What To Ask For At The Nail Salon If You Want Strengthened Nails

According to Byrdie, if you want your nails to be as strong as possible after a manicure, pick a hard gel manicure. These are perfect for those who want to make their nails stronger, have nails with ridges, or have very weak nails that tend to break frequently. The hard gel can also provide a strong base to add extensions or tips.

Hard gels are stronger and last longer than soft gels and can also be referred to as builder gels, structure gels, or sculpting gels. They are thick and provide a noticeable layer to the nail. "Hard gels are used for strength and structure," nail trainer and stylist Vicki Ornellas tells Glamour. "Gel polish is just for color and art, and a little strength."

In addition, since hard gel manicures last so long, they allow your nails underneath to grow. These manicures typically last three weeks to a month or even more.