtheners


Three essie nail strengtheners against a blue and white background
nail strengtheners are a must for nail care at home because they protect every nail type from the elements and life’s nicks and dings. read on to amp up your nail care routine with our collection of nail strengtheners and learn when to use each one.

what are nail strengtheners?

 

nail strengtheners build a solid foundation for all your nail adventures. also known as hardeners, they imbibe the nail with moisture and hardening compounds that create a defensive barrier for natural nails. not only do essie nail strengtheners prep your nails, but they also reverse damage caused by the most common nail problems. as essie nail ambassador and celebrity manicurist rita remark explains, “for best results, i'd wear it and reapply it for a two-week period. and there is no max amount of time. you can casually wear a nail strengthener as your day-to-day nail look with no negative effect.”

 


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    hard to resist advanced nail strengthener

    essie hard to resist advanced nail strengthener is enriched with MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), a naturally occurring compound that nurtures nails and makes them visibly healthier and stronger. nail care tips: apply hard to resist to damaged nails for a shiny natural mani or use it as a durable base under your favorite essie nail polish.
    bottle of hard to resist by essie against a water droplet and blue background
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    hard to resist neutralize & brighten nail strengthener

    painting your nails is so much fun, but frequent polishing can leave a yellowish tinge. essie hard to resist neutralize & brighten nail strengthener resets and smooths with nail bonding technology. plus it adds a pretty violet tint so you can rock your natural nails while they strengthen.
    bottle of hard to resist neutralize & brighten by essie against a purple background with water droplets
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    hard to resist glow & shine nail strengthener

    a cute pink tint that makes fragile, brittle nails strong and healthy? yes, please! essie hard to resist glow & shine nail strengthener creates a protective barrier against daily wear and tear, giving nails a smooth natural glow to keep your nails looking pretty and feeling strong.
    bottle of hard to resist glow & shine by essie against a pink background with water droplets

nail treatments


Bottles of essie nail treatments on pedestals against a white geometric background

nail treatments have superpowers that can rescue ailing nails in a matter of days. essie’s dynamic nail treatments are ready for you, so read on to explore your options.

what are nail treatments?

 

from time to time, caring for natural nails can require a little extra love in the form of nail treatments. remark says, “damage isn’t only caused by misuse of nail enhancements like gels or acrylics. our nails take a lot of wear and tear from everyday routines like washing your hands and using harsh cleaning products. sometimes nails need the same attention as our skin and hair, so treat them to a nourishing nail treatment.”

 

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    to the rescue UV gel damage repair

    true to its name, to the rescue nail treatment is a five-day fix for peeling and damage caused by UV rays used in gel manis. packed with a triple-protein complex, MSM and ceramides, this clinically tested formula seals, protects and thickens with a glossy neutral finish. wear alone or as a base coat under polish. win-win!
    bottle of essie's to the rescue against a red and pink background
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    good as new nail perfector

    reset and renovate your nails with ceramide-rich good as new nail perfector. this game-changing nail treatment banishes ridges, roughness and discoloration with a one-two punch: it rejuvenates the nail’s surface while concealing imperfections with a classic essie demi-matte sheer pink. problems solved.
    bottle of essie's good as new nail perfector against a bright pink background

cuticle oils


Line up of essie's cuticle oils laid out against a bright orange background
cuticles are anything but cute: they can dry up, creep up, and get raggedy and unruly. pro nail care tips from manicurists always recommend cuticle oils for nail health, so essie formulated a sweet collection for nail care at home to keep them under control.

what are cuticle oils?

 

cuticle oils can be some of your closest allies for nail and cuticle care because they hydrate, soften and nourish. typically made from plant-based oils, most cuticle oils are enriched with nutrients that condition your nails and keep the skin around them healthy, flexible and moisturized. and soft, tamed cuticles are the ultimate touch on any salon-quality mani.

 

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    apricot cuticle oil

    brush on moisturizing essie apricot cuticle oil to intensely condition cuticles as part of your daily nail care routine. featuring nutrient-rich apricot oil and skin-loving jojoba, this natural formula absorbs in a flash so you can get on with your day. perfect for finishing at-home manis.
    Bottle of essie apricot cuticle oil in front of pile of apricots on orange table
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    on a roll apricot nail & cuticle oil

    here’s nail care at home, and then there’s nail care on the go. bring all the benefits of essie apricot cuticle oil with you in this mess-free roll-on format that can easily be tossed into your bag. the quick-absorbing formula means you can intensely condition nails and cuticles any time, no matter where you go.
    Roll on essie cuticle oil in front of a pile of apricots on an orange table
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    ready. prep. go. advanced cuticle remover

    chef’s kiss to this 3-in-1 cuticle remover! this gel is the ultimate formula because it breaks down cuticles, cleans the nail surface, and smooths the surrounding skin. did we mention it also extends your essie color by up to two days? plus, ready. prep. go. comes with its very own cuticle pusher. it doesn’t get any more pro than that!
    Bottle of ready prep go cuticle remove over white droplets and a pale orange background

shop this guide

nail care guide faq

  • after removing all your nail polish, the best way to reset your nails is to protect, moisturize and strengthen them to restore health. rejuvenate and fortify bare nails with an essie hard to resist nail strengthener like advanced nail strengthener or erase and conceal yellowing nails with hard to resist neutralize & brighten. if you notice any damage from a UV gel application, treat it with to the rescue UV gel damage repair. for more targeted nail care at home, browse all our nail care treatments.
  • weak nails show telltale signs like cracking, chipping and tearing when doing your regular daily tasks. you may also notice the surface looks dull or rough, and the lengths appear translucent and thin. take the essie nail care quiz to curate your own nail care routine that strengthens and restores weak nails.
  • you can strengthen nails overnight by conditioning them with essie hard to resist nail strengtheners paired with hydrating, nourishing cuticle oil. moisturizing cuticle care should be part of your daily nail care routine because it keeps your nails, cuticles and nail bed flexible and strong.