If Acrylics Ruined Your Nails, These Strengtheners Are Lifesavers

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Brittle nails are no fun—they crack, they bend easily, and they're not great at holding polish. But, weak nails happen to the best of us, and sometimes you need a convenient fix at home when you can't make it to the salon for some extra pampering or a gel gel manicure. Enter: at-home nail strengtheners.

"A lot of people feel like if their nails are weak, they have to let them breathe," says celebrity manicurist Rita Remark. "But I find that really funny because if your skin was dry, you'd put moisturizer on or, if your hair has split ends, you'd put on a treatment. Your nails are similar to every other part of your body," she says. "They need treatment if they're weak."

Nail strengtheners can help hydrate your nails, condition your cuticles, and, according to dermatologist Macey Delacambre, MD, possibly even help prevent it (more on this below!). When it comes to the kind of treatment to purchase, nail strengtheners are deceptively difficult to shop for. Luckily, Women's Health editors offered their personal favorites, interviewed two nail experts, and tapped product testers to determine the 15 best nail strengtheners for brittle, thin, and weak nails.

Nail Envy Nail Strengthener

Yeah, OPI nail strengthener errs on the pricer side, but people will be envious of how healthy your nails look after using it. This product is great to layer with nail polish, but will also give you some rejuvenation after taking off acrylics or dip powder.

It has vitamins A, C, and E, along with biotin and calcium, to stimulate growth and prevent chipping and breaking. Testers who used this products after harsh gels and acrylics say this is perfect for making nails feel rejuvenated. "I've had this for over a month now, and I love it," says one user. "I've tried several nail strengtheners, and those do not compare."

Advanced Hard-As-Nails Strengthening Top Coat

Celebrity nail artist Temeka Jackson loves this top coat for its longevity. Plus, if you're looking for an affordable find, it's a fan-favorite and can be found at most drugstores.

This formula is designed to provide an extra hard finish so nails don't break or split. And users say they notice a difference, noting extended manicure longevity compared to other top coats. Many also rave about its quick drying time and its gradual nail strengthening benefits. With just a small amount needed for every use, you're definitely getting a bang for your buck.

Hard-As-Nails Natural Tint

A second Sally Hansen pick, this hardener is another cult-classic. It's lightweight, super affordable, and has a delicate, natural-looking pink tint to it. So, you'll get stronger nails and a sweet-looking manicure at the same time.

Testers say this product doesn't peel easily and also has a lighter scent than other strengtheners on the market. "It’s not too sticky, but it’s consistent enough to cover and protect the nail," says one user. Others tout it for its simple yet chic glossy finish.

Hard-To-Resist Nail Strengthener

Essie may be known for their pretty shades of nail polish, but they also make a pretty good nail strengthener. This one in particular provides a shiny, subtle pink tint to nails while giving them some extra TLC. If you enjoy an at-home manicure but also want the added strengthening benefits, leave this on for three days in-between manicures to see some shocking results.

Users love that this strengthener dries fast and prevents smudging. They also agree that the thick formula allows for a smooth application process. "I apply two coats, and my nails look healthy and glowy," says one tester.

Nail Strengthening Cream

Not only will this nail strengthening cream make your nails less brittle, but it also conditions your cuticles using a mix of natural ingredients like calcium, vitamins, and hydrogenated jojoba oil. This is a great option if you're looking for some all-around awesome nail support.

Users who struggle with nail damage from acrylics say this strengthener has helped their nails grow stronger. "It's been two months, and I've had little to no breakage," says one tester. Others note that even though this product is a cream, the thicker consistency makes it easy to apply. Plus, it's super moisturizing.

5-to-7 Day Growth Treatment

If you're looking to grow your nails fast, the Nutra Nail Growth Treatment—it's a water-based formula that's infused with nutrients like keratin amino acids, collagen, and calcium—moisturizes and restores damaged nails while encouraging growth.

After a few weeks of testing this product two times per day, testers noticed a major difference in their nail strength. They also add that their nails have started to grow faster as well. "I have tried tons of nail hardeners, but they chip and only work for a few days," says one of our testers. "This one doesn't chip at all, and my nails grow quickly when I use it!"

Nail Recovery Kit

Everyone has, at one point or another, ripped off an acrylic and regretted it. In case of those emergencies, this nail recovery kit includes a nail strengthener, cuticle oil, and ridge filler so your nails feel as good as new in just a few days. "I recommend this every time a client has brittle nails," says Jackson. "They have a great system for layering and creating great results with consistency."

Testers who have experienced nail damage from acrylics say this kit has totally restored their nail health. "The clear coat actually stays on my nails, and I can truly see a difference in strength and color within a matter of days," reports one user.

Fingernail Conditioner

This is one of the most expensive options on this list (although it does come with two bottles!). Based on reviews, though, the splurge is worth it. The common consensus: FlexiNail gradually makes even the most brittle nails strong again by using a more natural formula that's free of harsh chemicals like formaldehyde and toluene.

One tester in their early 70s says this product completely restored her brittle nails. "I never thought I’d have nice looking hands again," she explains. "I’ve been using this product for approximately six weeks (twice daily) and can’t believe the results." Other users agree, saying they have healthier, stronger nails thanks to this hard-hitting conditioner.

Kur Restorative Nail Cream

Creams aren't quite as convenient as lacquers since they're a little messier than top coats that dry in a few seconds, but they work absolute wonders. This Londontown nail cream works best on dry, cracked, and brittle nails when worn overnight with gloves.

While some users feel that this product is a little on the pricier side, they agree that it's worth every penny. "It takes very little product to treat my nails daily," says one tester. "The container has lasted a month so far. It’s truly fantastic."

Multi-Purpose Nail Repair

If you're in a pinch and need healing fast, this Kerasal multi-purpose nail repair solution will cover all your bases. It's your all-in-one fix, tackling superficial nail damage and addressing concerns like fungus, nail psoriasis, and discoloration. Packed with urea, hydrating propylene glycol, and lactic acid, it penetrates the nail plate for effective results.

If you have severe nail damage, you'll be amazed at how quickly and efficiently this treatment works. "I’ve never had a split nail like this, and it would not heal no matter what I tried," says one of our testers. "When I put this product on twice a day, it finally started to heal." Others are equally thrilled with their results, with another user noting that it helps with discoloration (!!).

Keratin Growth Treatment

With nearly 28,000 five star reviews on Amazon, you'll get your money's worth when you purchase this nail strengthener—and at less than $5, it's not pricey at all. Like a keratin treatment for nails, it's formulated with amino acids that absorb into your weakest nail layers to harden them and promote growth. You can also use it over colored nail polish, which is an added plus.

Nail Oil Strengthener Treatment

Creams and other nail-strengthening treatments you rub on can often get messy, but not this one. The spill-proof nail strengthener is designed with a pen brush applicator that allows for you to apply the treatment without making a mess. It's also made with vitamin E and jojoba oils that will give your nails some much-needed hydration.

Testers who struggle with weak and brittle nails say they saw long-lasting results after consistent use. They also love how mess-free the treatment is. "I absolutely love the applicator," says one tester. "It makes applying on-the-go so quick and easy."

Nail Hardener

If you're looking for a low-lift treatment, this nail strengthener from Quimica Alemana is designed to be used just once a week. You start by applying it to part of your nail, and then eventually you can move on to applying it to your entire nail, avoiding your cuticle. Reviewers swear it helps weak nails grow pretty fast. According to one tester, "your nails literally become hard instantly, and after a week—maybe two—start to grow very fast."

Strong Start Base Coat

Unlike the Essie Hard-To-Resist Nail Strengthener, this base coat from is made to go under polish to strengthen and harden your nails at a budget-friendly price. "It is extremely important to have a prominent, nail-strengthening base before you can apply a top coat or polish," says Jackson. She adds that when it comes to applying a base coat, using a healing product can really seal the deal.

Testers say that applying two coats of this gives their nails a healthy glow. One person says it's especially helpful during cold and dry months. Users also love that it doesn't have a strong scent to it.

La Base

While this product sits at a higher price point, it definitely lives up to the hype. It's designed to nourish your nails while visually correcting any discoloration. Even WH editors love it. "I love using press on nails, but sometimes they cause damage if I take them off too soon," says WH editorial assistant Sabrina Talbert. "This provides such a nice shine to my nails while keeping them healthy between sets."

How we chose the best nail strengtheners

For the past year, Women’s Health editors, including our editorial assistant Sabrina Talbert and commerce editor Jasmine Gomez, researched the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated nail strengtheners. Our team consulted two celebrity nail artists and evaluated thousands of customer reviews and ratings to narrow down the best nail strengtheners for a wide range of needs and preferences.

Meet the experts

• Rita Remark is a celebrity manicurist

• Temeka Jackson is a celebrity nail artist

What to look for in a nail strengthener

As with any great beauty product, the quality of the nail strengthener really depends on the needs of the person. However, there a few things to consider when shopping for the best one for you.

Consistency

Most nail strengtheners come packaged similarly to nail polish, and that's usually the best option for the sake of convenience. However, if you're looking for a more hearty nail treatment, strengthening creams or multi-step treatments might be the better way to go, says Remark.

Creams tend to provide more thorough care if used properly and consistently. Remark also adds that you should always add strengthener to your bare nails, even if it's not damaged.

Ingredients

Some ingredients might only enhance the appearance of your nails without truly benefiting their health, notes Remark. If you want a double whammy, look for nail strengtheners that are advertised as clinically-proven or results-driven, she adds. "What we want is actually healthier nails at the end of the treatment."

One ingredient Remark recommends looking for is an MSM compound, which is a stronger chemical that acts as a bonding agent and can help fix ridged nails. You can find this in Essie Essie Hard to Resist Strengthener, for example.

Do nail strengtheners really work?

"Yes, 100 percent," Remark tells WH. Sure, nail strengtheners might look like regular nail polish, but they actually work magic on your nails. A good nail strengthener (like any off this list) will hydrate and heal your nails using specific vitamins and ingredients.

That might change depending on what you need—growth, repair, or shine—but any strengthener is better than nothing.

How can I harden my nails naturally?

The best way to harden your nails naturally is through your diet and self-care. Nail strengtheners are a great supplement, but if you aren't staying hydrated and eating a healthy diet, it probably won't do much for you.

"To me, the best way to get your nails looking and feeling strong is with consistent care," Remark says. "It's not like a magic, one-stop shop, but you should take note of how your nails feel on a regular basis. If they feel really soft, maybe it's time to trim them down."

Remark also emphasizes that nails are different for everyone. Thin nails doesn't necessarily mean unhealthy nails—that could just be your genetics.

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