Nails can become brittle and fragile as a result of extended water contact from hand washing, frequent gel nail paint removal, and getting overly indulged in fancy acrylics. Though these habits tend to hamper the appearance of nails, dont forgo your beloved acrylics or gel manicures, instead consider adding the best nail strengtheners to your nail care kit. These products promise to cure cuticle problems and stiffen nails, preventing peeling and breakage with continued usage. Moreover, infused with a variety of key ingredients like vitamins, fatty acids and proteins that can make nails tougher, stronger, and healthier, the product doesn't hold back on providing the best to your dull Frenchies. 

Nail strengthening products, including nail serums and creams, are both beneficial for your French tips. In tandem, Anna Misztela, a Board licensed Esthetician, and our contributor states that there is no real advantage of one over the other. Though they may differ in texture and viscosity, they will deliver equivalent results. So, rather than concentrating on whether it is a serum or cream, take a close look at the ingredient label to ensure there are no potentially toxic additives in the formulation.

With careful consideration and expert reviews, we have narrowed down the best products that hit the "nail on the head" with their top-quality base coat formulations from the best nail care brands. Now, without further ado, swipe down to take a look at our top recommendations for nail strengtheners!

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  Editor’s Pick

  Onyx Professional Hard As Hoof Nail Strengthening Cream

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This nail strengthening cream's top-rated formula is a lifesaver for thin, brittle nails. Onyx's nail treatment contains fortifying ingredients like beeswax and vitamin A, C, D, and E, which intend to repair the cuticles and prevent any further damage for healthier, stronger nails. It also goes out of its way to feed nails with nourishing vitamins that are damaged by acrylics and helps them grow out in a month or two, as several reviews have noted. After testing, we found the cream to be super creamy and non-sticky. Lastly, it stayed on the nails for a couple of hours without leaving a residue. 

2

Value for Money

Nail-Aid Keratin 3 Day Growth

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Acrylics, along with press-ons, may be quite harmful to the cuticles and nails if not handled properly, thus resulting in rough and cracked nails. To mend them into shape, the Keratin 3 Day Growth is a potent and fast-acting nail oil that claims to strengthen the nail beds as well as aid in growth. It contains the goodness of keratin and amino acids that replenish damaged nails. Hence, we recommend applying this solution as a base and top coat to save your freshly manicured nails from any damage and keep them healthy throughout the use.

3

Best for Glossy Nails

Essie Hard To Resist Nail Strengthener Set

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This nail strengthener intends to create a protective barrier against daily wear and tear and deliver a radiant glow to dull nails. The Hard to Resist Treatment set is crafted with a natural pink tint that provides instant nail strength and improves resistance for less brittle nails. Moreover, it also works as a top coat for your French tips and gives it a radiant shine. To note, what difficulty we faced while trying out this nourishing treatment was that it dries the cuticle area. 

4

Splurge-Worthy

O.P.I Nail Envy & ProSpa Cuticle Oil Bundle

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Get ready for your nails to be envied by all with this nail-enriching duo by the famous nail care brand, O.P.I. The duo comprises a nail strengthener enriched with calcium and protein to revive damaged nails, and a nail oil that is fortified with natural ingredients like grape seed, sesame, kukui, sunflower, and cupuaçu oils. All in all, the nail treatment moisturizes dry nails and enriches your cuticles to make them healthy again. After putting it to the test, we noticed the Pro Spa oil penetrates deep into the skin and nails and makes them look neat and hydrated for a couple of days.

5

Best for Nail Growth

MAVALA Scientifique K+ Keratin Nail Hardener

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The tip of our nails is what suffers the most from manicures and daily life activities. As a result, it is more likely to be weakened. That's where this treatment appears to work best as it hardens and strengthens the nails. This Swiss nail treatment features keratin, an active element, that promotes keratin fiber cohesion, allowing the three primary nail layers to not split. It also contains crystal resin tears, a pistachio mastic tree gum that aids in the natural keratinization process of nails, thereby strengthening them. 

6

Best for Weak Nails

Nail Tek Hydrate Moisturizing Strengthener

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This luxe moisturizing formulation by NailTek is loaded with actives like calcium and vitamin A and E to offer extra strength to even the most severely brittle nails. Addedly, it contains pentavitin, a unique 'water magnet molecule' that helps in speedy development of natural nails while strengthening and protecting the nails. After conducting experiments with it, we found the formula works to stimulate nail growth and seals in moisture so that the nails are left hydrated.

7

Best for Repairing Damaged Nails

Gena Healthy Hoof Intensive Protein Treatment

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Though the name may be deceiving, one can be confident that their "hoofs" will be well taken care of with this product. This nourishing nail cream contains castor oil, lanolin, and aloe vera, which work together to moisturize the nails and cuticles, eliminating the chances of damaged surfaces and painful hangnails. This is where the protein-rich therapy comes into play since soybean contains protein and antioxidants that restore nails to their former glory. 

8

Best Nail Strengthening Duo

Morovan Nail Pre Dehydrator And X-Strength Primer Set

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This exclusive set comprises a nail prep dehydrator and an x-strength primer, which together deliver a strong base for gel nail applications. To note, the dehydrator removes oils from the nail bed and generates a dry surface. Meanwhile, by forming an adhesive link between the nail and the product, the primer adds an extra layer of protection. Moreover, we loved how it comes in an elegant gift box, bringing convenience and style to its users in case they wish to give it to someone special or just treat themselves!

9

Most Portable Option

SEACRET CUTICLE OIL

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Bid goodbye to the inconvenience of combating brittle nails by implementing Seacret’s nail-strengthening cuticle oil into your self-care regime. It prepares the nail base for you to create various nail art trends and prevents the nail bed from weakening. To add on, it enhances the hydration levels of the nail shafts and prevents breakage due to dehydration. Furthermore, it gets absorbed easily, does not leave any greasy residue, and prevents the nails from breaking. Lastly, the product is hypo-allergenic tested and is one of the most suitable choices for sensitive and allergy-prone skin.

10

Best for Peeling Nails

CND SolarOil

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CND’s SolarOil is an effective and modernized approach to healing dry, brittle, and peeling nails. The product has a smooth, pen-based applicator that conditions brittle nails and strengthens the grip between the nail bed and the shaft. Moreover, it contains emollients like vitamin E that prevent moisture loss and give the nails a youthful, supple appearance. Furthermore, it strengthens and also conditions brittle nails. Lastly, it contains sweet almond oil and vitamin E which make it one of the best choices for aging skin as it strengthens the existing keratin bonds within the nail structure. 

11

Beetles Builder Nail Gel

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Easy to wear and fast-absorbing, this alcohol-free nail builder provides the adequate formula to stick your acrylics on. The mess-free applicator helps you sculpt your nails as you desire without the monomer odor or excess dust. One happy customer shares her experience with the esteemed product being one of the best nail strengtheners she has ever found. "They keep my nails strong and look longer like having gel tips, I am in control of the shape of my nails and I'm much happier now", shares the same person.

12

Modelones Nail Strengthener

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With a whopping rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 6,999 Amazon customers, this Modelones product is a cult favorite for its enriched formula. This nail strengthener emphasizes that its formula is devoid of not only formaldehyde but also potentially hazardous and weakening components (such as perfumes and phthalates). In contrast, it makes use of expert-recommended ingredients like keratin and jojoba oil. Moreover, the product is compatible with all gel nails, and acrylic powders available in the market.

13

Barielle Hydrating Ridge Filler

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Dehydration tends to cause ridges and cracks on the not-so healthy nails making them look not so pretty even after a good manicure. To fix this, we suggest  Barielle’s top-rated product, the Hydrating Ridge Filler. Infused with silk protein fibers, the gel will nourish and moisturize your nails, leaving them strong and healthy. When we tried the product, we found the ridge filler levels out the nail surface, and the fibers reinforce the entire nail. Apart from its great ingredients, a small note for those with sensitive skin is to take a pass on this product as it contains alcohol and irritant components.

14

Sally Hansen Diamond Strength Nail Hardener

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If diamonds are your nails' best friend, girl, this dazzling pick is just for you. Considered one of the best nail care formulations by Sally Hansen, the nail hardener seals fragile nail layers with a nearly shatterproof, protective shield that is as hard as a diamond. The formulation comprises a micro-diamond and titanium mixture, which attaches to your nails instantaneously, strengthening them while also practically eliminating breakage, peeling, and tearing. After putting it to the test, we found out that it dried pretty quickly and stayed put without chipping at all. 

15

SULLMAR 4 in 1 Manicure Kit

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Say goodbye to damaged nails with the ultimate nail care kit by Sullmar. The kit comprises a gel cream, primer, strengthener, and cuticle oil to consistently improve the quality of your fingernails with a set regimen. To note, the products contain argan oil, jojoba oil, vitamin E, and plant extracts to prevent the nail surfaces from yellowing and improve the condition of dull nails. When we tried the products, we found out that the calcium primer helps to prevent nail breakage and delamination, and it can be followed by the cuticle remover gel cream to soften the skin around the nail quickly. Moreover, we recommend using the nail strengthener and cuticle oil, in the end, to maintain luster and boost wear resistance.

16

Orly Nailtrition Nail Growth Treatment

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This ‘Barbie-esque’ pretty-in-pink mix is the best nail care product for sensitive nails seeking a refreshing boost. While restoring hangnails, its ingredients like wheat protein, keratin, and bamboo extracts also help stimulate healthier nails. Addedly, infused with keratin proteins, this nail treatment enables moisture restoration and nail protection. Besides, collagen helps accelerate the growth of short and puny nails in weeks. To note more, many reviewers laud the gentle formulation as it doesn't dry out their cuticles or skin!

17

Éclat Nail Strengthener

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One of the best skincare brands, Éclat, promises to boost 5x more collagen production with the help of this nail strengthener. With nail fortifying technology, it introduces kaolin clay that fills ridges while castor oil forms a protective barrier around your delicate fingernails. Moreover, the product contains camomile to add moisture and vitamin E to strengthen the nail plate and brighten off-color, yellowing nails. Furthermore, our team discovered after using this product that the texture seems too watery, but the formulation is super enriching to the cuticles and nails. All in all, it's a must-have for brittle and dry nails!

Now that you have gone through our top recommendations for the best nail strengtheners, glance through our buying guide to make an informed purchasing decision. 

Here are a few factors to consider before purchasing a nail strengthener - 

• Formulation: To get the most out of the nail strengthener, try searching for a highly absorbent one that spreads less and heals the fingertips more. Also, if you tend to fidget a lot, try applying the creamiest or thickest creams at night for optimal application. This helps the formula to dry quicker and stay on for a longer time. We recommend opting for serum-like nail strengtheners that get absorbed fast and usually include moisturizing ingredients to rehydrate dry, brittle nails.
• Ingredients: Always pay close attention to the ingredients list as it can make or break your pretty nails. Fortifying ingredients like vitamin E, biotin, and keratin are all substances found in skin care products that serve to nourish and strengthen the nails. Vitamin C, like how it may brighten your complexion, provides shine and a layer of protection to your nails. If your nails are dull, use treatments containing AHAs such as glycolic and lactic acid to repair and revitalize the nail surface. As per Anna Misztela, our contributor, nails can certainly harden especially if you are eating a complete and healthy nutritious diet even without the use of serums.
• Reviews: Many happy customers rave about the benefits nail serums have brought to the table of nail care. With loads of women praising fast recovery from having split and brittle nails, many find nail strengtheners a quick-and-easy solution. Furthermore, we found that more than half of the customers recommend using the product for almost a month or two to ripe the benefits. 

Conclusion:

The above-mentioned nail strengtheners were chosen with meticulous care and based on the inclusion of potent ingredients, texture, absorbency, and hydrating prowess. We recommend opting for nail strengtheners as they help maintain the appearance and health of your hoofs without having to spend your time and money on a manicurist at all. These products can also be used at home with convenience and are totally portable, making the best nail strengtheners a must in your nail care regimen! 

Contributor: Anna Misztela, Board licensed Esthetician, Founder of Brand Beauty&Cutie