Hard as nails: Dr Tom Nailcare
Autumn is the season to prep for healthy, beautiful nails that can stand up to winter.
After a social summer, our nails have done more heavy lifting than we realise. From holidays and outdoor adventures to festivals and parties, they’ve been filed, painted, polished and often layered with gels or acrylics to look their best.
As autumn arrives, it’s the perfect time to shift from damaging nail appointments to TLC, says Dr Tom Cawood, the creator of Dr Tom Nailcare.
A hospital doctor and scientist, Dr Tom uses a proprietary, uses a proprietary blend of natural wool keratin in his treatments. This ingredient is designed to absorb deep into the nail plate and bond with its natural structure, reinforcing strength, flexibility, and resilience from within – unlike many products that only coat the surface. Dr Tom’s nail strengthening formula has been lab-tested to deliver visible improvements in nail strength, flexibility, and durability. The combination treatment of cream plus liquid makes lab nails 78% stronger in two weeks.
“Strengthening now helps protect nails before the harshest months arrive,” says Tom. “Cold air and increased hand washing can leave nails drier and more prone to breakage, making this shoulder season the ideal reset point.”
Nail rehab is about letting your nails breathe, replenish and rebuild, says Tom. “Supporting bare natural nails with consistent daily care helps restore strength and flexibility as healthier growth comes through.”
For many, stepping away from gels or acrylics can feel like a leap, but giving your nails time to grow and repair, even for a short period, can make a noticeable difference. As they rebuild and improve, it’s common to want to keep them natural. Supporting this transition with a nurturing, science-backed formula helps reinforce results while keeping nails looking their best. When products smell great and are easy to use, it feels more like a ritual than a chore.
Your nails have worked hard all summer, return the favour with Dr Tom’s Nail Strength Combo Treatment.
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‘Why are my nails so brittle?’
Weak, brittle, or damaged fingernails usually come down to a mix of environmental exposure, health factors, and habits.
Here are the main causes:
- Water and chemical exposure: Frequent wetting and drying, along with cleaning products, sanitisers, and acetone-based removers, can weaken and dry out the nail.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Low levels of biotin, iron, zinc, or protein can affect nail strength and growth.
- Salon damage: The filing required for application and removal can thin and weaken the natural nail over time
- Nail trauma: Picking and biting can lead to splitting and peeling nails.
- Dry conditions: Cold weather and indoor heating reduce moisture, making nails more brittle.
- Underlying health factors: Conditions such as iron deficiency, thyroid imbalance, or fungal infections can impact nail health. If symptoms are persistent or severe, it’s worth checking with a doctor.
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‘What else can I do to support recovery?’
- Protect your hands: Wear gloves when cleaning, doing housework, or gardening.
- Avoid picking or peeling gel: This can lift layers of the natural nail and slow recovery.
- File gently instead of clipping: A glass nail file helps prevent splitting and is kinder to weakened nails.
- Be mindful day-to-day: Avoid using nails as tools while they recover.
- Support from within: A balanced diet with protein, biotin, and zinc supports nail strength over time.
