The Best Nail Strengtheners to Repair Weak, Peeling, and Cracked Nails

We updated this article in April 2022 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team (and that of our sister team at the Good Housekeeping Institute).

If you deal with nails that are dry and brittle or are frustrated by their stunted growth, the problem at hand suggests you may have damaged digits. Constant hand washing and sanitizing, acrylic manicures, and general aging can all contribute to weakened nails—along with bad habits like biting or peeling your cuticles. But, the best nail strengtheners can help you get stronger, healthier nails, asap.

Nail strengthening products usually come in the form of clear polish, though sometimes can be found in a cream-like formula that you just rub on. Strengtheners often add a hard coating to the nail while also infusing them with nourishing ingredients to help repair damage.

“Nail strengtheners help protect the nail in several ways. First, they seal in moisture to combat dry, brittle nails,” explains Michele Farber, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Philadelphia. “They can also provide protein and collagen to help provide the building blocks to stimulate nail growth.”

Now that you know a little bit more about how nail strengtheners work, it’s time to find the ideal one for you. Check out the effective and affordable options below to give your nails the love they deserve.

How we chose

We consulted Dr. Farber, Snehal Amin, M.D., F.A.C.M.S., F.A.A.D., co-founder and surgical director of MDCS Dermatology in NYC, the Good Housekeeping Institute (GHI) who tests countless products to ensure a fair and accurate representation of each item, and countless customer reviews to find the best nail strengtheners available.

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