The Best Nail Strengtheners to Heal Your Dry, Brittle Nails (2024)

Table of Contents
Our top picks: Best Overall Nail Strengthener Best Value Nail Strengthener Most Popular Nail Strengthener on Amazon Best Nail Polish Strengthener Best Nail Strengthener for Weak Nails Best Nail Strengthener for Peeling Nails Best Nail Strengthening Base Coat Best Nail Strengthener for Ridges Best Nail Strengthener for Thin Nails Best Nail Strengthening Cream for Dry Nails ISDIN SI-NAILS Nail Strengthener ISDIN SI-NAILS Nail Strengthener Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Hardener Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Hardener Onyx Professional Hard As Hoof Nail Strengthening Cream Onyx Professional Hard As Hoof Nail Strengthening Cream Orly Nailtrition Orly Nailtrition OPI Nail Envy Sensitive and Peeling OPI Nail Envy Sensitive and Peeling Zoya Naked Manicure Rescue and Repair Kit Zoya Naked Manicure Rescue and Repair Kit Essie Strong Start Nail Treatment Essie Strong Start Nail Treatment Dermelect Makeover Ridge Filler Dermelect Makeover Ridge Filler ella+mila Nail Strengthener ella+mila Nail Strengthener Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Creme Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Creme Nail-Aid Sapphire Strength Mega Growth Nail Polish Nail-Aid Sapphire Strength Mega Growth Nail Polish What's the most effective nail strengthener? Why trust Good Housekeeping? References
The Best Nail Strengtheners to Heal Your Dry, Brittle Nails (1)

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

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:

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!).

1

Best Overall Nail Strengthener

ISDIN SI-NAILS Nail Strengthener

The Best Nail Strengtheners to Heal Your Dry, Brittle Nails (12)

1

Best Overall Nail Strengthener

ISDIN SI-NAILS Nail Strengthener

Pros
  • The Best Nail Strengtheners to Heal Your Dry, Brittle Nails (13)Increases nail density
  • The Best Nail Strengtheners to Heal Your Dry, Brittle Nails (14)Smooths the appearance of nails
  • The Best Nail Strengtheners to Heal Your Dry, Brittle Nails (15)Absorbs quickly
Cons
  • The Best Nail Strengtheners to Heal Your Dry, Brittle Nails (16)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.

2

Best Value Nail Strengthener

Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Hardener

The Best Nail Strengtheners to Heal Your Dry, Brittle Nails (17)

2

Best Value Nail Strengthener

Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Hardener

Pros
  • The Best Nail Strengtheners to Heal Your Dry, Brittle Nails (18)Budget-friendly
  • The Best Nail Strengtheners to Heal Your Dry, Brittle Nails (19)Glossy coating
  • The Best Nail Strengtheners to Heal Your Dry, Brittle Nails (20)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.

    3

    Most Popular Nail Strengthener on Amazon

    Onyx Professional Hard As Hoof Nail Strengthening Cream

    The Best Nail Strengtheners to Heal Your Dry, Brittle Nails (21)

    3

    Most Popular Nail Strengthener on Amazon

    Onyx Professional Hard As Hoof Nail Strengthening Cream

    Pros
    • The Best Nail Strengtheners to Heal Your Dry, Brittle Nails (22)Moisturizes nails
    • The Best Nail Strengtheners to Heal Your Dry, Brittle Nails (23)Easily absorbs
    Cons
    • The Best Nail Strengtheners to Heal Your Dry, Brittle Nails (24)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.

    Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

    4

    Best Nail Polish Strengthener

    Orly Nailtrition

    The Best Nail Strengtheners to Heal Your Dry, Brittle Nails (25)

    4

    Best Nail Polish Strengthener

    Orly Nailtrition

    Pros
    • The Best Nail Strengtheners to Heal Your Dry, Brittle Nails (26)Pink tint to combat discoloration
    • The Best Nail Strengtheners to Heal Your Dry, Brittle Nails (27)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.

      5

      Best Nail Strengthener for Weak Nails

      OPI Nail Envy Sensitive and Peeling

      The Best Nail Strengtheners to Heal Your Dry, Brittle Nails (28)

      5

      Best Nail Strengthener for Weak Nails

      OPI Nail Envy Sensitive and Peeling

      Pros
      • The Best Nail Strengtheners to Heal Your Dry, Brittle Nails (29)Prevents breakage
      • The Best Nail Strengtheners to Heal Your Dry, Brittle Nails (30)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.

        6

        Best Nail Strengthener for Peeling Nails

        Zoya Naked Manicure Rescue and Repair Kit

        The Best Nail Strengtheners to Heal Your Dry, Brittle Nails (31)

        6

        Best Nail Strengthener for Peeling Nails

        Zoya Naked Manicure Rescue and Repair Kit

        Pros
        • The Best Nail Strengtheners to Heal Your Dry, Brittle Nails (32)Hydrating serum
        • The Best Nail Strengtheners to Heal Your Dry, Brittle Nails (33)Hardening base coat
        Cons
        • The Best Nail Strengtheners to Heal Your Dry, Brittle Nails (34)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.

        Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

        7

        Best Nail Strengthening Base Coat

        Essie Strong Start Nail Treatment

        The Best Nail Strengtheners to Heal Your Dry, Brittle Nails (35)

        7

        Best Nail Strengthening Base Coat

        Essie Strong Start Nail Treatment

        Pros
        • The Best Nail Strengtheners to Heal Your Dry, Brittle Nails (36)Protective coating
        • The Best Nail Strengtheners to Heal Your Dry, Brittle Nails (37)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.

          8

          Best Nail Strengthener for Ridges

          Dermelect Makeover Ridge Filler

          The Best Nail Strengtheners to Heal Your Dry, Brittle Nails (38)

          8

          Best Nail Strengthener for Ridges

          Dermelect Makeover Ridge Filler

          Pros
          • The Best Nail Strengtheners to Heal Your Dry, Brittle Nails (39)Tinted to combat discoloration
          • The Best Nail Strengtheners to Heal Your Dry, Brittle Nails (40)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).

            9

            Best Nail Strengthener for Thin Nails

            ella+mila Nail Strengthener

            The Best Nail Strengtheners to Heal Your Dry, Brittle Nails (41)

            9

            Best Nail Strengthener for Thin Nails

            ella+mila Nail Strengthener

            Pros
            • The Best Nail Strengtheners to Heal Your Dry, Brittle Nails (42)Sweetly scented
            • The Best Nail Strengtheners to Heal Your Dry, Brittle Nails (43)Long lasting
            Cons
            • The Best Nail Strengtheners to Heal Your Dry, Brittle Nails (44)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.

            Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

            10

            Best Nail Strengthening Cream for Dry Nails

            Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Creme

            The Best Nail Strengtheners to Heal Your Dry, Brittle Nails (45)

            10

            Best Nail Strengthening Cream for Dry Nails

            Eucerin Advanced Repair Hand Creme

            Pros
            • The Best Nail Strengtheners to Heal Your Dry, Brittle Nails (46)Nourishes skin and nails
            • The Best Nail Strengtheners to Heal Your Dry, Brittle Nails (47)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.

              11

              Best Nail Strengthener for Brittle Nails

              Nail-Aid Sapphire Strength Mega Growth Nail Polish

              The Best Nail Strengtheners to Heal Your Dry, Brittle Nails (48)

              11

              Best Nail Strengthener for Brittle Nails

              Nail-Aid Sapphire Strength Mega Growth Nail Polish

              Pros
              • The Best Nail Strengtheners to Heal Your Dry, Brittle Nails (49)Durable coating
              • The Best Nail Strengtheners to Heal Your Dry, Brittle Nails (50)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?

                The Best Nail Strengtheners to Heal Your Dry, Brittle Nails (51)

                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.

                Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

                Why trust Good Housekeeping?

                The Best Nail Strengtheners to Heal Your Dry, Brittle Nails (52)

                With a background in color cosmetic development, Danusia Wnek, a chemist in the Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab, spends hours in the cosmetic aisles at pharmacies or in makeup retailers researching the newest makeup launches for upcoming studies. She has spent years evaluating nail polishes and nail treatments in the Lab and with consumers. For this piece, she polled our 1,300 panelists to gain a better understanding of consumer nail care habits and review their favorite nail strengtheners.

                The Best Nail Strengtheners to Heal Your Dry, Brittle Nails (53)

                Danusia Wnek

                Senior Chemist

                Danusia (she/her) is a senior chemist in the Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she evaluates haircare, skincare, cosmetics and beauty tools. She holds a B.S. in chemistry from St. John’s University and a M.S. in pharmaceutical sciences with concentration in cosmetic science from the University of Cincinnati. Danusia has over 10 years of experience in the personal care industry including formulation, product development, claim evaluation and efficacy testing.

                The Best Nail Strengtheners to Heal Your Dry, Brittle Nails (2024)

                References

                Top Articles
                Blue Ribbon Irish Soda Bread Recipe
                aloo cheela recipe | aloo ka cheela or aloo chilla | potato pancakes recipe
                Access Ilearn Northwell
                Diesel Trucks For Sale in McAllen, TX
                Introduction to Active Directory Federation Services (AD FS) AlternateLoginID Feature
                Implementing Active Directory Federation Services step-by-step
                ! LIMITED DEAL ! 69 Large Soil Couch Potato Farm Plot ! Couch Pot... | ID 211183409 | PlayerAuctions
                Pre-Order Wizard101 All Lore Spells for any School On your Accoun... | ID 211172838 | PlayerAuctions
                Liberal Arts and Sciences (University College Roosevelt) - University College Roosevelt (Universiteit Utrecht) - Studiekeuze123 - Studiekeuze123
                Waarom de UU in Middelburg een tweede College heeft
                Chat Avenue Assessment In United States Of America 2023 Expenses, Pros & Cons
                My account - Signtrade
                Latest Posts
                Tamarind Chutney Recipe (Sweet Imli Chutney)
                Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff (Best Recipe) - Elavegan
                Article information

                Author: Kareem Mueller DO

                Last Updated:

                Views: 5742

                Rating: 4.6 / 5 (66 voted)

                Reviews: 89% of readers found this page helpful

                Author information

                Name: Kareem Mueller DO

                Birthday: 1997-01-04

                Address: Apt. 156 12935 Runolfsdottir Mission, Greenfort, MN 74384-6749

                Phone: +16704982844747

                Job: Corporate Administration Planner

                Hobby: Mountain biking, Jewelry making, Stone skipping, Lacemaking, Knife making, Scrapbooking, Letterboxing

                Introduction: My name is Kareem Mueller DO, I am a vivacious, super, thoughtful, excited, handsome, beautiful, combative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.