After painting my nails for years and buying into special hardening polishes that were expensive and healthy for growing out nails, I decided to put it to the test and see if my years of investment was wasting my money.

So I grabbed my expensive nail growing polish base coat, a regular nail polish, and put it to the test for a month. Painting one foot but not the other I started with a clean canvas and treated each foot equally. I was surprised by the results.

The first week I saw no difference as expected so I waited for the second week. The painted side of my nails grew noticeably harder, but both sides grew in equal lengths. After the third week both of my big toes did their usual peel and splitting which I can’t seem to cure. The nail polish didn’t harden my big toe’s nails and the polish free nails seemed to grow as hard it just took a little longer. Again the lengths of both sides remained the same in growing speed.

(Week 1) Left – no polish / Right – polish

(Week 2) Left – no polish / Right- polish

(Week 3) Left – no polish / Right – polish

Time for my final judgment

The pros of using nail polish:

– Nails look cleaner and more groomed

– It slightly hardens nails, but for larger surfaces it will probably require at least 3 coats to be effective

– Prevents minor scrapes and damage to nails

The cons of using nail polish:

– Can be an expensive investment overtime (including all the accessories such as Gel UV lamps, brand nail polishes, acetone, etc…)

– Some colors will stain your nails yellow

– Doesn’t help them grow faster through its “vitamin rich ingredients”. It may seem like they are growing faster but in truth wearing nail polish draws awareness to them so we are less likely to bite, peel, or pick at them. Polish also lightly prevents damage so they are less likely to break, but with enough pressure from shoes or water exposure the nail will weaken and break no matter what.

Future advice for all to save time, money, and resources

Unless absolutely necessary, I recommend not being pulled into the market for “nail hardeners” or expensive brands that work just the same as cheap brands. I’ve worn all types from expensive to cheap, hardeners, top coats, base coats, etc. and I’ve learned to save money by choosing only a few select seasonal colors using them until they are expired and then buying more if necessary. Expensive polishes work just the same as your regular drugstore brand although the colors may be more vibrant and the polish is less watered down. The techniques used in caring for your nails determines how long the polish lasts and the overall health of your nails not the polish itself.

From now on, I will only invest in a few polishes steering clear of nail treatments which can cost a lot. Why? Simply because they don’t work! My nail kit will now contain the following,

• Clear base coat (for day to day nail protection)
• Nude polish
• 1 or 2 polishes of my choice (usually to match the season)

By limiting my selection it will save money and not let all those polishes go unused. I’m not going to lie, I was a nail polish hoarder and had a few boxes of colors I never used. I’ve created the small kit to curb my spending habits and to not be so easily lured into the beauty industry.

Why did I chose nude? I always use it for on the go, during interviews, and formal situations. When it chips or wears down it’s hardly noticeable compared to bright bold colors. I use nude when I’m on vacation and won’t have time to repaint or when playing guitar like a mad woman. It looks great at every stage and protects the nails.

For strong healthy nails it’s not about the polish, but how we care for them and the choices we make in our daily habits to protect them.

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