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.
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.
Do nail strengtheners work? | What to look for | Best nail strengthening products | How we chose | Meet our experts
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Do nail strengtheners work?
The short answer is yes. However, many former nail treatments (i.e. hardeners) used to be formulated with formaldehyde, "which cross-linked the keratin in the nails, falsely conveying strength," according to CND co-founder, Jan Arnold.
With that being said, there's a difference between nail hardeners and hydrators, both of which can help strengthen nails. Mian also 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.
With advancements in science and new formulations, nail strengtheners can promote increased roughness and strength, which then allows nails to grow without breakdown. "By deeply moisturizing the nails, it aids in resistance against chipping and cracking, contributing to more resilient and healthier-looking nails," adds Arnold.
What to look for in a nail strengthening product
- Active ingredients. “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. Again, some key ingredients to look for in nail hydrators include glycerin and mineral oil. “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
Key ingredients: Hydrolyzed protein actives, vitamins A, C and E | Size: 0.45 oz.
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
Key ingredients: Retinol, nylon-12, isopropyl alcohol | Size: 0.45 oz.
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
Key ingredients: Keratin amino acids | Size: 0.55 oz.
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.
Boe Calcium Plus Triple Action Nail Treatment
Key ingredient: Calcium | Size: 0.53 oz.
"This one has improved my nails every time I've used it," says commerce writer Jannely Espinal. This treatment, which has directions written in Spanish, is the holy grail of nails for many Latinas due to its immediate result on nails, she continues.
"Once you apply it on your nails you get a glossy texture and results are usually fast if you apply it consistently," adds Espinal.
Onyx Hard As Hoof Nail Strengthener Cream
Key ingredients: Glycerin, hydrogenated jojoba oil | Size: 1 oz.
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
Key ingredients: Hydrolyzed wheat protein, balm mint, horsetail extract, chamomile flower extract | Size: 0.6 oz.
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.
Essie Strong Start Nail Treatment Base Coat
Key ingredients: Glycerin, biotin | Size: 0.46 oz.
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
Key ingredients: Calcium, hydrolyzed wheat and soy proteins | Size: 0.46 oz.
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
Key ingredients: Keratin, biotin, jojoba, vitamins B and E | Size: 1 oz.
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
Key ingredients: Celery seed extract, flora complex | Size: 0.46 oz.
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
Key ingredients: Protein peptide, chestnut seed extract, biotin, vitamin E, hexanal | Size: 0.4 oz.
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
Key ingredients: Biotin, vitamin B, calcium, horsetail extract | Size: 0.2-0.4 oz.
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.
Beekman 1802 Pure Goat Milk Cuticle Serum
Key ingredients: soybean oil, jojoba seed oil, goat milk | Size: 0.5 oz.
“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.
Barefoot Scientist Inner Strength Nail and Cuticle Renewal Drops
Key ingredients: Celery seed extract, rosemary leaf extract, tea tree and sunflower seed oils | Size: 0.68 oz.
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
Key ingredients: Olive oil virgin, castor seed oil, sunflower oil, avocado oil, rosemary oil, marula oil | Size: 0.33 oz.
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
Key ingredients: Keratin, crystal resin tears | Size: 0.16 oz.
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
Key ingredients: Cationic hyaluronic acid, pistacia lentiscus gum (promotes keratin) | Size: 0.08 oz.
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
Key ingredients: Argan oil, vitamin E, apricot oil | Size: 0.25 oz.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes brittle nails?
According to Lamb, damaged nails can signify different things in different people. “Nails often manifest vitamin deficiencies or can be a normal sign of aging,” she says, adding, “ Eczema or psoriasis can be found in the nails, too. Often, when a patient has been diagnosed with psoriasis, the first place I look is their nails."
However, our nail thickness, hardness and growth is often determined by our genes. Lamb compares this to the way our hair grows since they’re made up of a similar type of protein. “For the same reason some people have curly [or straight] hair, [and] some people grow long or short [hair], it’s all dependent on genes,” she explains. “But there can also be pathology problems with your nails: paronychia, fungus, yeast or eczema.”
Be cautious not to misinterpret nail health with nail diversity, though. “Sometimes there are just normal changes,” Lamb says. “For example, I have fast-growing thin nails, [while] some people have thick, durable nails [that] grow slow.” If you’re concerned about the growth or texture of your nails, a dermatologist can help steer you in the right direction.
How can I make my nails stronger and thicker?
First things first, Lamb says to make sure you’re not vitamin deficient. A diet that lacks key nutrients like biotin, iron or magnesium can result in brittle, thinning nails. Mian adds protein, vitamin B12 and vitamin D to the list of nutrients that can help make your nails stronger and healthier.
Additionally, Lamb advises ensuring that your nail technicians are keeping their equipment sanitized and clean. She also mentions that lacquers and nail hardeners are great for daily use. “Nail polish doesn’t always thin your nails; it can act as a very good protectant,” she explains. Castor oil, which is rich in vitamin E, can also be used to strengthen and moisturize nails at home, according to Mian.
How many times a week should I use nail strengtheners?
The answer to this question will depend on your nail concerns and the type of strengthener you use. In general, Mian recommends using nail hardeners just once a week, while nail hydrators can be used every few days. The reason? “Buildup of nail hardener can cause the nail plate to become too hard and lead to breakage,” she says. (If you’re looking for more ways to hydrate your hands and cuticles , check out our product picks.)
Does a nail strengthener help nails grow?
According to Arnold, the more you protect and condition your nails the more likely they will flourish and withstand the "rigors of environmental factors that often result in excessively dry and brittle layers of keratin."
"Constant hand washing and prolonged exposure to water are particularly harsh on nails, but by consistently coating them, the layers remain sealed, preventing delamination. Additionally, the oils penetrate the nails, ensuring they retain flexibility and resilience," says Arnold.
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."
- Jan Arnold is the co-founder of CND, a beauty supply retailer offering professional nail, hand and foot beauty.