Best Nail Care Products for Naturally Healthy Nails

May 5, 2023|Natalie Harrison

Updated: November 2025

The complete guide to strong, healthy nails through targeted products, essential ingredients, and the power of Functional Keratin™ supplementation

Beautiful and strong nails are not just a fashion statement.

They're an indicator of overall health, nutrition, and wellness.

Yet most people neglect their nails, wondering why they're always brittle, breaking, or growing slowly.

The truth is, healthy nails require a comprehensive approach.

Just like your hair and skin, your nails need internal support, targeted external care, and consistent maintenance.

In this blog, we'll explore the fundamentals of nail care, the essential ingredients that truly work, and how Functional Keratin™ supplementation combined with quality topical products creates genuinely healthy nails.

Whether you struggle with brittle nails, slow growth, or dry cuticles, you're about to discover the complete solution.

Understanding Nail Health: The Foundation

What Makes a Nail Healthy?

Nails are made primarily of a protein called keratin.

This is the same protein found in your hair and skin.

Healthy nails should be:

Pink (indicating good blood flow)

Smooth and uniform in texture

Free from ridges, discolouration, or spots

Strong enough to resist breakage

Growing at a consistent rate (approximately 3mm per month)

Flexible without being too soft

When nails deviate from this, it signals underlying issues.

Why Nails Become Brittle, Weak, or Slow-Growing

Nail problems aren't random.

They have identifiable causes.

Common culprits:

Keratin deficiency (the most common cause)

Nutritional deficiencies (biotin, zinc, iron, vitamin B12)

Dehydration (internal and external)

Exposure to harsh chemicals and water

Poor cuticle care and maintenance

Stress and sleep deprivation

Certain medications or health conditions

The encouraging part: most of these are addressable.

Nail Care Basics: The Foundation of Healthy Nails

Essential Daily Practices

Keep nails clean and properly trimmed:

Regularly clean nails using a gentle nail brush

Trim to your desired length (ideally no longer than the fingertip)

This prevents dirt buildup and reduces infection risk

Short nails are less prone to breakage

Protect your nails from harsh exposure:

Wear gloves when doing dishes or cleaning

Avoid prolonged exposure to water

Protect from harsh chemicals (cleaning products, etc.)

This single practice prevents tremendous damage

Stop nail-biting and picking habits:

These habits weaken and damage nails structurally

Keep nails neatly trimmed to reduce temptation

Find healthier stress-management alternatives

Moisturise consistently:

Apply moisturiser to hands and nails daily

Focus on cuticles, which need extra nourishment

Use products specifically formulated for nails

Hydration is crucial for nail flexibility

Nutritional Support From Inside

What you eat directly impacts nail health.

Essential nutrients for nails:

Protein (nails are primarily keratin, a protein)

Biotin (B-vitamin critical for nail strength)

Zinc (supports nail growth and integrity)

Iron (deficiency causes brittle, spoon-shaped nails)

Vitamin B12 (deficiency causes discolouration)

Calcium (strengthens nail structure)

Foods that support nail health:

Eggs (protein and biotin)

Almonds and nuts (biotin and vitamin E)

Leafy greens (iron, calcium, vitamins)

Salmon (omega-3s, protein, vitamin D)

Beans and legumes (protein and zinc)

Sweet potatoes (biotin and vitamin A)

The Power of Functional Keratin™ for Nail Health

Why Nails Need Keratin

Nails are 95% keratin.

When your body doesn't have adequate keratin, nails simply cannot be strong.

This is why topical products alone often fail.

You're trying to build strong nails without the essential building block.

Functional Keratin™ addresses this at the source:

Provides the keratin your nails actually need

Achieves 91% bio-identity to human keratin

Your body recognises it and uses it efficiently

Supports nail growth, strength, and integrity

Clinical Evidence for Nails

Research on Functional Keratin™ supplementation shows remarkable results:

43% reduction in hair loss (same mechanism supports nails)

17.61% improvement in hair cortex integrity (keratin strengthens structure)

Visible improvements in nail strength within 4-6 weeks

Sustained improvement through 12 weeks and beyond

How to Use Functional Keratin™ Supplements for Nails

Dosage and consistency:

Take daily (typically 1-2 capsules depending on product)

Take with food for optimal absorption

Results begin appearing within 2-4 weeks

Dramatic transformation by 8-12 weeks

Consistency matters more than dosage

What to expect:

Weeks 1-2: Nails feel slightly stronger

Weeks 2-4: Reduced breakage, improved growth

Weeks 4-8: Visible strengthening, faster growth

Weeks 8-12: Dramatically improved nail health

Best Topical Nail Care Products

Nail Strengtheners and Treatments

These products work in conjunction with internal supplementation.

What to look for:

Products containing Functional Keratin™

Biotin for enhanced strengthening

Calcium for structural support

Vitamin E for protection and nourishment

How they work:

Penetrate the nail plate

Provide concentrated nourishment

Protect against brittleness and breakage

Create visible strengthening effects

Application:

Apply directly to nails and allow to dry

Use daily for best results

Can be worn under polish or alone

Cuticle Oils and Creams

Healthy cuticles are essential for overall nail health.

Cuticles protect the nail root where new growth begins.

Benefits of quality cuticle care:

Prevents dryness and cracking

Promotes healthy new nail growth

Reduces inflammation and infection risk

Improves nail appearance

Best ingredients in cuticle products:

Jojoba oil (closely mimics skin's natural oils)

Argan oil (rich in vitamin E and fatty acids)

Vitamin E (protects and nourishes)

Aloe vera (soothes and hydrates)

Functional Keratin™ (strengthens at the source)

Application:

Massage into cuticles daily

Especially important before bed

Use warm oil for deeper penetration

Push back cuticles gently (don't cut)

Hand and Nail Moisturisers

Consistent hydration prevents brittleness.

Key features to prioritise:

Intense hydration without greasiness

Fast absorption

Nourishing oils and butters

SPF protection (sun damage weakens nails)

Best moisturisers include:

Glycerin (draws moisture to nails)

Hyaluronic acid (plumps and hydrates)

Shea butter (deep nourishment)

Vitamin E (antioxidant protection)

Essential Ingredients for Nail Health

Biotin (Vitamin B7)

One of the most research-backed ingredients for nails.

What biotin does:

Strengthens nail structure

Reduces brittleness significantly

Promotes faster, healthier growth

Improves thickness

Clinical evidence:

Studies show biotin supplementation improves brittle nails

Results visible within 3-6 months

Most effective when combined with other nutrients

Functional Keratin™

The protein that nails are made from.

Why it's superior:

91% bio-identical to human keratin

Your body recognises and utilises it efficiently

Most effective nail-building ingredient available

Works internally and topically

Vitamin E

Powerful antioxidant protection for nails.

Benefits:

Protects from oxidative damage

Moisturises and nourishes

Improves flexibility

Prevents cracking and peeling

Natural Oils

Jojoba Oil:

Closely mimics skin's natural sebum

Deeply moisturising without heaviness

Nourishes cuticles effectively

Argan Oil:

Rich in vitamin E and antioxidants

Excellent for brittle, dry nails

Promotes flexibility and strength

Coconut Oil:

Antimicrobial properties

Deeply nourishing

Supports cuticle health

Calcium

Essential mineral for nail structure.

Role in nail health:

Strengthens nail plate

Prevents weakness and breakage

Works synergistically with other nutrients

Zinc

Critical for nail growth and health.

Benefits:

Supports nail growth rate

Improves healing of damaged nails

Prevents white spots on nails (often indicate zinc deficiency)

The Complete Nail Care System

Internal Support

Daily Functional Keratin™ supplementation:

Provides the structural foundation nails need

43% improvement in strength-related metrics

Faster growth and better integrity

Results compound over time

Additional nutritional support:

Biotin supplement (2.5mg daily)

Quality multivitamin with zinc and iron

Good protein intake

External Support

Daily topical care:

Apply cuticle oil morning and night

Use nail strengthener product

Moisturise hands thoroughly

Weekly intensive treatments:

Nourishing hand mask

Deep-conditioning cuticle treatment

Protective nail polish (optional)

Lifestyle Support

Protect your nails:

Wear gloves during household tasks

Minimize water exposure

Avoid harsh chemicals

Support overall wellness:

Sleep 7-9 hours nightly

Manage stress effectively

Stay hydrated

Exercise regularly

Nail Transformation Timeline

Weeks 1-2:

Nails feel slightly stronger

Reduced breakage when clipping

Weeks 2-4:

Improved growth rate

Reduced peeling and cracking

Weeks 4-8:

Visibly stronger nails

White spots beginning to fade

Noticeable growth acceleration

Weeks 8-12:

Dramatic transformation

Nails noticeably longer and stronger

Healthy colour returning

Months 3-6:

Complete revitalisation

Nails at optimal health

References and Further Reading

Nail Structure and Keratin - PMC - Scientific overview of keratin's role in nails
Biotin and Nail Health - Dermatology Practical and Conceptual - Research on biotin's effectiveness
Zinc Deficiency and Nails - NIH - Evidence on zinc's critical role
Effect of keraGEN IV Keratin Oral Supplementation - Lincoln Agritech - Clinical study showing strength improvements
Natural Oils for Nail Care - Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology - Research on argan, jojoba, and coconut oils
Nutritional Support for Nail Growth - Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology - Comprehensive research on nutrients
KiriGlow Keratin Supplement - Kiri10 - Functional Keratin™ supplement for nails, hair, and skin
Kiri10 Collection - Kiri10 - Complete product collection

0 comments

Frequently Asked Questions

Nails grow approximately 3mm per month, meaning a full nail plate replacement takes 4-6 months. With Functional Keratin™ supplementation, you'll notice strength improvements within 2-4 weeks, but complete transformation takes consistency.

Yes. Nails are 95% keratin, so providing your body with bioavailable keratin directly supports nail structure and strength. Clinical evidence shows measurable improvements within 4-6 weeks.

White spots often indicate zinc deficiency, minor trauma, or nail bed damage. They're not typically fungal (contrary to popular belief). Proper nutrition and Functional Keratin™ supplementation help prevent them.

They're complementary, not necessary. Functional Keratin™ provides the structural protein nails need, while biotin supports keratin production. Together they create synergistic results.

Persistent discolouration, extreme brittleness despite good care, or nails that don't grow despite months of treatment warrant professional evaluation. Thyroid issues, infections, and deficiencies can cause nail problems.

Quality nail polish isn't inherently harmful. However, remove it carefully using acetone-free remover. Give nails breaks between applications. Gel polishes require especially careful removal.

Shorter nails are less prone to breakage and damage. If you prefer length, consistency with strengthening products is crucial. With Functional Keratin™ supplementation, longer nails become more feasible.

Ridges are usually vertical lines (often genetic or age-related). Brittleness is horizontal splitting and peeling (usually nutritional or hydration-related). Both improve with proper care and supplementation.

Dehydrated nails become brittle and peel. Drinking adequate water and using moisturising products prevents this. Internal hydration plus external moisture = optimal nail health.

Topical products help, but they address surface issues only. For lasting structural improvement, internal Functional Keratin™ supplementation is essential. Combined approach yields fastest results.