Have you ever noticed a change in the overall health and appearance of your natural nails following the removal of gel polish or press-on nails? If your answer is a resounding yes, rest in the comfort that you're not alone in the struggle to secure the health of your nails, and there are products designed to fix damage and prevent any future damage from occurring on the nail bed. These products are called nail polish strengtheners (or just nail strengtheners), which can easily be added to your existing nailcare routine in the form of a fast-acting and easy-to-apply treatments that can be applied anywhere from daily to biweekly depending on the formula.
Even if you don't normally receive gel and acrylic manicures, your natural nails could always use some TLC to help them look their best. If you're ready to level up your nailcare routine and transform how you think about the health of your nails before, after, and between getting manicures, it's time to reach for a nail polish strengthener. Unlike your everyday nail polish, these are targeted treatments that, when used correctly, can strengthen, repair, smooth, and nourish the nail plate. Over time, use can lead to longer, stronger, and shinier nails. They also happen to be dermatologist recommended. Below, learn more about nail strengtheners straight from a dermatologist and shop the top 14 formulas.
The Best Nail Strengtheners, Listed
- OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener
- Deborah Lippmann Hard Rock Strengthening Top and Base Coat
- Tenoverten The Foundation Base Coat
- Nail Tek Citra 2 Nail Strengthener
- Sally Hansen Advanced Hard as Nails Strengthener
What should I look for in a nail strengthener?
According to Brendan Camp, MD, double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, "nail strengtheners fortify the nail to support its health and ability grow." He explains that nail polish strengtheners are often formulated with nourishing ingredients such as proteins, vitamins, and minerals to prevent nails from becoming dry, brittle, and cracked while addressing present damage.
If you were wondering if nail strengtheners perform miracles, the answer is that they're not magic and take consistency. When you decided to add a nail polish strengthener to your nailcare routine, make a deal with yourself to commit to following the product's recommended use. "The regular use of a nail strengthener can potentially improve the overall quality of the nail," Camp says. "Strengtheners are good products to use if your nails have been subjected to many treatments that have left them brittle, dry, or slow growing."
He also reminds me that our nails have a slower growth cycle than you may think. "It can take three to six months for your fingernails to grow out," says Camp. "They need to be used consistently over time." While some of these products may have a gentle enough formula to be used daily, others may only require biweekly use. There are also products on the market with multipurpose formulas that can be used as a nail treatment, polish primer, and base coat (which happen to be some of my personal favorites).
How should I use a nail strengthener?
It might sound counterintuitive, but when it comes to getting the most out of your nail polish strengtheners, less is more. It's important to follow directions when using these products and to take note of how your skin and nails respond to product application. "Overuse of nail strengtheners can cause the opposite of the desired effect by causing dryness or irritation of the surrounding skin," Camp explains. Harsh ingredients in formulas like formaldehyde are known to be the biggest culprits. Luckily, there are a lot of next-gen options on the market.
If you're struggling with chronically damaged nails, Camp says that a using nail polish strengthener isn't enough. "In addition to nail polish strengtheners, maintaining a healthy diet and avoiding treatments that can damage the nail and cuticle can improve nail growth," he says. Following all of these tips can help you achieve stronger, healthier nails.
OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener
If you want stronger nails in days, consider adding this OPI favorite to your product lineup. In addition to being available in a variety of shades other than clear, Camp says "this nail-strengthening product fortifies the nail with ingredients like biotin, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and E." It's also infused with the brand's patented Tri-Flex Technology for healthy-looking, beautiful nails in one week.
Customer Review: "This is a must have in the vanity! It really has helped strengthen my nails, goes on clear so [it] can be used under a nail polish! Fantastic product and would definitely recommend."
Key Ingredients: biotin, calcium, vitamins A, C, and E, Tri-Flex Technology
Pros: uses Tri-Flex Technology to protect nails against chipping, peeling, and splitting
Cons: none
Size: 2.0-ounce bottle
JinSoon Hyper Repair Nail Treatment
Created by editorial manicurist Jin Soon (the talent behind iconic looks for everyone from Gigi Hadid to Sabrina Carpenter), the Hyper Repair Nail Treatment will restore nail health after just two applications and can be worn alone or under nail polish. I like to think of this one as a coat of armor against chipping and breakage. It's also unscented and applies smoothly and evenly.
Customer Review: "I used this as a first base on my manicure and pedicure and I could tell a difference with the first use. Pedicure is still going strong at 4 weeks and manicure lasted 2 weeks."
Key Ingredients: 3 AHAs (glycolic acid, malic acid, lactic acid), vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B5, hexanal
Pros: nourishes and protects nails from breakage and chipping with a clean formula
Cons: none
Size: 1.0-ounce bottle
Londontown Kur Get Strong Nail Hardener
Using two coats of Londontown's Kur Get Strong Nail Hardener every other day for two weeks fortifies and hardens the the nail plate. It's powered by the brand's unique proprietary Florium Complex to deliver hydration and nutrients for healthy nails while patented multipolymer technology creates a strong, shield-like barrier. Simply apply it to clean nails and follow with your favorite polish.
Customer Review: "My nails had started being dry and breaking easily, so I ordered this after reading reviews. I'm just finishing my 3rd week and my nails have successfully grown out like they used to. Easy to apply with wider brush applicator and drys quickly."
Key Ingredients: multipolymer technology, proprietary Florium Complex
Pros: offers noticeably harder nails within a week of use
Cons: does not provide instant results
Size: 0.5-ounce bottle
Deborah Lippmann Hard Rock Strengthening Top and Base Coat
Crafted with weak nails, post-gel-removal nails, and artificial-nail removal in mind, Deborah Lippmann's Hard Rock Strengthening Base and Top Coat protects and strengthens nails for healthy growth. Its formula uses nourishing camellia-leaf extract, safflower-seed oil, and panthenol for boosted moisture and diamond powder. Since I began using this protein-rich treatment a year ago, I've gotten nonstop compliments from nail techs.
Customer Review: "Hard Rock can be used alone, as a protective base coat, or as a top coat to prolong nail color product. I have thin, fragile nails but this helps in every way. Thank you for a stellar, non toxic strengthener that’s easy to use multiple ways."
Key Ingredients: safflower-seed oil, camellia-leaf extract, panthenol, diamond powder
Pros: product can be applied on bare nails or used as a base and topcoat
Cons: none
Size: 0.5-ounce bottle
Static Nails Instant Strength Nail Hardener
The three-in-one Instant Strength Nail Hardener immediately strengthens natural nails while preventing nails from bending, breaking, splitting, and chipping over time. Its clear and unscented formula reaps the benefits of nourishing natural antioxidants as well as apricot oil, safflower oil, and bamboo. I love how quickly it dries (in just five to 10 minutes), meaning I can apply and go.
Customer Review: "I started using this instead of the base coat because one of my nails started splitting on the side. It worked like a charm at hiding the imperfection and preventing what would've been a painful break! I was able to let my nails grow out for a few weeks before cutting them down, and my nails are so much stronger now even without polish on."
Key Ingredients: apricot oil, safflower oil, bamboo
Pros: formula is clear (can be worn alone, used under primer, or as a primer) and has no added color or fragrance
Cons: none
Size: 0.5-ounce bottle
Manucurist S.O.S. Nail Strengthener
While all the aforementioned products are designed to strengthen and protect nails, Manucurist's S.O.S. Nail Strengthener is unique, in that it restructures and nourishes the nail plate. Using vitamin B5, vitamin C, and AHAs, S.O.S. Nail Strengthener strengthens and moisturizes nails. Designed to be used between two harsh polish applications, it can be applied twice a week as a treatment or as a base coat.
Customer Review: "I enjoy using this product, it worked great for me. I needed something to help me with my brittle and breaking nails and it worked perfectly! I also like that the smell is not as strong and chemically and it dries faster than expected."
Key Ingredients: AHAs, vitamin C, vitamin B5, hexanol
Pros: unique two-in-one product can be used twice a week as a repair treatment or base coat
Cons: does not provide instant results
Size: 0.5-ounce bottle
CND RescueRxx Daily Keratin Treatment
Most of us have used keratin treatments to support the health of our hair, but did you know keratin can be used to repair damaged, brittle nails? CND's best-selling RescueRxx Daily Keratin Treatment is gentle enough for daily use and has a formula clinically proven to improve the overall health and appearance of nails in one week. I added this to my beauty routine by massaging it onto my bare nails before applying hand cream.
Customer Review: "I have been using this nail treatment only for 10 days and I already see a great improvement in my nails—they stopped breaking and started growing! I have tried all kinds of treatments available on the market and this is the first that works for me!"
Key Ingredients: keratin, jojoba oil
Pros: absorbs quickly, delivers nutrients directly to the nail bed without leaving a greasy residue
Cons: none
Size: 0.5-ounce bottle
Tenoverten The Foundation Base Coat
As a beauty editor, I always find myself enamored by nailcare that improves the appearance of natural nails but also strengthens and nourishes them over time. The Foundation Base Coat accomplishes this by being both a base coat and nail strengthener with a formula using vitamin E and horsetail-leaf extract. It also makes manicures last longer since it prolongs polish adhesion and prevents cracks.
Customer Review: "The base coat is great. Really adheres to the nail and helps keep the polish on. I was able to keep my manicure mostly intact for seven days—which I consider a big win!"
Key Ingredients: horsetail-leaf extract, vitamin E
Pros: doubles as a base coat and nail strengthener
Cons: none
Size: 1.0-ounce bottle
Londontown Kur Nail Hardener and Base Coat
If you're just as obsessed with Londontown's Kur Get Strong Nail Hardener biweekly as a treatment as I am, then you'll also love the Nail Hardener Base Coat. It fortifies and primes using a formula combining biotin, antioxidants, and essential vitamins. It's also multipurpose and can be worn alone as a daily treatment or as a durable base to extend your manicure's life. Say goodbye to chipping and breakage!
Customer Review: "I really like Londontown Nail Hardener and Base Coat. It goes on smoothly and dries quickly. Sometimes, it's all I do for my manicure. Other times I like a little cover and will use it with nail polish."
Key Ingredients: biotin, antioxidants, and essential vitamins
Pros: fortifies, primes, and nourishes nails while also extending mani-pedi longevity by gripping onto polish
Cons: a very limited amount of product provided in bottle
Size: 0.5-ounce bottle
Ella+Mila Firm Foundation Nail Hardener + Base Coat
Ella+Mila's two-in-one nail strengthener and base coat offers a base coat's adhesion and strengthening-treatment properties for healthy nails while also extending the wear time of your manicures. It can be used on its own as an effortless, easy nail look or as a base coat with polish over it. The secret is all in the application style: Try applying one coat to dry, clean nails, using it two to three times per week over two weeks as a nail polish strengthener.
Customer Review: "I tried this brand and the nail hardening treatment because nothing else seemed to work. I saw good reviews and researched to determine that Ella and Mila does not contain dangerous chemicals. I've been very impressed and my nails are growing and getting stronger and stronger! They no longer peel and snap."
Key Ingredients: n/a
Pros: promotes the growth of strong, healthy nails and longer-lasting manicures
Cons: none
Size: 0.5-ounce bottle
Nail Tek Citra 2 Nail Strengthener
Looking for a more affordable option to transform the appearance of your nails within days? Camp recommends adding the Citra 2 Nail Strengthener by Nail Tek to your nailcare routine to fix damaged nails and prepare them for future manicures. "Natural elements derived from citrus sources enable this formaldehyde-free nail product to promote the growth of stronger, flexible nails," Camp says.
Customer Review: "I've tried several other products, but they all peel or wear off within a few days. This lasts for the whole week before I remove and reapply as recommended. My nails are finally growing!"
Key Ingredients: aldehydes (derived from citrus)
Pros: formulated with naturally occurring aldehydes derived from citrus source instead of formaldehyde
Cons: product can be tricky to remove from the surface of the nails
Size: 1.0-ounce bottle
Butter London Jelly Preserve Nail Strengthening Treatment
This isn't the first time I've sung the praises of this jelly-like Butter London nail-strengthening treatment. This came highly recommended to me by aBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing beauty editor two years ago, and I've been obsessed with it ever since. Not only is it beyond aesthetically pleasing to the eye after it dries (the product is offered in three stylish shades), but it's also infused with nourishing vitamin E, tea tree oil, hydrolyzed keratin, and arginine.
Customer Review: "I love how this looks and how long it lasts. So easy, pretty, and low maintenance—that it's the only thing I want on my nails these days! Basically, I have stopped even doing gel manicures in favor of this. I just love the simple clean look and I love that I can trust this brand. It does take a minute to dry-but so worth it."
Key Ingredients: vitamin E, tea tree oil, hydrolyzed keratin, arginine
Pros: revitalizes and repairs the nails after harsh treatments with a sheer burst of color
Cons: not ideal for creating a full-coverage, polished manicure look
Size: 0.20-ounce bottle
Sally Hansen Advanced Hard as Nails Strengthener
Sally Hansen's always affordable and ultra-effective Advanced Hard as Nails Strengthener protects and strengthens nails with natural omega-3 and soy to diminish the look of ridges while preventing breakage and chipping. This one is unique because it uses a nylon formula that not only fortifies the nails but also prevents peeling for occurring. I have a personal connection to it since generations of women in my family keep it in their beauty cabinets!
Customer Review: "These have really done a number on my nails. My nails used to be brittle and weak, but once I started using this, I have had two breakages over the course of three months. I would break my nails almost every week. I would recommend this in a heartbeat. I try to apply it once or twice a week on my nails, and it works wonders."
Key Ingredients: soy, omega-3
Pros: uses soy to diminish the appearance of ridges and cracks in nails
Cons: may cause slight yellowing to the nail bed
Size: 0.5-ounce bottle
Isdin Si-Nails Strengthening Nail Serum
Camp recommends this fast-working nail-strengthening serum by Isdin since it's proven to improve nail health over 14 days. "This nail serum contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate the nail and mastic oil to promote nail growth, resulting in increased thickness, density, and durability of the nail and cuticle," he says. The serum is also ideal for anyone on the move since it's fragrance-free, fast-absorbing, invisible.
Customer Review: "My nails have improved so much and very quick. My nails have the tendency to be really weak because of a thyroid condition and the use of gel polish but my nails look much healthier and stronger now that I have been using the Si-Nails brush. I love it. Highly recommend it!"
Key Ingredients: hyaluronic acid, silanediol salicylate, pistacia lentiscus gum
Pros: safe for daily use, fast-absorbing, nail polish friendly
Cons: moderately priced
Size: 1.0-ounce tube
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