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.
Do nail strengtheners work? | What to look for | Best nail strengthening products | How we chose | Meet our experts
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, according to experts and editors
Enhance your polish: 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 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.
Hard 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 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.
Latina-approved formula: Boe Calcium Plus Triple Action Nail Treatment
- Fast results
- Healthier nails
- Peels off easily
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.
Never broken: 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 | 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.
Even associate editor Kamari Stewart gave high praises for this strengthening formula in a recent Shop TODAY piece.
Brighten up your tips: 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 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.
Cuticles are important: 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 | 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.
Rolling with the oil: 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 | 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.
Trust science: 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 | 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.
How we chose
Our nail strengthener recommendations are based on expert insights 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.
