What is the best nail hardener?

11 Best Nail Hardeners to Strengthen Your Nails

While there are numerous skincare regimens for the face, hands, and feet, our nails, often made from the same protein as the top layer of our skin, may be neglected. This neglect can lead to nails splitting or breaking uncomfortably.

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We consulted nail experts to gather all you need to know to properly nourish your nails, including their recommendations for the best nail hardeners to repair damaged nails.

According to Harvard Medical School, brittle nails that crack or peel are quite common, affecting more than one in four women. Factors such as dehydration, nail-biting, and even daily activities like typing can contribute to this issue. Nail care experts thus advise using nail strengtheners for those who frequently experience nail splitting or cracking.

Quick Links: How We Selected the Best Nail Strengtheners | The Best Nail Strengtheners for 2024 | Shopping Tips for Nail Strengtheners

How We Selected the Best Nail Strengtheners

To identify the best nail strengtheners, we sought expert advice and included products that feature active healing ingredients, discussed below.

"Nail strengtheners offer additional protection and help nails grow thicker and stronger over time," says Dr. Randa Jaafar, a specialist in interventional pain and wrinkle reduction. "They contain essential nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, and E, which nourish and safeguard the nail. With regular use, these ingredients can enhance the strength and overall health of your nails."

The Best Nail Strengtheners for 2024

Numerous nail strengtheners are available today, many using similar ingredients for optimal results. Choosing the best one depends on factors like application type, frequency, and cost. To assist you, we have curated some highly-rated options based on expert advice.

Best Overall Nail Strengthener: Essie Hard To Resist Advanced

The key active ingredient in this product is methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), known for enhancing nail strength. Recommended by Rita Remark, Essie’s global lead educator and nail artist, this strengthener is ideal for nails weakened by gel or acrylic manicures.

Type: Polish | Active ingredients: Methylsulfonylmethane | Size: 0.46 fl oz | Usage: Apply two coats to clean nails, wear for three days in between manicures

Best for Nail Growth: Nail-Aid Keratin 3-Day Growth Nail Treatment

Keratin, a vital protein for nail growth, is a key ingredient in this strengthener, endorsed by NBC Select editor Lauren Swanson. Regular application can enhance nail growth in just a few days.

Type: Polish | Active ingredients: Keratin, vitamin D, wheat protein | Size: 0.55 fl oz | Usage: Apply two coats to clean nails, allowing each coat to dry fully. Add an extra coat every three days.

Best for Damaged Nails: modelones Nail Ridge Filling Strengthener

Rita Remark recommends avoiding strengtheners with formaldehyde. This modelones product is free from formaldehyde and other harmful ingredients, relying on keratin and jojoba oil for strength. It's highly rated on Amazon.

Type: Polish | Active ingredients: Vitamin E oil, keratin, jojoba oil | Size: 0.5 fl oz | Usage: Apply two coats to clean nails, wear for up to seven days

Best Nail-Strengthening Hand Lotion: Vaseline Healthy Hand & Nail Conditioning Lotion

This dual-purpose lotion moisturizes the skin with Vaseline Jelly and strengthens nails using mineral oil and keratin, recommended by expert Thea Green. Customers have reported improved nail strength within weeks.

Type: Lotion | Active ingredients: Mineral oil, keratin | Size: 3.4 or 6.8 fl oz | Usage: Rub into hands as often as needed

Best Nail Strengthener Oil: CND SolarOil Nail & Cuticle Care

Vitamin E and jojoba oil, vital for healthy nails and moisture retention, are primary ingredients in this product. Highly rated by over 26,000 customers on Amazon.

Type: Oil/Polish | Active ingredients: Vitamin E oil, almond seed oil, jojoba oil | Size: 0.25 fl oz | Usage: Apply daily to nails

Best Nail Strengthener Polish: OPI Nail Envy

Known for its strengthening ingredients like hydrolyzed wheat protein and calcium, this versatile product can be used alone or as a base coat. It’s stylish and effective, with many positive reviews on Amazon.

Type: Polish | Active ingredients: Wheat protein, vitamins A, E, and C, biotin, calcium | Size: 0.5 fl oz | Usage: Apply two coats, then one additional coat daily for six days

Best Nail Strengthener Cream: Elon Lanolin-Rich Nail Conditioner

Best used a couple of times daily, this cream’s primary ingredient, lanolin, minimizes water loss through the skin, aiding in preventing nail cracking and cuticle peeling. It has received high ratings from customers.

Type: Cream | Active ingredients: Lanolin, oxyquinoline, beeswax | Size: 0.35 oz | Usage: Apply two to four times daily

This vegan, cruelty-free formula enriched with vitamin E avoids harmful chemicals like acetone and formaldehyde. It also works under polish, though it may reduce the manicure’s lifespan. The product has received favorable reviews on Amazon.

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Best Nail Strengthener Top Coat: duri Rejuvacote 1 Nail Growth System

This product doubles as a base and top coat, maintaining moisture and supplying collagen and fatty acids for healthier nails. It has an excellent average rating on Amazon.

Type: Polish | Active ingredients: Wheat protein, soy protein, calcium | Size: 0.45 fl oz | Usage: As a base coat, apply once, then use as a top coat for seven days. For solo use, apply two coats and continue as directed.

Best Nail Strengthener Base Coat: Sally Hansen Maximum Growth

NBC Select SEO editor Nikki Brown recommends this product to rejuvenate nails after removing acrylic tips. This strengthener, enriched with protein and silk, serves as a clear polish while nourishing nails.

Type: Polish | Active ingredients: Hydrolyzed silk, corn protein, wheat protein | Size: Apply one coat to clean nails every other day or use as a base coat under polish

Shopping Tips for Nail Strengtheners

Experts suggest looking for specific ingredients when choosing a nail strengthener. "Look for calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, and E," says Dr. Jaafar.

Essential Ingredients in Nail Strengtheners

• Calcium: Crucial for strong nails, a deficiency can lead to brittle and thin nails.
• Magnesium: Important for protein synthesis, which is essential for nail growth.
• Vitamin A: Promotes hydration and nail growth through keratin synthesis.
• Vitamin C: Necessary for collagen production, which helps in building strong nails.
• Vitamin E: Keeps nails hydrated and protects cuticles, especially when used as an oil around the nail bed.

Ingredients to Avoid in Nail Products

• Formaldehyde: Can make nails more brittle and may cause allergic reactions.
• Toluene: Linked to nervous system damage, restricted in the EU for use in beauty products.
• Dibutyl phthalate: Linked to endocrine issues, also banned in the EU for nail polish and other beauty products.

Frequently Asked Questions

"Applying and removing a nail strengthener every four to five days can help keep your nails protected," says Rita Remark. For daily-use products like lotions and oils, frequent application can be most effective.

While not all nail strengtheners promote growth, they prevent breakage crucial for those looking to grow out their nails.

The compatibility of nail strengtheners with other polishes varies. Many traditional nail strengtheners cannot be used under gel manicures, but they are recommended between manicures for added strength.

Concerns about the safety of gel manicures relate more to the UV exposure involved. Experts recommend applying sunblock before and after gel manicures. Proper application and removal by a professional can reduce the risk of nail damage.

To remove gel polish at home, file the surface, soak cotton pads in pure acetone, place them on your nails, and wrap them with foil. After 10-15 minutes, gently remove the flakes with a cuticle pusher. Repeat as necessary and buff with a high-grit buffer.

Meet Our Experts

We collaborate with experts who possess specialized knowledge and experience. Our recommendations are independently made without financial conflicts of interest.

• Dr. Randa Jaafar: Anesthesiologist and pain specialist, founder of FILD Studio.
• Thea Green: Founder of Nails.INC.
• Rita Remark: Editorial manicurist and educator featured in top fashion outlets.

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