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We updated this article in June 2022 to include additional information about each featured product selected by the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab and expert commentary on the most effective nail strengthener. We removed one out of stock product and a new pick from Zoya.
Weak, brittle, peeling nails are a fact of life: According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 20% of people have brittle nails (they are more likely to occur in woman over 60, but anyone can develop the condition). Nails can become brittle and weak and start to chip or peel due to prolonged exposure to water via hand washing, gel nail polish removal or even habits like nail picking and biting. That’s where nail strengtheners come in: These products help to fortify cuticles and harden nails, protecting them from peeling and breaking with regular use over time.
To find the best of the best, the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab tests hundreds of beauty products, including nail polishes and press-on nails, every year. In a recent GH Beauty Lab, we polled our over 1,300 panelists for their favorite products that help combat brittleness and keep nails looking their best. Ahead, you will find the best nail strengthener and hardeners that really work, including GH Beauty Lab test winners, editor picks and GH tester panelists’ go-to formulas:
Our top picks:
- 1
Best Overall Nail Strengthener
ISDIN SI-NAILS Nail Strengthener
$35 at Amazon$35 at AmazonRead more
- 2
Best Value Nail Strengthener
Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Hardener
$3 at Ulta Beauty$3 at Ulta BeautyRead more
- 3
Most Popular Nail Strengthener on Amazon
Onyx Professional Hard As Hoof Nail Strengthening Cream
$8 at Walmart$8 at WalmartRead more
- 4
Best Nail Polish Strengthener
Orly Nailtrition
$15 at Ulta Beauty$15 at Ulta BeautyRead more
- 5
Best Nail Strengthener for Weak Nails
OPI Nail Envy Sensitive and Peeling
Shop at AmazonShop at AmazonRead more
Show more
For more info on how to find the most effective nail strengthener and more shopping tips, scroll to the bottom of this article, then learn how to get your healthiest nails (including investing in a great cuticle cream and nourishing hand cream!).
1Best Overall Nail Strengthener
ISDIN SI-NAILS Nail Strengthener
1Best Overall Nail Strengthener
ISDIN SI-NAILS Nail Strengthener
$35 at Amazon$32 at WalmartCredit: ISDINPros
Increases nail density
Smooths the appearance of nails
Absorbs quickly
Cons
Requires a 4 week commitment
Unlike other nail hardeners that are more like lacquers, this Good Housekeeping Beauty Award winner has a serum-like texture that absorbs quickly into nails without leaving any film or coating on nails. It has been clinically shown to significantly improve the appearance, roughness, and thickness of nails in 28 days, when applied daily. Consumers also noted positive improvements in smoothness and found nails were harder in four weeks.
2Best Value Nail Strengthener
Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Hardener
2Best Value Nail Strengthener
Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Hardener
$3 at Ulta BeautyCredit: Sally HansenPros
Budget-friendly
Glossy coating
Prevents nail damage
Cons
This tried and true drugstore formula from Sally Hansen, originally developed in 1957, has definitely stood the test of time with our panel voting it their favorite nail strengthener. “I’ve been using it for years and it seems to do a great job of keeping my nails hard,” one panelist marveled. Film formers, like nitrocellulose, impart a hard, glossy barrier on the nail preventing it from any damage. It’s available in two variants of clear and tinted, which can help lessen the look of discoloration.
3Most Popular Nail Strengthener on Amazon
Onyx Professional Hard As Hoof Nail Strengthening Cream
3Most Popular Nail Strengthener on Amazon
Onyx Professional Hard As Hoof Nail Strengthening Cream
$8 at WalmartCredit: ONYX ProfessionalPros
Moisturizes nails
Easily absorbs
Cons
Needs multiple applications a day
Not only is Hard As Hoof a popular pick on Amazon but it is also a favorite among our panelists. With a blend of hydrating ingredients like glycerin, urea and jojoba oil and purported strengthening ingredients like silk and calcium, this cream "strengthens and moisturizes," one panelist commented. For best results, apply three times a day to keep hands and nails quenched.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below4Best Nail Polish Strengthener
Orly Nailtrition
4Best Nail Polish Strengthener
Orly Nailtrition
$15 at Ulta Beauty$7 at Walmart$15 at JCPenneyCredit: OrlyPros
Pink tint to combat discoloration
Strengthens nails
Cons
It may look like a polish, but Orly’s treatment claims to strengthen nails with "collagen, wheat protein, keratin and bamboo extract" while imparting a sheer pink tint to nails. "Orly makes my nails stronger without making them brittle and too hard," one panelist commented. Apply one to two coats daily and remove completely after seven days for best results.
5Best Nail Strengthener for Weak Nails
OPI Nail Envy Sensitive and Peeling
5Best Nail Strengthener for Weak Nails
OPI Nail Envy Sensitive and Peeling
Shop at AmazonCredit: OPIPros
Prevents breakage
Makes nails feel harder
Cons
A formaldehyde-free version of OPI Nail Envy, another panel favorite, this strengthener contains several nail-shielding ingredients to prevent breakage, plus softening kukui nut oil. Apply two coats the first day and one every other day for best results.
6Best Nail Strengthener for Peeling Nails
Zoya Naked Manicure Rescue and Repair Kit
6Best Nail Strengthener for Peeling Nails
Zoya Naked Manicure Rescue and Repair Kit
$1 at zoya.comCredit: ZoyaPros
Hydrating serum
Hardening base coat
Cons
Expensive
This two-step kit includes a nail serum and a base coat that work together to improve the overall appearance of peeling nails. The serum first conditions nails with ingredients like plant-based oils and extracts while the base coat, applied on top of the serum once it’s absorbed, gives nails strength.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Best Nail Strengthening Base Coat
Essie Strong Start Nail Treatment
7Best Nail Strengthening Base Coat
Essie Strong Start Nail Treatment
$11 at Ulta Beauty$10 at Walmart$11 at Macy’sCredit: EssiePros
Protective coating
Double duty base coat
Cons
Essie’s double-duty formula is a strengthening base coat, meant to be applied under your nail lacquer. "I like it because it is a 2-in-1 product that combines strengthening benefits along with my base coat, so I don’t need a separate step," one panelist commented. If using it solo, the brand recommends applying two coats.
8Best Nail Strengthener for Ridges
Dermelect Makeover Ridge Filler
8Best Nail Strengthener for Ridges
Dermelect Makeover Ridge Filler
$18 at AmazonCredit: AmazonPros
Tinted to combat discoloration
Shields nails from damage
Cons
This nail treatment from Dermelect contains film-forming polymers to seal nails against damage and light pink pigment to conceal any discoloration. “It adds a sheer wash of color while helping my nails,” one panelist commented. The product claims to “replenish hydration to dry, brittle nails” with Pentavitin (Saccharide Isomerate).
9Best Nail Strengthener for Thin Nails
ella+mila Nail Strengthener
9Best Nail Strengthener for Thin Nails
ella+mila Nail Strengthener
$10 at Target$17 at WalmartPros
Sweetly scented
Long lasting
Cons
Requires a four week commitment
Unlike other strengtheners, ella + mila is scented with a sweet fragrance that has notes of watermelon and the formula “lasts longer than others," a panelist commented. This product does require a four-week commitment for best results, applied once per week for two weeks and then increased to every three days for another two weeks.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below10Best Nail Strengthening Cream for Dry Nails
Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Creme
10Best Nail Strengthening Cream for Dry Nails
Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Creme
$7 at TargetCredit: EucerinPros
Nourishes skin and nails
Helps nails look healthy
Cons
The key to keeping brittle nails strong is to keep them hydrated with an efficacious hand cream, like this GH Beauty lab test-winning formula from Eucerin, containing key ingredients like urea and lactic acid. This nourishing cream contains both and was the best hand cream in our recent study, increasing skin hydration by 51% over six hours.
11Best Nail Strengthener for Brittle Nails
Nail-Aid Sapphire Strength Mega Growth Nail Polish
11Best Nail Strengthener for Brittle Nails
Nail-Aid Sapphire Strength Mega Growth Nail Polish
$14 at WalmartCredit: Nail-AidPros
Durable coating
Strengthens nails
Cons
This clear, glossy Nail-Aid nail strengthener contains calcium, which is purported to strengthen nails. It imparts a "strong coating and helps make nails stronger," a panelist commented. Brush two coats onto nails allowing each coat to completely dry before applying the next, using every three days for longer-lasting protection.
What’s the most effective nail strengthener?
Nail strengthening treatments and hand creams can help with brittleness and keep nails looking strong and healthy. Here are your options:
✔️ Strengthening varnishes, which leave a shiny, hard coating on nails, enforces tips, making them appear thicker and can protect against damage.
✔️ Serum-like strengtheners absorb quickly and typically contain moisturizers to rehydrate dry, brittle nails.
✔️ Hand creams contain humectant ingredients, like urea and lactic acid, emollients such as lanolin, and occlusives like mineral oil and petrolatum, which work in tandem to enhance the hydration of both nails and skin.
And when selecting a nail strengthener, avoid formaldehyde. "Formaldehyde will initially harden nail but over time, the nail becomes paradoxically brittle and the ingredient can also cause severe allergic reactions," says Dana Stern, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City and nail expert for Nu Skin.
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