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Although we adore a cheery summer shade and embracing the latest nail trends, there's no denying the beauty of showcasing your nails in their natural glory with a pretty buff mani. Not to mention, sometimes you just want to let your nails "breathe" in between fancy gel manicures. For times when they're in recovery mode (or you just want to stun in your natural nail glory), applying a coat of nail strengthener will make all the difference to your nail game. A little TLC goes a long way, especially when it comes to nail care that you can do in the comfort of your own home.
These products are a great fix for nails that are weak, brittle, or cracking. We've rounded up everything from vegan options to doctor-recommended and personal favorites. So long as you use the right ones, rest assured: Nail strengtheners are not bad for your nails. But finding the best fit for you can be tricky. That's why we've enlisted the help of two seasoned pros. Their picks for the best products for strengthening nails span polishes, top coats, treatments, and even supplements. Translation: There's sure to be one to suit your needs. When you're ready to have the strongest, longest, healthiest nails in your friend group, please scroll through the following best nail-strengthening options.
Let's kick this off with an editor's personal favorite: the Nailkale Superfood Base Coat. Yes, theoretically this is a "base coat," but our editor has been using this for over five years because it makes their nails so incredibly healthy, strong, and long to the point that everyone thinks they have acrylics on. 10/10 recommend.
This nail strengthener is a vegan option made with horsetail leaf extract and vitamin E. Aside from the great strengthening benefits, the packaging of this piece is beautifully made for all you design-forward consumers.
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This hydrating serum is made for both your hands and nails. The nail-strengthening ingredients can be found directly on the bottle, and it promises to fix broken and brittle nails. Users have raved over its ability to heal cuticles and make nails shinier.
This is one of the OG nail strengthening products, and celebrity manicurist Sunshine, the woman behind Solange's and Mariah Carey's manis, loves it for its accessible price point. "One application a week is all you need, and you'd normally use it as a base coat under your polish of choice," she says. "It's known as the 'nail clinic in a bottle' because it's a fast fix that can protect against chipping and cracking."
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This is Sunshine's top pick—and for good reason: In addition to strengthening and hardening nails, it's infused with hydrolyzed wheat protein, hydrolyzed soy protein, keratin, and calcium to stimulate nail growth. "You apply it every day for two weeks—once as a base coat, once as a top coat," Sunshine explains. "After that, you can just use it once weekly. It protects the nail but also adds flexibility, which is essential for nail growth."
Apply this as a base or top coat and marvel at your shiny, healthy nails. The double dose of plant-derived protein helps enhance flexibility and repair damage.
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This product is packed with nourishing oils to revive weak nails (particularly those that need rehabbing from gel manicures). The brand promises that after just three weeks of use, you'll have stronger, healthier nails.
This super versatile option (you can use it as a top or base coat or on bare nails) strengthens and protects with diamond powder and protein. "This is the one I'd choose if my nails were weak coming out of several months of wearing gel manicures," says Sunshine.
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Another option for getting stronger nails: the supplement route. These gummies combine biotin and folic acid to fortify hair and nails with a berry blend to offer antioxidant protection. It's the whole package in one delicious bite.
Here's an option that's free of seven potentially toxic chemicals and infused with nourishing vitamin E. The application process is a bit trickier, says Sunshine: "Apply one coat after your nails are manicured, and then remove and apply again on week two. On the third week, apply one coat every other day but remove and apply after day two and apply again. Repeat that process for one more week, and, once completed, continue to use as a base coat under your polish of choice." This is for those who can commit, clearly.
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This is your base coat, nail polish, top coat, and treatment all wrapped up in one. There are many different colors to choose from, and it helps your nails regain strength with argan oil and vitamins B5 and C.
There's some serious medical science behind this brand, and it's great to use after removing artificial nails. It's formulated with a special protein-peptide that wards off free radical damage while conditioning and hydrating.
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For those seeking a vegan option, this is the product for you. It promises longer and stronger nails in 14 days, repairing damage and increasing elasticity via bamboo extract, algae, hemp oil, and green tea.
Strong nails are flexible nails—and that's where this product comes in. Massage this conditioner into the entire nail area four times a day and you should start to notice longer, stronger nails in two to three weeks. The secret? An ingredient called oxyquinoline, which thickens cuticle fibers to prevent breaking, cracking, and peeling.
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According to Sunshine, this is the only kit that matches your nail beds while working on strengthening your nails. "It comes in four different sheer nude shades that are spot-on," she says. Here's how the four-step system works: Apply the vitamin-enriched base coat, then apply one of the perfectors to brighten and the white perfector to the free edge to give your nails an even healthier look. "Lastly, apply the shine coat to seal it all together," Sunshine says.
Brian Underwood
Beauty Director
Brian Underwood is the beauty director at Women’s Health. He is an award-winning journalist with more than 15 years of experience covering beauty and lifestyle for several national media outlets and previously served as beauty and wellness director at Oprah Daily. His work has appeared in Woman’s Day, Life & Style Weekly, Good Housekeeping, and many more. He also serves as a member of the Skin Cancer Foundation’s gala committee and lives in New York City with his daughter.