The secret to longer, healthier-looking nails is keep them strong. This will help avoid peeling or premature breakage. So, if your nails aren’t looking their best, it may be time to invest in one of our best nail strengtheners to repair the damage.
Nail strengtheners come in a range of formats — from polishes to creams and oils. To help you find the best one to give your tips some TLC, the Good Housekeeping Institute put over 40 brands to the test.
These are the winning formulas but keep reading for our experts' full reviews.
What causes nails to become weak?
Just like with our skin and hair, nails can become brittle and dry when we don’t drink enough water, so make sure to get your two litres a day.
Ripping off gel nails or getting acrylics without a break in between appointments will also weaken them. Always get them removed professionally, or give them the proper DIY removal treatment at home.
Wearing rubber gloves when handling detergents and bleach is also a must, as overexposure to these chemicals can make nails soft, resulting in splitting or breaking.
Noticed it takes your nails forever to grow? You could be lacking in vitamin C. Make sure your diet includes foods that are a good source of the vitamin, including citrus fruit and vegetables. Taking a collagen supplement may also help improve the quality of your nails, as well as your skin and hair.
However, all these methods do require a bit of patience. A strengthening product, on the other hand, can make a huge difference to the appearance of your nails in weeks.
What do nail strengtheners do?
Most strengthening treatments include proteins and nourishing oils to help relieve any brittleness and peeling, leaving nails looking and feeling stronger.
We’ve also noted whether the below products contain formaldehyde, phthalates and toluene in case you want to avoid them. They’re most commonly found in industrial cleaning products, so it’s understandable you may be wary of applying them to your skin, but in beauty products they’re used to prolong shelf life. While they do have a bit of a bad reputation, they don’t cause any damage at this low potency or in this format.
How we test
Our panel of 770 women tested 42 brands of nail strengtheners over one month. They judged each one based on how easy it was to apply, the drying time, and whether they saw any improvements in nail strength.
They also noted whether the products helped with peeling or flakiness, as well as if they had an impact on smoothness. You'll find our panel's top picks marked with the GHI Approved logo below. Underneath, we've also included some of our editors' favourite treatments to give you more choice and cater to all needs and budgets.
Nail Defense Strengthening Treatment
Score: 90/100
Our winning formula is enriched with proteins that aim to seal and prevent breakages. We found it lived up to this promise, and were impressed by how well it kept nails intact.
Some testers spotted nail growth too, while others appreciated its glossy sheen and how well it lasted without chipping. For best results, use as a base coat.
Dadi'Oil Organic Nail Treatment
Score: 86/100
This oil claims to soften tough skin and moisturise nails and the skin surrounding them, making it a top choice for anyone with dry hands.
In our tests, it lived up to its claims and was voted best for hydration, with everyone finding it relieved dryness, without causing any irritation. Testers found the oil quickly absorbed into skin too, and helped improve the condition of their cuticles.
£4.95 at nailpolishdirect.co.uk
Nail Care All-in-One Nail Polish Base Coat and Top Coat
Score: 86/100
This polish can be used as a base or top coat and aims to leave nails looking stronger and more even. It did take over two weeks to see results but most of our panellists said it left nails stronger and helped to prevent the usual peeling and breakages.
Base Coat Abricot
Score: 85/100
A staple among celebrity manicurists, this polish works to create that “your-nails-but-better” effect. Testers loved the healthy tint it provided, with almost everyone saying it made uneven nails look and feel smoother. One tester even found it immediately stopped their nails from peeling, too.
Diamond Strength Instant Nail Hardener
Score: 85/100
Promising to make nails shine bright like a diamond, and replicate their strength too, our testers rated this one for its instant strengthening impact.
Our panel said it made nails instantly more resilient against breakages, with most experiencing less peeling. Some felt it wasn’t as good at improving the long-term condition of their nails, but it’s ideal if you’re looking for a quick fix.
Daily Nutritive Nail and Cuticle Serum
Score: 84/100
The handy, compact design of this serum was a hit among testers, while the brush applicator makes it ideal for on-the-go use.
Our panel felt it was nourishing without being greasy, with most saying it left their nails hydrated. They were impressed with its strengthening ability too, saying it made their nails look and feel stronger.
Phenomen Oil Intensive Moisturiser
Score: 84/100
Here’s another quick fix. If you’re short on time, our testers found this oil had the fastest positive impact on their nails. It improved their condition after just one week, with everyone saying it boosted hydration, and most reporting stronger nails.
Many told us it helped relieve cracked and chapped hands too, which is essential after using drying antibacterial gels, for example. As an added plus, this multipurpose oil can be used on elbows, feet, knees — you name it.
Gel Rehab Strengthening Nail Treatment
Score: 84/100
Promising to be a “one coat recovery” solution for nails in need of TLC, testers found this polish lived up to its claims, noticing a difference in just one week. Those with damage caused by gels or acrylics all said their nails looked stronger after use.
Neem Nail and Cuticle Oil
Score: 83/100
If going for a manicure fills you with dread because of how sensitive your cuticles are, this gentle oil should do the trick. All our testers reported zero irritation while using it, and said it helped to improve the appearance of cuticles and reduce nail flakiness.
They described the texture as “luxurious” but some struggled to dispense the right amount at one time, due to the pump format. However, there is a handy pen alternative to keep in your handbag, if you’d prefer.
Hard Rock Nail Hardener Top and Base Coat
Score: 83/100
Want stronger nails but not willing to compromise on looks? Our testers found this polish worked well as a base coat, so you can get that punch of colour and know your nails are still being nourished underneath.
After two weeks, almost everyone said their nails felt more resilient, with most finding it helped keep tears at bay.
£12.06 at thefragranceshop.co.uk
Editors' picks
Nail Envy Nail Strengthener
If you’re partial to a time-saving manicure, let us introduce you to this two-in-one polish and strengthening treatment. We love the ‘Double Nude-y’ colour for nailing (sorry) the quiet luxury trend, and it feels good to know you’re nourishing your keratin and encouraging growth while maintaining your grooming routine and looking undeniably cute. No topcoat necessary.
Nail Nurse Stronger Nail Polish, 12ml
This is one we've been using for years to bring broken and brittle nails back to health, and it's not called 'nail nurse' for nothing. It's got an adorable pink, natural-looking and glossy hue if you don't want to put any colour over the top, and it can help nails look and feel more robust in just a few days. For the same price as a London pint, that's pretty good going.
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