Unlisted Brand • Nail Magic • Treatments

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*TOP REVIEWER* georgia21 on 4/2/2013 6:53:00 PM more reviews by georgia21

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Red, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Nail Magic is a formaldehyde nail strengthener. I've tried several nail strengtheners, but Nail Magic is the only one that's worked to make my thin, weak nails stronger. It did make some of my nails burn a little when I put it on right after I removed my acrylics, so took it off and used a moisturizing base coat (Mavala Barrier Base). After my nails recovered (two weeks) I was able to use Nail Magic.

I first clean my nails with 2 parts isopropyl alcohol mixed with 1 part distilled water. I apply two coats of Nail Magic, two or three coats of OPI Samoan Sand nail polish, and one coat of Nail Magic as a top coat. I apply another coat of Nail Magic the next day, and again after three days.

Nail Magic dries quickly and as a top coat, it adds long-lasting shine and makes my nails feel harder.

I recently purchased a new bottle of Nail Magic and noticed that the ingredient list had changed. I hope the new formula is as effective as the old formula.

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JudiHope on 3/26/2013 10:11:00 PM more reviews by JudiHope

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

This product did what no other ever did - gave me long, strong natural nails!
I have never, ever had long and healthy nails. I spent my younger years with thin and weak nails. Then, a few decades with silk wrap tips. When I finally wanted to stop the tips and took them off, my nails were awful. It took a while for them to just look normal again.
I tried a few of the hardeners that were highly recommended and none made a difference...UNTIL I discovered NAIL MAGIC. It is aptly named - it's magical. All ten nails are long and look great. I get a $7 manicure each week to keep them well shaped. I use the Nail Magic as a base coat and top coat and in between I put one of the Sally Hansen polishes. That seems to be the magic combination! In fact, a problem I never thought I'd have...they are too long to text on my iPhone! HIGHLY RECOMMEND this great product.

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*TOP REVIEWER* CordulaM on 3/2/2013 11:55:00 PM more reviews by CordulaM

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I bought this and read the reviews. I was careful not to get it near my damaged cuticles because people said it could hurt. I did get it near one part and it did sting, but overall I was careful and only felt that once. As far as how it works, I'm extremely impressed. My nails ALL broke after polishing too much and they were a short, cracked mess. I've been using this for about a month and it's definitely helping them grow. I don't know that it makes them grow, but it helps stop them from cracking more so they *can* grow. It's a slow process, but they are growing and do feel stronger, even though the cracked tips are still visible. It's going to be a while before they are totally ok, but at least it's going in that direction.

Update: A few months later and my nails still break. I wonder if putting on a coat of anything has to do with that. My nails are super sensitive. Going to attempt going without this product except as a base coat and see if they actually grow back...

Update 2: I went without it for a while and they still were brittle, but I'm wondering if it's because the product weakened the whole nail. I'm going without for a longer period and changed my buy again to no. I think they Nail Magic therapy might be better for me.

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loisanne on 1/26/2013 5:29:00 PM more reviews by loisanne

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Grey   Eyes: Blue    

Not only did this product not make my nails stronger, it was awful to take off. I could not get nail polish remover to work without a great deal of effort.

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NicoleRay719 on 1/1/2013 6:44:00 PM more reviews by NicoleRay719

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Curly, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

I have always had brittle nails that rip and peel. They could NEVER grow without looking like a hot ratty mess. So I did resort to acrylic nails for five solid years. Big mistake of course... My nails were ready to fall off my fingers and the upkeep was unbearably expensive.

AFTER I completed the Nailteques "After Acrylics" product over a year ago i still couldn't get my nails to grow. Enter Nail Magic. My nails have NEVER looked better. Even WITHOUT polish my nails are strong and beautiful and LONG, holy crap I never knew my nails could look nice. Especially not THIS nice. My mom asked if I was wearing acrylics again when she saw my nails via FaceTime!

Never had any burning or pain.... I LOVE this product. I'll keep it in my routine for as long as they will make it!

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jaclynb on 1/1/2013 2:08:00 PM more reviews by jaclynb

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Red   Eyes: Grey    

I've been a nail biter for over a decade. Finally decided to break the habit this past may and nix the nail biting. I longed for nice nails but since I had bitten them for so long, they would grow and break, peel and were yellow.

Enter nail magic! Bought it at Sally's and the associate recommended I apply it once a day for a week. On day 7 I remove the polish, let my nails breathe for a bit and then reapply. I have only had two broken nails in over six months (a HUGE deal) and my nails are a beautiful white. No problem with burning or stinging here.

Only con is this shit stinks. But that's not really a big deal. I apply it in the morning and it dries in about 30 seconds and go on with my day. It's not recommended for weak nails due to acrylics so read the directions!! This stuff's pretty great.

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angred67 on 12/24/2012 11:41:00 AM more reviews by angred67

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Medium Brown   Hair: Red   Eyes: Other    

I have used nail magic for about a year and I always experienced some burning. I last used it a couple of months ago and two fingers on left hand and three on my right hand felt like burning hot pain. I am talking real pain and swelling. I removed the nail magic, but the pain was still there, and then white puss came out of my pinky finger and my other infected fingers had clear puss coming from underneath my fingers! I don't know why this happened but I will NEVER use nail magic again!! I am talking pain for weeks...not days! Swollen and my nail bed lifting on one finger. I am now searching for another product that will not burn like hot fire with razors!

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*TOP REVIEWER* deadonarrivals on 11/26/2012 9:29:00 AM more reviews by deadonarrivals

Age: 30-35   Skin: Oily, Olive, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

So far so good! The lengths we go for beauty. I did read the reviews here on mua before purchasing Nail Magic and was a bit concerned by the amount of people that experienced pain and burning while using this product. Well, that didn't stop me from going out and buying it. I purchased Nail Magic at Sally Beauty Supply Store and it was relatively inexpensive ($7.99) for what you would pay for a salon brand nail tx. I did read the directions this time with this particular nail product because I was already aware of the potential side effects of it. It did say do not apply to nails that were recently exposed to acrylics and do not use near open skin or damaged cuticles. The product states that if you are using on bare nails, to apply 2 thin coats every 3 days and remove old coats prior to applying the new coats. Okay, I got it. So, I gently applied 1 thin coat to my pinky nail to test any reaction. Thankfully, I didn't experience any side effects of pain or burning with this. Within 2 days! 2 days, I noticed a difference! 9 nails are growed out so that there was a nice sliver of a clean white tip showing. I was pretty impressed that all 9 nails grew out evenly, that never happens with my nails! I say all 9 because I did experience 1 chipped nail and the product guidelines did mention that you will experience some chipping during the initial phase. I've only had this product on my nails for 4 days now and I really like what I'm seeing! I'm very happy that this product doesn't cause peeling like some other nail hardeners do.

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*TOP REVIEWER* BCbabe on 11/17/2012 6:55:00 PM more reviews by BCbabe

Age: 44-55   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

This stuff seriously saved my nails. Period. They'd suddenly all decided to peel over this past summer and it was so bad I gave up coloured polish all together. I stuck to treatments only and tried anything and everything in the Barielle line(my usual go-to), Growing Nails (with the garlic), Duri Rejuvacote, Spa Ritual protein treatment... nothing was working until I gave Nail Magic a try. I've been using it for the past month or so and I'm so impressed with how good my nails are now! They're strong and hard and pretty much all of the peeling has grown out. Phew!! I do believe this contains some liquid form of formaldehyde (listed as methylene glycol), which might be why some people have burning as it can cause allergic reactions in some people. Their website even mentions this and recommends stopping use immediately and soaking your nails in ice water for several minutes. I'm glad I didn't get any reactions but I understand the hate for those that do. For me it worked and got my nails out of an ugly rut. I would definitely repurchase, as long as I remain 'reaction free'. *knock on wood*

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kborel on 11/9/2012 10:35:00 PM more reviews by kborel

Age: 44-55   Skin: Oily, Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

I too have used this product for probably 10 years and it is THE best nail strengthener that I have ever used. I discovered them at a trade show that I was working and was blown away how well it worked. I have natural nails and have never experienced any burning. I have no idea what would make that happen except to say that we are all different and maybe it's just a sensitivity/allergy that most of don't have. Finally found them online and will be ordering my stash.

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JordanGalore on 10/29/2012 9:00:00 AM more reviews by JordanGalore

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Dark, Cool   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

Nail Magic is a great nail strengthener. I had acrylics for months and in turn had really weak nails. I did some research on nail strengtheners and at first purchased OPI Nail Envy. I used it for a couple of weeks but wasnt impressed. I then went to the 2nd best option for my nails and purchased Nail Magic. After reading the directions carefully, I made sure to WAIT at least 4 weeks before I used it on my thin, post acrylic nails. After about 6 weeks (just in case), I started to use Nail Magic and it was great! I made sure to keep it away from my cutilces as it states in the directions and I have nothing bad to say about it but the smell. It's a bit strong, but Nail Magic does the job for strengthening my nails as its supposed to. I am a fan and will continue to purchase it. Please make sure to READ the directions very carefully before use.

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Slone07 on 10/9/2012 10:09:00 PM more reviews by Slone07

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

My nail thickness fluctuates a bit (hypothyroidism and supplements both have an affect on my nails) and I've found that the thinner your nails are and the longer this product stays wet on them, the more likely you are to experience burning. I now use a single coat, painlessly, and receive the same, strengthening results. That burning is nothing to joke about...it hurts for HOURS even after you remove the product. This strengthens my nails well, but they're not impervious to peeling on occasion. It's a HUGE improvement, but not as strong as I'd like--though I'm really not sure anthing will give my poor, crumbling, peeling nails that kind of strength.

My mother has been using a bottle I sent her after she took her gel nails off. She has informed me that her nails are rock hard and that she didn't have to cut her natural ones down at all (hers are ungodly long and I was concerned that after she took her gels off, she'd have to cut them down...NOPE! She does have better nails than me, though. ;)

Update: Recently, I've started using Mavala Scientifique Nail Hardener underneath this and while it's too early to tell for sure (I like to let my nails grow a full cycle before reviewing), it seems to be working even better! My nails have taken on a wonderful hardness that I've never experienced before. They are much harder, but still slightly flexible and not at all brittle. I have NOT experienced any additional sensitivity, which I was worried about given the extra formaldehyde. I've also found that if I buff my nails a little, the Nail Magic makes my nails look like they're gel coated--I get asked all the time now about my nails! These two products are giving me the one-two-punch that I really needed for my poor nails! I'm so happy!

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ScyllaSomnus on 9/12/2012 3:49:00 PM more reviews by ScyllaSomnus

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

The sales lady from Sally's recommended this product to me and I bought it before reading the reviews here. For the last two months I've been using it at least once every week, some times twice a week and in general rather pleased with it. I apply it perfectly and never get any on my skin.

However! Last week I woke up the next day with my ring finger and my pinky on my left hand feeling like I slammed them in a door, which I did not. I shrugged it off and just assumed I did something to cause the pain during the night.

Last night was different though. After finishing my mani those two fingers started feeling like they were burning. The nail bed and sides looked red and inflamed. The space between my nail and finger tip have swollen and clearly visible underneath. Typing this up still hurts those two fingers. Comparing ring finger to ring finger and pinky to pinky it is a noticeable difference in nail shape, size of swollen flesh underneath and color.

I'm disappointed that this has started happening to me, as I've been rather pleased with the product while it was not causing me pain. I could see the healthy nail growing out, but this is not something I will continue to use and go through each week.

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onefitmommy on 9/11/2012 1:22:00 PM more reviews by onefitmommy

Age: 36-43   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

I have used this product on and off for years and love it! I have read some reviews about the burning and I was informed by the company that it should never hurt or burn. That if it does then one of two things is happening. I have removed artificial nails recently and the nails are not strong enough yet to use a alcohol based product on or that I am allergic to something in the product. Either way if this occurs to stop using immediately. I have never experienced this myself but thought I would share so anyone else experiencing this would not endure but stop.

My nails are beautiful and I am asked often who does them. I proudly state they are mine! Hope this helps.

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Kallia on 9/7/2012 7:57:00 AM more reviews by Kallia

Age: 36-43   Skin: Oily, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

I have been using this product for about 8 weeks now. Twice a week, I apply a thin coat on bare nails, then continue with my usual manicure.

I experienced burning only once. It was right after removing the acrylic and applying 3 coats on my nails. The damaged nails along with a lot of product is what I believe to cause the burning sensation. After this experience, I only apply a very thin coat and no more. I have experienced no pain since.
Now for my results thus far. There is a sharp deliniation on my nails where I can actually see the difference in what is healthy nail and what is damaged. My nails below the damage are pink and smooth. They also appear to be thicker than the damaged area. I have had no nail breakage or chips as a result of using Nail Magic.
My nails are the longest they have ever been (Yay, free edge!)
Once my nails grow to a point where I see no damage, I will update this review. By then, I should be able to give you a good idea of how strong my nails have become. At this time, I do plan on purchasing again.

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Rosebud9 on 7/11/2012 10:12:00 AM more reviews by Rosebud9

Age: 56 & Over   Skin: Normal, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Brown    

It contain formaldehyde. It makes the nails so hard that they can actually lift from the nail bed. That's what happened to me and it takes forever to grow out because it just kept lifting.

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mitkitten on 6/6/2012 1:04:00 PM more reviews by mitkitten

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I was so stoked to get this because I heard wonderful things. My nails aren't THAT thin or brittle, and my skin isn't THAT sensitive, but when I first used this, on a Saturday, my nails, like the meat underneath the nail bed got warm and felt weird but it went away after a little while. It says to put it on twice a week, so on the following Wednesday I removed the old polish and painted it fresh. It started feeling warm again, and then it HURT. It was making my finger tips hurt, not just where the nails are.. it's like an intense achey burny hot weird uncomfortable pain. And it lasted so long even after the stuff had dried... So I removed it because I could no longer handle the feeling, my fingers and nails still hurt for about thirty minutes after I removed it, and I mean it's a little fishy that a nail hardener would hurt so bad! Especially since I've heard of this happening to other people. It's probably harsh chemicals they use...

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ekluker on 5/29/2012 2:14:00 AM more reviews by ekluker

Age: 19-24   Skin: Very Oily, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT.
DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT.
DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT.
IF I COULD GIVE IT A 0 AS A RATING, THAT IS WHAT IT WOULD GET.
I began using this product hoping to achieve the long nails I had right after I removed my acrylics, because my nails have been very thin as of late. They would not grow, broke very easily, etc. I put this on the first night, and it BURNED. My nail beds actually burned, not a tingly feeling, a BURNING feeling. It was very unpleasant, but bearable. I left it on though, and after about forty-five minutes it subsided. The stuff actually chipped THAT NIGHT and looked horrible, mainly because it's a very light pink color, so it was obvious it had chipped, and it really just made it look like I had some sort of nail disease. But other than that, it was fine after the burning.
A couple of days later I decide to take it off and repaint it, since the box says to apply two times a week, I decided that this would be my second time. BIG MISTAKE. I removed it and put another coat on. The burning happened again, only this time it became unbearable. I had to remove it. When I did, my nails were STILL burning. They were weak, thin, and there had been no improvement, but how could there be if the stuff was too painful to even leave on??
It's been about five days since the first time I applied Nail Magic to my nails. It has been off since last night. My nail beds are RED. The end of one of my nails is way way way too far down past the skin. It doesn't look like a nail, it looks like skin. It hurts to touch things/ apply pressure to things with my fingers. My nails are continuing to break. I'm really worried about the red nail beds, though. I don't know what to do about any of this, and am going to see my manicurist tomorrow to see if he knows what it is/ how to remedy it/ if I should go see a doctor.
PLEASE, DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT.

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cocofern on 5/20/2012 6:10:00 PM more reviews by cocofern

Age: 25-29   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

I can honestly say that this is the only product that has every worked for my nails; it is also one of VERY few products that I will continue to repurchase.

This product is amazing. My nails are really weak; they always chip, peel, break off - especially if I use nail polish. I have not had long nails in years since I always have to cut them almost as short as possible without experiencing discomfort.
I have tried probably a dozen of products (mostly Sally Hansen hardeners) but none worked at all. I saw good reviews for this so I decided to give it a try mostly because of the color. Soooo glad that I bought it because this really works! I typically use it by itself according to directions - two thin coats and change it every few days after it starts to peel. I also use it as a base coat because it dries so quick. It makes my nails super shiny and the color is beautiful on the nail. I've used it for about two weeks and my nails are growing! I haven't cut them in nearly a week and it's awesome to see them grow; no chipping or breakage so far. I think I will reduce to using this once a week from now on just so my nails don't become too thick and strong to the point of breakage.

Best product ever. Definitely worth the money and it only cost $5.99!

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sunnygirl10 on 4/26/2012 9:23:00 AM more reviews by sunnygirl10

Age: 30-35   Skin: Normal, Warm   Hair: Black, Curly   Eyes: Brown    

When I first started using this product my nails were in great shape thanks to using another nail hardener treatment. I did not experience any burning, peeling or chipping.


I've only been using Nail Magic for the last month and I use 1 small thin coat as a base coat about 2 times per month (ever other manicure). I use it for added strength/protection and it seems like it helps my nails to grow. I might even just use it just once per month because I don't want to make my nails so strong that they break off.


Because of the fumes when I apply it I use it another room with a window cracked and I wear a mask. I find the chemically smell very strong! I also apply with care and use a cuticle balm before applying so I do not get any on my cuticles or skin.


I do not like using this product as a top coat because I like a lot of shine and this does not provide it for me, but I will continue using this as a base coat once in a while.

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