Why Eating Jell-O Should Be Part of Every Woman's Nail Care Regimen

Though many women are obsessed with their nails, we sure put them through some major abuse. Biting, using them as tools, and peeling off our gel manicures are just a few of the horrible habits we'll admit to. Manicurists backstage at New York Fashion Week paint dozens of talons per show and only have a few minutes to make them look gorgeous. To make their jobs even more challenging, models are hopping from runway to runway. This means claws are getting cleaned, shaped, and painted, then doused with acetone polish remover before the process starts over again at the next show (resulting in some serious nail stress!). We consulted pros on the most common issues they see, how you can fix them at home, and other top tips.
            

Brittleness and Peeling

All three of the professionals we consulted declared brittle nails to be the number one problem seen backstage. Jin Soon Choi, seasoned NYFW manicurist and founder/owner of the Jin Soon spas and polish line, cites failure to moisturise, lack of nail maintenance, and malnutrition as sources of this issue. She recommends people with this concern "drink a lot of water" as internal dehydration could be to blame.

Soft Nails

"I know a hand model who swears by Jell-O for firming up soft nails," divulges Choi. "The theory is that the ingredient that makes liquid Jell-O convert to a solid (gelatin!) imparts the same firming effect on your nails." She confesses that she's not sure if this sweet-treat trick is scientifically accurate, but she also recommends using a nail strengthener with keratin and protein. We like Jin Soon Power Coat, which, in addition to keratin, biotin, and calcium, contains diamond particles to harden your manicure.