How to treat damaged nails, depending on your concern
16 January 2024 – 4 min read
Your nails are a reflection of what’s happening beneath the surface. From gel damage to everyday wear, dryness, flaking and brittleness are often signs that your nails need time — and care — to recover.
Before reaching for products, take a moment to look at what might be causing the problem: overexposure to water, repeated salon treatments, nutrient deficiencies, or harsh removers.
And remember — brittle, splitting or yellowing nails can sometimes indicate underlying health conditions that no topical formula can fix. If in doubt, it’s always worth checking in with your GP.
If you have dry, flaking, peeling or splitting nails

Dealing with nails that are more parched than polished? You’re not alone. Overexposure to water, age, poor nutrition, or regular gel manicures can all strip the nail’s natural oils and weaken their structure.
The solution: focus on deep hydration and barrier repair.
Start with Ultimate Nail Rescue — a two-step system that works like skincare for your nails. It combines our Rest & Repair Nail Serum and Self Love Oil for complete repair and protection. The serum hydrates and strengthens the nail plate while the oil locks in moisture and shields against daily water exposure. Together, they restore flexibility, smoothness and strength from the inside out.
How to use: Apply Rest & Repair Nail Serum to clean, bare nails before bed, then follow with a few drops of Self Love Oil. Take a moment to gently massage each nail and cuticle — this stimulates circulation and helps deliver nutrients to support healthy growth.
Repeat nightly for 4-8 weeks, or until your nails appear smoother, stronger and more uniform.
SHOP ULTIMATE NAIL RESCUE SET
If you have weak or soft nails

Weak nails that bend, tear or refuse to grow? It’s a common side effect of frequent manicures, harsh removers and over-filing. The goal here is to rebuild strength — slowly, safely, and with the right protection.
Reach for the Strong Nails Set — a three-step system designed to harden, protect and strengthen weak nails while keeping them smooth and flexible. It includes our Miracle Treatment Base Coat, Supersonic Top Coat, and Self Love Oil for complete care.
The base coat works as a natural nail hardener, powered by plant-derived hexanal to reinforce the nail plate without making it brittle. The top coat seals in treatment benefits and adds a chip-resistant shine, while Self Love Oil hydrates and protects the nail barrier to prevent future damage.
Pro tip: If your nails are still peeling or flaking, begin with Ultimate Nail Rescue to restore hydration before transitioning to the Strong Nails Set. Starting with strength too early can trap dryness and undo your progress.
How to use: Apply one coat of Miracle Treatment Base Coat to clean, dry nails, allow to dry, then follow with Supersonic Top Coat. Finish with a few drops of Self Love Oil to lock in moisture. Repeat weekly for visible improvement in 2–3 weeks.
SHOP STRONG NAILS SET
If you have dry or cracked cuticles

Cuticles form the protective seal over new nail growth — when they’re dry or cracked, bacteria can easily enter and weaken the nail matrix. Frequent hand washing, sanitiser and trimming can make matters worse.
Self Love Oil replaces the natural moisture your hands lose daily. With jojoba, sweet almond and avocado oils plus vitamin E, it nourishes deeply, prevents peeling and supports long-term nail growth.
How to use: Apply a drop of Self Love Oil to each nail and massage in small circular motions towards the fingertip. Use daily — especially before bed or before swimming — to prevent water damage and keep the nail barrier supple.
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If you have chipped polish and sun damage
Chipped polish doesn’t just dull your manicure — it can weaken nails over time. A high-quality top coat protects both colour and structure.
Supersonic Top Coat is enriched with certified organic passionflower and jojoba oil, plus UV filters that guard against sun-induced yellowing. It dries in 90 seconds, leaving a durable, glossy finish.
How to use: Once your polish or treatment coat is touch dry, apply a thin layer of Supersonic Top Coat. Reapply every few days to extend wear and lock in shine. Please note that top coat is not a clear nail polish and will not adhere directly to nails.
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Why caring for your nails at home matters
Strong, healthy nails don’t require a salon. In fact, frequent gel or acrylic use can increase the risk of fungal infections, over-filing, and dehydration.
By treating your nails at home with Kester Black’s Ultimate Nail Rescue Set, you’re not only avoiding unnecessary exposure to harsh chemicals and shared tools — you’re saving time, money and protecting your long-term nail health.
Ultimate Nail Rescue combines the Rest & Repair Nail Serum and Self Love Oil — a two-step system clinically designed to restore your nails’ natural strength and hydration. With regular use, you’ll see fewer breakages, faster growth and a smoother, more resilient surface.
SHOP ULTIMATE NAIL RESCUE