The Best Nail Strengtheners to Repair Weak, Peeling, and Cracked Nails
The Best Nail Strengtheners to Repair Weak, Peeling, and Cracked Nails
We updated this article in April 2022 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team (and that of our sister team at the Good Housekeeping Institute).
If you deal with nails that are dry and brittle or are frustrated by their stunted growth, the problem at hand suggests you may have damaged digits. Constant hand washing and sanitizing, acrylic manicures, and general aging can all contribute to weakened nails—along with bad habits like biting or peeling your cuticles. But, the best nail strengtheners can help you get stronger, healthier nails, asap.
Nail strengthening products usually come in the form of clear polish, though sometimes can be found in a cream-like formula that you just rub on. Strengtheners often add a hard coating to the nail while also infusing them with nourishing ingredients to help repair damage.
“Nail strengtheners help protect the nail in several ways. First, they seal in moisture to combat dry, brittle nails,” explains Michele Farber, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Philadelphia. “They can also provide protein and collagen to help provide the building blocks to stimulate nail growth.”
Now that you know a little bit more about how nail strengtheners work, it’s time to find the ideal one for you. Check out the effective and affordable options below to give your nails the love they deserve.
How we chose
We consulted Dr. Farber, Snehal Amin, M.D., F.A.C.M.S., F.A.A.D., co-founder and surgical director of MDCS Dermatology in NYC, the Good Housekeeping Institute (GHI) who tests countless products to ensure a fair and accurate representation of each item, and countless customer reviews to find the best nail strengtheners available.
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SI-NAILS Nail Strengthener
ISDIN
amazon.com
$32.00
Hyaluronic acid packs a moisturizing punch in this little tube. And while most strengtheners are formulated like a polish, this one has the consistency of a serum that absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave behind any stickiness. Dr. Amin likes this pick because of its “convenient easy-to-use pen applicator,” and that it “contains moisture-locking humectant hyaluronic acid.”
Hard As Nails Clear Hardener
Sally Hansen
ulta.com
$3.49
Sometimes the best things come in small, affordable packages, like this nail strengthener that’s under $5. The GHI rated this the best value option thanks to its “tried and true” formula, originally developed in 1957. “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.
Nail Care First Aid Kiss
Ella+Mila
amazon.com
$10.49
The sweet scent of this polish (reminiscent of watermelon) will instantly boost your mood. Vitamin E is the powerhouse ingredient in this bottle, as it’s incredibly moisturizing and helps nourish nails. One thing to note: You need to use this one consistently for four weeks to see the best results. Dr. Amin says this nail strengthener “contains nourishing Vitamin E.” and is nontoxic, meaning it “does not contain Toluene, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, Camphor, Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), TPHP or Xylene.”
Launchpad
Dermelect Cosmeceuticals
skinstore.com
$19.00
Dr. Amin says this “formaldehyde-free, protein-rich formula supports nail growth.” Its peptide-infused ingredient list helps strengthen nails, and the brand even deems it “anti-aging.” To use, apply one to two coats on clean nails as a treatment or under polish as a base coat.
Mega Strength, Top Coat
Sally Hansen
amazon.com
$4.49
Don’t want to add an extra step to your nail care routine? This Mega Strength top coat strengthens nails without needing to incorporate an additional product. Simply use the top coat as a gloss and strengthener—double the bang for your buck. Plus, Dr. Amin recommends the top coat, so you know it must have some great ingredients.
Nail Defense
Orly
ulta.com
$11.99
Plant proteins in this bottle fortify brittle nails so they break less easily. But the formula also keeps nails flexible, so weaker nails will bend without breaking. Reviewers praise how much stronger their tips feel when they use this regularly.
Nailkale Superfood Base Coat
Nails Inc
sephora.com
$15.00
Antioxidants and kale extract are incorporated into this formula with the sole purpose of strengthening nails—plus, it’s got keratin, which is a protein that helps harden. The polish’s smooth finish will also act as a perfect base coat for your manicure.
Miracle Cure Strengthener
Sally Hansen
amazon.com
$6.63
This polish works both instantly and over time. Apply just one thin coat and the mineral-packed formula fills in cracks instantly to prevent breakage and peeling. Then, protein and antioxidants are absorbed by the nail over time to boost strength on a long-lasting level. Dr. Farber suggests using it alone or as a base coat.
Nail Envy Original Nail Strengthener
OPI
amazon.com
$18.95
Wheat protein and calcium team up to keep your nails from peeling, cracking, and splitting. Many reviewers of this polish noted their nails grew at a much faster rate after they started using this regularly.
Hard as Hoof Nail Strengthening Cream
Onyx
amazon.com
$26.08
Dr. Amin likes this formula for a number of reasons, namely, for its “vitamin E and conditioning coconut oils.” A hydrating blend of ingredients—glycerin, urea, calcium, and jojoba oil—work together to strengthen and moisturize. Not only will this help prevent nail brittleness, but the cream will also moisturize cuticles, too—something Dr. Farber also appreciates in a multi-tasking product. The coconut scent is also quite pleasant.
Hard Rock Nail Strengthener
Deborah Lippman
$20.00
Use this fast-drying clear polish by itself, as a base coat, or as a top coat. It’s got soy protein to boost nail strength and diamond powder to harden. An especially good choice for nails damaged by gel manicures, it dries quickly to leave digits looking healthy and glossy.
RescueRXx
CND
ulta.com
$20.50
Use this top-rated treatment similarly to how you’d use a cuticle oil—brush it on nails and then massage it in. When you do, keratin and jojoba oil work together to fortify nails and hydrate them so they don’t become brittle and break.
Sapphire Strength Mega Growth Nail Polish
NAIL-AID
walmart.com
$3.88
The GHI says this nail strengthener contains calcium, which is purported to strengthen nails. It imparts a “strong coating and helps make nails stronger,” a GHI 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.
These are the best nail strengtheners to heal and harden your weak, damaged nails. A dermatologist shares what to look for, plus the best products to try.