Taking care of one’s nails is an important aspect of overall health and wellness. The condition and appearance of one’s nails can indicate a lot about their well-being. From cold, dry climates to frequent gel or acrylic manicures, there are a plethora of factors that can damage the nails and cuticles, leading to weak and peeling nails.
If you frequently get your nails done, then it’s important to take proper care of them. This includes using the right nail polish removal methods, taking nail supplements, and using cuticle oil to prevent brittle nails. And the good news is that when it comes to caring for damaged nails, nail-strengthening treatments can work wonders. These conditioning products protect the nail bed with vitamins, minerals, natural ingredients, and nourishing formulas. By providing your nails with the nourishment they need, you can help prevent future damage, keeping your natural nails strong and healthy. It’s time to say goodbye to peeling weak nails and hello to a healthier, more beautiful you by using the best nail strengtheners.
1. Probelle Nail Strengthener – Best For Healthy Nails
What causes broken and brittle nails?
Experts agree on one thing. It is not easy to define the root cause of dry nails, or brittle nails. However, they also agree that there is a combination of several factors that can cause brittle or dry nails, including vitamin deficiency, lack of hydration, over-moisturizing, and even age.
The most common cause is the lack of proper hydration, especially during wintertime when the air is dry. Moreover, constantly wearing acrylics, polygel or gel can make nails brittle as well. This is why it is important to establish a consistent nail care routine, which will help to strengthen and repair nails.
Why use the best nail strengthener on damaged nails?
The best nail strengtheners can help you achieve the desired results in the fight against unhealthy nails. Many of them are specifically designed to nourish and hydrate your nails, leaving them stronger and healthier. Some nail strengtheners work quickly, and you can expect to see results in as little as two to four weeks. By incorporating a good nail care routine and using nail strengtheners, you can get the beautiful and healthy nails you’ve always wanted.
With countless options available, it’s essential to choose a nail strengthener that suits your specific needs. Some of the most effective nail strengtheners are made with nourishing ingredients like keratin and biotin, strengthened with calcium and vitamin E, and formulated without harmful chemicals.
Note that a good diet rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats is crucial for nail growth and strength. This is your first line of defense in getting your damaged nails back to presentation condition.
Also, a nail strengthener will not apply itself: you have to remember to apply it regularly. You will need to find a nail strengthener that stops splitting and breaks fixes dehydrated nails and helps support normal nail growth. It is important to trim your nails often with a nail file. And it goes without saying that you shouldn’t chew and bite on your nails and if you do you should be definitely trying to break that bad habit. Also, you shouldn’t be pulling or snipping at your cuticles but instead, use cuticle oil to push them back or use cuticle snipers.
Best Nail Strengtheners Reviews – Best Nail Strengthening Treatments
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- Probelle Nail Strengthener Formaldehyde Free (Top Pick) – Best nail strengthener for peeling nails
- Perfect Formula Gel Coat – Best Gel Solution
- Londontown Kur Nail Hardener and Base Coat – Best Hardener and Base Coat
- Quimica Alemana Nail Hardener – Best For Thin Brittle Nails
- OPI Nail Envy – Best For Heavily Damaged Nails
- Sally Hansen Diamond Strength – Best Instant Nail Hardener
- Essie Treat Love & Color Nail Polish – Best Polish and Treatment
- Barielle Nail Strengthener Cream – Best Cream
1. Probelle Nail Strengthener Formaldehyde Free – Best Nail Strengthener for Peeling Nails
Probelle is the best nail strengthener if you want a good all-around nail hardener for all types of nails with a high gloss finish. This is a formaldehyde-free solution that is applied as a base coat. Because it is formaldehyde free, it will take longer for your nails to strengthen and harden. You should be applying this solution daily to stop peeling, cracks, and splits in your nails.
The change doesn’t just happen overnight. It takes a good several weeks to notice such changes, and your nails will definitely get harder and stronger. The Probelle is a fast-drying solution that can be worn with or without nail polish. It forms a durable protective layer over your nails that give them a nice shine, which brings out the natural beauty of your nails.
The main active ingredient in the Probelle solution is ethyl acetate, which is a bonding agent that enriches the protein chains in your nails and makes them harder. We think this solution works great on delicate brittle nails and for those who have a bad habit of chewing on their nails. It provides a thin coating which means you get more value for your dollar. Honestly, there are better solutions out there that make your nails harder and stronger in less time, but there aren’t too many of those nail hardeners in this price range.
- Budget-friendly
- Great ridge filler
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- Strong smell
2. Perfect Formula Gel Coat – Best Natural Nail Strengthening
One of the reasons we recommend the Perfect Formula Gel Coat is that it is the best nail strengthener that gives your nails a nice natural color. It brightens, strengthens, and seals your nails, so it is kind of like shampoo and conditioner in one package. This nail hardener contains a keratin-rich formula that gives your nails that perfect pink color. We are not talking about dirty pink or fake pink.
We mean a very natural and realistic pink. This pink also masks any yellow appearance around your nails, so it kind of brings your old nails back to life. It also makes your nail tips white and nail beds rosy pink, which look like you just got an expensive manicure. Although the product is a bit pricy, we really like the color and what it makes your nails look like. It is probably the best looking nail strengthener we have seen and it is sold at Sephora, which says something about the quality. You can also put a colored nail polisher on top and the pink won’t show through.
You can use the Perfect Formula Gel Coat as both a base coat and a top coat. There is a noticeable strengthening on your nails in just a week (assuming you use it every day), so much faster than cheaper products on the market. Overall, this is great value for what you are paying. Sure there are more expensive products out there, but the margin benefit you get from those products does not outweigh the marginal costs.
- Fast strengthening
- Provide great nail sealing
- Keratin rich
- A bit expensive
3. Londontown Kur Nail Hardener and Base Coat – Best Nail Strengthening Top and Base
The Londontown Kur Nail Hardener is one of those posh nail hardeners and coater used by fashion gurus and socialites. Overall, it is the best strengthener as well as a base coater. It dries quickly, applies quite evenly, and leaves a nice glossy shine. You can also use it as a base coat and wear colored nail polish on top. This is a quality nail strengthener and there is absolutely no chipping. It restores your nails by feeding them with natural extracts and vitamins.
There is also rapeseed flower oil in it to balance the natural oils in your nails. We like the fact that it also replenishes moisture in your nails because this is what usually causes dry thin nails to break. The Londontown Kur is a great versatile nail strengthener. It is easy to apply and stops peeling and flaking. It can stand in for a clear polish by layering it as a base coat.
We also like the fact that it gives your nails natural oils, which not only help bring out the natural color of your nails and skin around it but also polishes and protect your nails from further deterioration. It is recommended to use this hardener daily for the best effect. You should start seeing your nails turn around in a week or so.
- Repair existing damage
- Use natural oils
- Reduce peeling and flaking
- Requires daily application
#4. Quimica Alemana Nail Hardener – Best For Thin Brittle Nails
This is a near-fast-acting yet cost-effective solution to strengthen your nails. The Quimica Alemana Nail Hardener is a favorite amongst both industry manicurists and at-home users alike. Within just three applications, this powerful nail hardener works its way to repair your nail. The product has been designed to prevent chipping, peeling, and splitting of nails, leaving them looking and feeling stronger and more resilient. It is simply the best nail strengthener for brittle nails.
One of the key benefits of Quimica Alemana Nail Hardener is its impressive ingredient list. It contains a potent blend of vitamin E, arginine, keratin, and tea tree oil, all of which work together to promote healthy, strong nail growth.
Best of all, the formula is incredibly easy to use. Simply apply a thin coat to your nails once a week, starting from the center of the nail down to the tip. Once the first three applications have been completed, brush a thin coat over the whole nail and allow it to dry.
It’s important to note that Quimica Alemana Nail Hardener is not meant for daily use. It’s a powerful treatment that can cause discomfort if overused, so be sure to follow the recommended usage guidelines for the best results (once a week is good enough). With Quimica Alemana Nail Hardener, you can finally achieve the strong, healthy nails you’ve always wanted – without breaking the bank or spending countless hours at the salon.
- Lot’s of good reviews
- Great for peeling nails
- Strong hardener
- Not to be used daily
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#5. OPI Nail Envy – Best For Heavily Damaged Nails
If you have heavily damaged, brittle nails that are prone to breaking and splitting, look no further than OPI Nail Envy. This powerful nail treatment delivers calcium and protein to the nail bed, strengthening and conditioning your nails for the best results. Whether used alone or as a base coat, this polish is a must-have for anyone looking to keep their nails healthy and beautiful. This is the best nail strengthener for splitting nails but also the best nail strengthener for damaged nails.
Despite its higher price point, OPI Envy is highly recommended by customers, with over 3,700 five-star Amazon reviews praising its effectiveness. And it’s no wonder – with a formula that includes hydrolyzed wheat protein and calcium, this award-winning strengthener creates a protective layer on your nails that helps keep them strong and resilient over time.
In essence, this product provides optimum strengthening by using hydrolyzed wheat protein and calcium. These compounds will give you harder, longer, stronger, natural nails.
But that’s not all – OPI also comes in four neutral shades, allowing you to add a pop of color while still getting the benefits of a powerful nail treatment. So if you’re looking for healthier, stronger nails, give OPI Nail Hardener a try and see the difference for yourself.
- Nail artists love this product
- Lot’s of good reviews
- Great for maintaining nails
- Higher price tag
- Smells a bit
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#6. Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Diamond Strength – Best Quick Nail Hardener
Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Diamond Strength is the best quick nail hardener that can effectively improve your nail health. This nail product has a new, advanced formula that features a real micro-diamond and titanium combination, which instantly bonds and strengthens the fragile nail layers. By providing a nearly shatterproof, protective shield, it virtually eliminates breakage, splitting, and tearing of nails, giving you healthier nails in no time.
This nail hardener also includes platinum, which provides superior strength, shine and wear, making it a must-have in your nail care routine. It offers up to 10-day protection from breaking, splitting, and cracking, giving you beautiful, strong, and long-lasting nails that are sure to turn heads.
The best nail strengthener Sally Hansen hydrates your nails, making them stronger and healthier, even without the need for polish. You can confidently show off your bare nails, thanks to this nail product’s ability to improve your nail health, making it an essential in every woman’s beauty arsenal. This is the ultimate solution for splitting nails.
- Prevent chipping, splitting, and cracking
- Long-lasting protection
- A bit sticky formula in the long run
#7. Essie Treat Love and Color Nail Polish – Best 2-in-1 Polish and Treatment
The Essie Treat Love and Color Nail Polish is the 2-in-1 best nail strengthener and growth polish treatment for weak or brittle nails. This strengthening base coat is designed to improve nail health while adding a pop of glossy shine to your nails. It’s clinically tested to strengthen nails in just 3 days, making it the best base coat you’ll ever use.
This 1 Step Strengthening Nail Color eliminates the need for a base or top coat, making it super easy to apply. Simply apply the polish directly to your nails for the best results. The vegan formula is infused with strengthening calcium and camellia extract, making it a caring product that’s kind to your nails.
The Essie Treat Love comes in 3 nail color coverage levels, from clear to sheer to full coverage. So whether you’re going for a natural look or a bold statement, we’ve got you covered. And with the backing of Essie, the go-to nail brand for celebrities, beauty professionals, and fashion icons, you know you’re getting a quality product.
- Celebrities use it
- Professional use it
- Fast results
- Sometimes you may need up to 7 days for the best results
#8. Barielle Nail Strengthener Cream – Best Cream
Barielle Nail Strengthener Cream is truly the best cream out there to help you get your nails back to health. If you’ve been struggling with weak and brittle nails, then this is the product you’ve been searching for. Nail strengtheners come in all shapes and sizes, but Barielle’s formula is truly one of a kind.
This amazing cream helps promote healthy nail growth while resisting splits, peels, and breaks. It even prevents splitting, cracks, and ridges. Originally created to condition the hooves on million-dollar thoroughbred racehorses, this cream was later reformulated and proven to work surprisingly well on humans too. It quickly became the product that improved the health and vitality of women’s and men’s nails alike.
Barielle Nail Strengthener Cream has been featured in Khloe Kardashian’s Official App and has been hailed as the best nail strengthener cream and growth all in one. It has helped countless people achieve healthy-looking nails. For best results, store it in a dark place at a constant temperature and prevent it from becoming too warm. Overall, if you’re looking for the perfect nail strengthener, then Barielle’s cream is exactly what you need. With its unique formula, it is sure to deliver fantastic results and leave you with beautiful and healthy nails.
- Best cream
- Featured in celebrities apps
- Takes time to dry
Final Verdict on the Best Nail Strengthener
We have investigated, tested, and reviewed dozens of nail strengthened. So for those who are just starting out with nail strengtheners and looking for an affordable option, but also looking for the best nail strengthener after gel nails, then the Quimica Alemana Nail Hardener is a great choice. It’s easy to use and comes with everything you need to get started. This strengthener is known to provide long-lasting results and helps harden even the most fragile nails.
However, if you’re looking for the best nail strengthener after acrylic nails, a higher level of nail repair, and want quicker results, the OPI Nail Envy could be the right choice for you. This strengthener is formulated with calcium and protein to effectively strengthen your nails, restoring them to their former glory.
Overall, using a nail strengthener is essential for those who struggle with nails that break or brittle, and peeling nails. A good nail strengthener can help repair weak nails and prevent future damage. That’s why it’s important to invest in a quality nail strengthener that can keep nails healthy and save you from trouble.
How do you find the best nail strengthener – A brief buying guide
First, you should be able to weed through the marketing that many nail strengtheners advertise. No nail strengthener will help your nails grow faster – it entirely depends on your body, genes, and diet. Also, no nail strengthener will bond your nails together and repair broken nails like glue – this is another bold claim. So what we are trying to say is to be more realistic in your expectations for these products.
You should expect the best nail strengthener to contain protein and calcium to temporarily make your nails harder and stronger. Some nail strengtheners will have nail polish included as well. This combo is like shampoo and conditioner. The most important thing to keep in mind is that these products are not a one-time fix. You have to continue using them or your nails will go back to their original condition. Now, there are three main criteria that you need to look into when purchasing a product to prevent nails from splitting, or with other conditions.
1. Ease of use
Before buying a product, you need to look at how easy it is to use a nail strengthened. This is a key factor to consider when selecting a solution. In terms of application-wise, there are several options available, including nail polish-like strengtheners that can be used as a protective base coat and applied with a little brush. Others are topical serums and creams that need to be rubbed in with fingers.
But you also need to consider how long a solution needs to cure and dry. For this, it is important to read the instructions on the product and determine how often it needs to be applied. Overall, if a strengthened solution needs 20 minutes to dry and you need to apply it 3 times a day, then this product may not be the best for you. On the other hand, if you need to apply the product once a day and the product cure in less than 5 minutes, then this could be a good option. So, with regular use of a quality nail strengthener, you are looking for your nails to become stronger and healthier, but also a solution that is easy to use, rapid to apply, and does not need to be applied several times a day.
2. Active ingredients
There are various nail strengtheners on the market, but not all nail strengtheners are created equal. The key to choosing the best nail strengthener is in understanding the active ingredients that it contains. There are two main types of strengtheners:
- Hydrators
- Hardeners
Nail hardeners include cross-linking ingredients such as formaldehyde or calcium or reinforcers like nylon or sulfhydryl protein. These hardeners are perfect for people with brittle nails that break easily. On the other hand, nail hydrators contain moisturizing ingredients like glycerin or mineral oil. They are excellent for peeling nails, as they make nails more flexible.
When choosing the right nail care nail strengthener, it is essential to consider your nail concerns as they would determine which of the two options would be best for you. Using a nail strengthener that contains the active ingredients specific to your nail concerns will help to prevent damage to your nails and promote healthy growth of the entire nail.
3. Price of the best nail strengtheners
We looked a the price point of dozens of nail strengthened. The best nail strengthener products’ value varies greatly, with some ranging from around less than $10 to about $80. While a higher cost may seem more effective, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s more helpful for the health of your nails. The price fluctuates based on the brand or other external factors such as extreme temperatures, what type of chemicals is used, and the severity of the nail condition. Keep in mind that a higher price tag might discourage you from using it as often as recommended, which might not lead to the expected result. Therefore, balancing the price and quality of the product is essential to maintain healthy and strong nails.
More Info on the Best Nail Strengthener
When shopping for the best nail strengthener, it is important to take a step back and consider the properties of healthy nails: strength, hardness, flexibility, and wear resistance. First, you want your nails to be strong, which basically means that they don’t break under heavy loads or pressure. We use our nails every day for picking things open, scratching, prying, clawing, and picking up things. Next, you want your nails to be hard, which means they are hard to be scratched or dented. You want your nails to be not too hard and not too soft.
Nails that are overly hard are susceptible to being shattered or split while nails that are too soft can easily peel. You also want nails that are flexible, meaning they can bend easily. Flexible nails are not to be confused with strong nails in that you can have nails that are flexible, yet hard to break or scratch. Your diet, age, and health have a lot to do with how flexible your nails are. You should also have nails that have a lot of wear resistance, which is the ability to resist general wear and tear. Wear resistance is different from scratch resistance in that it measures your nails’ resistance to being worn down.
FAQ
How often should you apply a nail strengthener?
The answer depends on the product. Some might require daily application for a week, followed by a break of a few days before repeating the process. This might seem like a lot of work, but you’ll see results in as little as a week. Others require a weekly application for a couple of weeks. Regardless of the specific instructions, it’s best to apply every other day for the best results. This will give your nails time to rest and recover in between applications. We’ve found that applying a nail strengthener every other day has kept nails from bending and breaking. Don’t forget to apply to both the nail bed and cuticle for maximum effectiveness.
Can you put nail polish over nail strengthener?
If you’re trying to treat your nails and help keep them healthy, you may be wondering if it’s safe to put nail polish over nail strengthener. The short answer is yes, but it’s important to follow some guidelines. After the nail strengthener dries completely (which should take about 4 to 5 minutes), you can now apply nail polish as normal. However, we prefer to recommend avoiding using any other nail products until your nails grow stronger. Applying nail polish or fake nails can impede the strengthening process.
Is nail strengthener bad for nails?
No as a nail strengthener is widely used for several different types of nail problems. It is beneficial for protecting weak and fragile nails from damage and gradually repairing and rebuilding them until they are strong, healthy-looking and shiny. Despite its many benefits, some people worry that using nail strengthener may be bad for their nails. However, this is not accurate.
The many different types of nail strengtheners are not bad for nails. A good example is that nails need to be kept hydrated. This is a task that nail strengthener is perfectly equipped to manage. In fact, a well-formulated nail strengthener help keep nails hydrated and moisturised. By doing so, they prevent nails from becoming brittle and dry.
For the best results, it is advisable to apply nail strengthener immediately after removing nail polish, gels or false nails. Additionally, it is essential to note that nail strengthener should never be used as a substitute for a healthy diet and lifestyle. Overall, nail strengthener is an excellent option for maintaining strong and healthy-looking nails
Can nail strengthener be used as base coat?
The answer is both yes and no. All nail strengthener products can be used as a stand-alone treatment or as a base coat alternative. However, it is not advisable to use a nail strengthener in place of a base coat every time. While the nail strengthener might be beneficial for the overall health of your nails, it may not provide the same level of nail defense if you use another product on top of it. A base coat is specifically designed to protect the nail from any harsh chemicals or pigments used in nail polish, which can help prevent yellowing, cracking, and peeling.
Why type of nail strengtheners are bad?
Some types of nail strengtheners can actually be harmful to the nails and overall nail and cuticle health. Nail hardeners and nail polishes that use formaldehyde are examples of these harmful products. Consistent use of these nail hardeners can cause nails to become brittle and more likely to break or peel, but also reduce nail growth. Additionally, formaldehyde-containing nail products may lead to skin irritation and allergic reactions. It is important to note that while some strengtheners may be marketed as – nail care nail strengthener or nail defense nail strengthener – products, they can actually weaken the nail’s overall structure and defense mechanisms. In order to maintain healthy, strong nails, it is best to opt for natural nail care methods and avoid using formaldehyde-containing nail products.