14 Best Nail Strengtheners for Your Strongest Nails Ever

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. 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.

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. However, some reviewers said there was a strong, unpleasant smell with this product.

In my humble opinion, this nail treatment is a huge nail innovation. From one of the founders of Olaplex, ePhD brought the bonding technology found in hair products into the nail space. This serum nail strengthener absorbs quickly into nails and instantly makes them look great and over time feel stronger. There are only two ingredients (both are vegan). Plus, it can be used under nail polish or gel manicures to keep your nails strong. Some online reviewers said they did not see results within the first week, but the overall feedback is there are small improvements in the first few weeks and greater improvements after some months of use.

The 3-step nail system, created by a dermatologist, includes a glycolic acid exfoliator, a buffing wand and a hydrating serum that work together to improve the appearance of brittle nails. A study done by the brand showed consumers saw smoother nails after one application and less peeling, as well as brighter nails after 2 weeks of use. It's a bit pricier than other picks on this list, but you only need to apply the products in this set once a week and the impressive results make this worth the extra bucks.

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.

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. Some reviewers said the polish chipped quickly, which is slightly noticeable due to the subtle tint.

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. Many reviewers reported quick chipping of the polish. For the best results, apply two coats the first day and one every other day.

Not only does this varnish include film formers to give the effect of stronger nails, but it's also tinted to conceal discoloration. I like using the Raspberry tint because it instantly makes my nails look shiny and healthier without looking like polish, but it's now available in multiple tints to choose from. The formula contains raspberry extract, sweet almond oil, AHAs and lactobacillus ferment to help nourish and brighten dull nails. Some online reviewers reported that the polish did not last long and chipped quickly, but many said it dried excellently and lasted beyond a week.

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.

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. However, many reviewers said the polish began to chip after two days.

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), a plant-derived carbohydrate complex that is typically found in many hair and skin products for its moisturizing properties. Here, pentavitin serves to moisturize the nails.

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.

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.

Calcium is purported to strengthen nails, and this clear, glossy Nail-Aid nail strengthener includes calcium in the formula. 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. There were mixed opinions from online reviewers, however, with a decent split between positive results and no significant changes in their nails.