Top-Performing Home Nail Strengtheners for Vibrant DIY Manicures
In search of a bulletproof shield for your nails? With daily assaults like handwashing, polishing, and absent-minded picking, it's no wonder our fingertips may show the wear and tear. If you're battling peeling and cracking that won't yield to a manicure, it's time to unwind the mystery of the best nail strengtheners.
Think of these marvelous treatments as moisturizers for your manicures. Specially formulated to hydrate and fortify, they'll help keep your nails more resilient and less likely to succumb to breakage. Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Radiant Derm in Fort Wayne, Indiana, explains, "These hydrating treatments can protect your nails, making them less susceptible to breakage." Plus, they're thinner, mostly clear, and dry faster than regular polish, making them an ideal go-to for a speedy application.
To find the cream of the crop when it comes to nail strengtheners, we tapped dermatologists for their expert knowledge on which essential ingredients to look for. We also got our hands dirty (literally) testing a veritable smorgasbord of options from big names like OPI and Sally Hansen to ensure they lived up to the hype. Ready to give your nails a new lease on life? Here are our top picks.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: OPI Nail Envy Original Nail Strengthener
- Runner-Up: Olive & June Advanced Nail Strengthener
- Best Budget Pick: Sally Hansen Hard As Nails
FAQs about Nail Strengtheners
Key Ingredients to Look For:
- Vitamin A: Helps prevent brittleness and promotes nail growth.
- Vitamin C: Reduces breakage and helps strengthen the nail structure.
- Vitamin E: Known for its antioxidant properties, which help protect the nail from damage.
- Hyaluronic acid, butylene glycol, lactic acid, panthenol: Hydrate the nails and improve their flexibility, making them less prone to breakage.
- Jojoba oil, almond oil: Nourish nail beds and cuticles.
- Keratin: A protein your body produces naturally, helping to strengthen the nails.
- Calcium: Helps form a protective film over the nails, shielding them from damage.
How to Apply Nail Strengthener:
Even if you're only noticing peeling or breakage at the tips of your nails, it's a good idea to apply strengthener to your entire natural nail. As Dr. Spearman advises, "You want to protect the nail from where it starts, so that by the time it gets out there, it's not damaged." Depending on the product, apply it once every few days. Follow the instructions on the bottle to err on the side of caution.
Who Should Avoid Using a Nail Strengthener:
These products aren't for everyone. If you have a nail fungus that's causing brittleness, consult with your dermatologist before slathering on a strengthener. For ladies rocking acrylics, gels, or extensions, remove them before trying a strengthener. Applying a strengthener might damage artificial nails, causing lifting or chipping.
How We Tested Nail Strengtheners:
For the last few weeks, members of our team have traded their polish for these strengtheners, slathering them onto their bare nails while diligently observing the results. In their quest for the perfect product, they noted how well they hydrated the nails, whether they reduced flaking and splitting, and how easy they were to apply. Only nail strengtheners that met their high standards earned a spot in our lineup.
Shop the Best Nail Strengtheners:
Best Overall: OPI Nail Envy Original Nail Strengthener
- Amazon
OPI's Nail Envy packs hydrating ingredients like panthenol, a favorite among dermatologists, and vitamin C. The formula forms a protective film over your nails to keep them flawless. Don't be fooled by its sheer appearance—while it may look innocuous, it provides a protective barrier and speeds up the strengthening process. For a shiny finish, try out one of the opaque color options, like the cult favorite Bubble Bath.
Runner-Up: Olive & June Advanced Nail Strengthener
- Olive & June
Olive & June's nail strengthener works wonders on dry, brittle nails, delivering a dose of hydration courtesy of the moisturizing glycerin and panthenol. It dries supremely fast, allowing for touch-ups on-the-go. Applying it regularly will lead to fewer flyaway nail strands and reduced breakage.
Best Budget Pick: Sally Hansen Hard As Nails
- Amazon
Sally Hansen's Hard As Nails strengthener is an easy-to-apply, budget-friendly option that nourishes with soothing safflower, linseed, and soybean oils. It boasts a glossy finish that seals in moisture and gives a protective barrier for your nails to heal.
More Great Options:
- ISDIN SI-Nails Nail Strengthener
- Tenoverten The Foundation Base Coat
- Essie Hard to Resist Advanced Nail Strengthener
- Nails.Inc Gimme Strength Nail Treatment
- duri Rejuvacote 1 Nail Growth System
- Orly Nail Defense
With these top picks in your arsenal, you can maintain a healthy, strong set of nails without sacrificing polish or style. In between manis, let these strengtheners keep your digits looking (and feeling) amazing.
These nail strengtheners function as moisturizers for your manicures, providing hydration and fortification to keep your nails more resilient and less prone to breakage. Dermatologists advise looking for key ingredients such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, butylene glycol, lactic acid, panthenol, jojoba oil, almond oil, keratin, and calcium for optimal results. Follow the application instructions carefully for the best outcome, and remember that these products may not be suitable for everyone, such as those with nail fungus or artificial nails.
To reap the benefits of the top nail strengtheners, consider our picks: OPI Nail Envy Original Nail Strengthener (Best Overall), Olive & June Advanced Nail Strengthener (Runner-Up), and Sally Hansen Hard As Nails (Best Budget Pick). For more great options, explore ISDIN SI-Nails Nail Strengthener, Tenoverten The Foundation Base Coat, Essie Hard to Resist Advanced Nail Strengthener, Nails.Inc Gimme Strength Nail Treatment, duri Rejuvacote 1 Nail Growth System, and Orly Nail Defense. By incorporating these strengtheners into your routine, you can maintain strong, healthy nails without compromising your style or polish.
