Damaged nails can be a pain. When your nails aren’t looking — or feeling — their best, it can lead to nail breaks (ouch), an uneven nail surface (bumps and ridges galore) and manicures that chip in just a few days.
Having your nails look and feel good isn’t just important for aesthetic reasons. The condition of your nails could also signify that something is amiss with your overall health. If you’re suffering from thin, breaking or brittle nails, there are simple steps you can take to understand why it’s happening and get them back to a shiny, strong state.
Nail strengtheners can be an effective way to remedy weak nails. Dr. Kiran Mian, medical and aesthetic dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology & Laser Surgery, notes that they “can help reinforce structure in brittle nails, allowing them to be resistant to breakage.”
[Nail strengtheners] can help reinforce structure in brittle nails, allowing them to be resistant to breakage.
Dr. Kiran Mian, MD, Dermatologist, Hudson Dermatology & Laser Surgery
Before we searched for the best nail strengthening treatments, we spoke with Mian and Dr. Angela Lamb, a certified dermatologist and associate professor at Westside Mount Sinai Dermatology, to share their top advice on what you should look for when shopping for nail strengtheners. They also answer some of your most common FAQs around nail strengthening, which you'll find after our list.
Based on our experts' insights and our own research, we’ve selected some highly rated products (recommended by both derms and consumers) that help strengthen brittle and thin nails. Whether you’re a chronic nail biter, gel polish user or just looking to bulk up naturally thin nails, these products have you covered.
What to look for | Best nail strengthening products | How we chose | Meet our experts
What to look for in a nail strengthening product
- Active ingredients. It turns out that there are two main types of nail strengtheners: hardeners and hydrators. Mian notes that nail hardeners contain cross-linking ingredients (like formaldehyde or calcium) or reinforcers (like nylon or sulfhydryl protein), while nail hydrators contain moisturizing ingredients like glycerin or mineral oil. “Nail hardeners will be good for people with brittle nails that break easily,” Mian says. She adds that nail hydrators are great for people with peeling nails, as they make nails more flexible. “Your nail concerns will determine which will be best for you,” she says.
- Ease of use: Application-wise, there are several different types of nail strengtheners. Some are painted on like nail polish and can even be used as a protective base coat so that you can strengthen your nails while rocking a chic manicure. Others are topical serums and creams that you rub in. Every product will have different recommendations on how to use it, and how often, so you’ll want to check those out before committing to a strengthening product. If you know you won’t keep up with rubbing a cream onto your nail beds three times a day, maybe stick to something you can paint on under a manicure once a week.
- Value: Nail strengtheners come in a range of price points — this roundup alone ranges from about $4 to $42. But a more expensive product doesn’t necessarily mean it will work better, and a higher price tag might mean you don’t use the product as often as is recommended. Check out product descriptions and consumer reviews to help you find a strengthening product in your price range that addresses your nail concerns.
Best nail strengtheners to shop
Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Clear Nail Strengthener
- Truly hardens the nails
- Works both underneath and on top of the polish
- Some reviewers had delivery and packaging issues
Key ingredients: Hydrolyzed protein actives, vitamins A, C and E | Size: 0.45 fluid ounces
This Sally Hansen nail strengthener comes highly recommended by Lamb, who’s also an associate professor of dermatology. Its key ingredients help reinforce and resist damage to your nails.
Sally Hansen Advanced Hard As Nails
- Affordable
- Truly clear/transparent color
- May leaves white streaks
- Can be slow drying
Key ingredients: Retinol, nylon-12, isopropyl alcohol | Size: 0.45 fluid ounce
Product coordinator Camryn Privette has been using this Sally Hansen product for years and says it truly changed her nails for the better. This advanced nail hardener is designed to strengthen nails and helps prevent peeling.
“I took my gel polish off and after a few years of wearing it, my nails were soft and peeling. The first time I applied this product I could feel a huge difference. They’re healthy and beautiful again!” raved one verified five-star reviewer.
Nail-Aid Keratin 3 Day Growth Nail Treatment & Strengthener
- Nails feel stronger after use
- Reviewers are "pleasantly impressed" with this product
- Adds shine
- Doesn't last long, per some customers
Key ingredients: Keratin amino acids | Usage: Every three days | Size: 0.55 fluid ounces
With more than 30,000 verified five-star ratings, shoppers clearly love and trust this No. 1 bestselling nail treatment on Amazon. Claiming to improve the state of your nails in just three days, this strengthener contains a keratin amino acid treatment that absorbs right into your nails.
One verified reviewer on Amazon reported that this product does everything the packaging claims, and that it smoothed out ridges (caused by long-term damage) on their nails.
Onyx Hard As Hoof Nail Strengthener Cream
- Works "wonders" for weak and broken nails
- Even helps nails damaged from glue
- Some reviewers didn't notice a difference in nail growth
Key ingredients: Glycerin, hydrogenated jojoba oil | Usage: Daily | Size: 1 ounce
This bestselling nail strengthener has customers singing its praises (in the form of online reviews, that is). In addition to delivering results, this restorative cream is said to have a pleasant coconut scent, which is a welcome change from the strong chemical smell that often accompanies nail products.
Orly Nail Defense Nail Strengthener
- "Really adds strength" to nails
- Some reviewers saw no noticeable difference
Key ingredients: Hydrolyzed wheat protein, balm mint, horsetail extract, chamomile flower extract | Usage: Every other day | Size: 0.6 fluid ounces
If you suffer from peeling or splitting nails, this is the reparative nail strengthener for you. It’s a protein-enriched product that can be used as a base coat or as the only coat on your nails. Orly’s signature gripper cap and wide flat brush make application a breeze.
Beekman 1802 Pure Goat Milk Cuticle Serum
- Travel size is convenient
- Easy sponge application method
- Some experienced leaking
Key ingredients: soybean oil, jojoba seed oil, goat milk | Usage: Daily | Size: 0.5 fluid ounce
“Wearing polish consistently dries out my nails (leaving white chalky patches), but after a single application this left them in 10x better shape,” says Witonsky. This cuticle serum absorbs instantly and nourishes the nail bed to help avoid cracked, damaged nails.
“The applicator makes it easy to apply anywhere, but I like to apply right before bed to wake up with sandal-ready toes — sans the polish (it works well on fingernails too)! Plus, it’s currently on sale down from $20,” Witonsky continues.
Essie Strong Start Nail Treatment Base Coat
- Easy to remove
- Long-lasting
- Polish might peel, according to some reviewers
Key ingredients: Glycerin, biotin | Size: 0.46 fluid ounces
If you frequent the nail salon or love painting your own nails, add this base coat to your collection to protect them! Some Ulta reviewers say it helped make their nail polish last longer in addition to strengthening their natural nail.
Duri Rejuvacote 1 Nail Growth System
- Dries quickly
- Works underneath and on top of nail polish
- Some reviewers experienced irritation, burning sensation
Key ingredients: Calcium, hydrolyzed wheat and soy proteins | Usage: Every other day | Size: 0.46 fluid ounces
If you can’t bear the thought of naked nails, try swapping out your standard base and top coat with this multitasking product. According to the brand, this product can be used as a base coat to seal in moisture, collagen and fatty acids on your nail plate; it can also be used as a top coat to protect your manicure from chipping or peeling.
One verified Amazon reviewer, a chronic nail biter, described this product as a game changer for strengthening and growing natural nails. “It makes the nail thicker and harder and prevents it from breaking,” they wrote.
Barielle Nail Strengthener Cream
- Lasts a long time
- Offers "cuticle maintenance"
- Some noticed no difference
- Some reported delivery issues
Key ingredients: Keratin, biotin, jojoba, vitamins B and E | Usage: Two-three times daily | Size: 1 ounce
If you prefer a cream over a liquid-based nail saver, try this strengthener from Barielle. This cream was originally formulated for the hooves of million-dollar racehorses, but was then reimagined for the jockeys — and is now available for everyone.
One reviewer who made a verified purchase on Amazon noted that this “effective nail treatment” absorbs quickly into their nails. “It lives on my desk now, and I rub it into my fingernails while on a long phone call.”
Olive and June Nail Strengthener
- Quick-drying
- Nails are "stronger and longer"
- Unpleasant smell
Key ingredients: Celery seed extract, flora complex | Size: 0.46 fluid ounces
Before going in with Olive & June‘s popular (and stunning) polishes, you can prep your nails with the brand’s strengthener, which is said to increase overall nail strength by 77% (on average). The brand says it also acts as a primer and works to keep your manicure intact for an additional two to three days.
Key ingredients include celery seed extract (which is supposed to help heal and condition the nail surface, leading to less peeling, white spots and ridges) and a nourishing flora complex.
Dermelect Luminous Brightener and Perfector
- Sheer tint
- "Worth the price"
- Come customers not impressed
Key ingredients: Protein peptide, chestnut seed extract, biotin, vitamin E, hexanal | Size: 0.4 fluid ounce
This Dermelect brightener and perfector is a great treatment option for nails that are yellowing, stained, discolored, dehydrated and more. Watch your nails go from damaged to dazzling after usage! The polish itself is cruelty-free and leaves behind a transparent, glazed-donut-esque layer.
"I get the same light pink color every time I get a manicure but that’s about to change now that I tried this new polish. Not only is it the perfect nude (with a hint of iridescence), but it also acts as a treatment to strengthen nails," says associate editor Lauren Witonsky.
Butter London Horse Power Nail Rescue Base Coat
- Quick drying
- Flaking has "subsided," according to one reviewer
- The yellow color tends to show
- Some reviewers saw no "noticeable growth difference"
Key ingredients: Biotin, vitamin B, calcium, horsetail extract | Size: 0.2-0.4 fluid ounces
Biotin, vitamin B, calcium and horsetail extract are just a few of the nail-loving ingredients included in this Butter London base coat, which is designed to fortify, restore and rescue weaker nails. One verified Amazon reviewer noted that this product has helped with nail damage after an extended time using gel manicures.
Barefoot Scientist Inner Strength Nail and Cuticle Renewal Drops
- Easy applicator
- Pricey for the size
Key ingredients: Celery seed extract, rosemary leaf extract, tea tree and sunflower seed oils | Usage: Nightly | Size: 0.68 fluid ounces
Made with nourishing ingredients like celery seed extract and rosemary leaf extract, this nail and cuticle serum might just have it all. These oil-based drops are designed to make your nails stronger while also reversing previous nail damage.
MiniLuxe Cuticle Oil Rollerball
- "Light and moisturizing"
- Cuticles are "hydrated"
- Issues with packaging
Key ingredients: Olive oil virgin, castor seed oil, sunflower oil, avocado oil, rosemary oil, marula oil | Usage: As often as desired | Size: 0.33 fluid ounce
Senior editor Jess Bender swears by this on-the-go cuticle oil that has made it easier to prioritize her nail health. With its compact size, you can bring with you anywhere you go. “It only takes a few rolls and remains secure thanks to its smart packaging, plus it doesn’t leave an unwieldy mess in its place,” says Bender.
Mavala Scientifique K+ Keratin Hardener Strengthener
- Reviewers noted a difference quickly
- Nails look and feel better almost instantly
- Some reviewers saw no noticeable difference
Key ingredients: Keratin, crystal resin tears | Usage: Two to three times per week | Size: 0.16 fluid ounces
Lamb highly recommends Mavala's products, including this keratin nail hardener. Promising to harden the nail plate by reinforcing it with crystal resin tears, this is a great product if you suffer from breakage. Amazon shoppers love it, too — it currently has over 5,000 verified five-star ratings.
Isdin Si-Nails Nail Strengthener
- Saw a difference instantly
- No mess, no oils
- Some had packaging issues
Key ingredients: Cationic hyaluronic acid, pistacia lentiscus gum (promotes keratin) | Size: 0.08 fluid ounce
People claim to have harder, more hydrated, less brittle nails within just 14 days of using this product from Isdin. It includes silanediol salicylate (which promotes silicon growth in your nails), pistacia lentiscus oil (which promotes keratin growth) and cationic hyaluronic acid (which helps moisturize your surrounding cuticles).
Dior Huile Abricot Daily Nutritive Serum
- Absorbs quickly
- Doesn't feel oily
- Price has gone up
Key ingredients: Argan oil, vitamin E, apricot oil | Size: 0.25 fluid ounces
If you want to add some opulence to your nail routine, consider this active oil serum from Dior that protects and hardens keratin in your nails. It’s jam-packed with active ingredients and has a soft precision brush tip that makes it easy to place a drop on each finger before gently massaging the product in.
How we chose
Our nail strengthener recommendations are based on expert insights, customers' reviews and Shop TODAY editor picks. According to our dermatologist experts, it is best to consider active ingredients, ease of use and value when selecting the appropriate nail strengthener.
Meet our experts
- Dr. Angela Lamb, MD, is a certified dermatologist and associate professor at Westside Mount Sinai Dermatology. She specializes in acne, hair loss, eczema, skin cancer detection and more.
- Dr. Kiran Mian, MD, is a medical and aesthetic board-certified dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology & Laser Surgery. She specializes in hair, skin and nail concerns, but also has "a passion for total body wellness and science over trends."
