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Beauty/Makeup/Nails/Tools & Treatments

Top 10 Nail Strengtheners

Fix Your Soft, Brittle Nails With One Of These Top-Rated Nail Strengtheners

Image credits: target

Lots of things can contribute to dry, brittle, and breaking nails. Maybe they're chipping and peeling from all that hand washing and sanitizing, or perhaps you've picked off your gel manicure more times than you can count. Or maybe, nail-biting has simply gotten the best of you lately. Whatever the reason, a great nail strengthener could be all you need to get your tips back into perfect shape. They're packed with essential vitamins, proteins, and other ingredients that work hard to make nails grow stronger and longer, and the benefits don't end there. Many of them layer well underneath regular polish, so you can swipe on a coat and still keep your color of choice on top. 

With that in mind, we've rounded up a list of the absolute best nail strengtheners out there right now. Whether you were born with not-so-great nails or you’ve got damage from one too many acrylic manicures, one of the top-rated formulas below will give your digits some much-needed rehab.

How We Found The Best Nail Strengtheners

Here at Rank & Style, we're all about getting things right the first time. Our mission is to make your shopping experience as simple as possible, because as much as we love a great return policy, we don't think you should have to use it. To do this, we use an unbiased algorithm that finds the best products out there by factoring in best-selling buzz, editor recommendations, rave reviews, and more. Ahead, shop the 10 nail strengtheners that made the cut and add one to your routine.

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August 18, 2023

Written By:Rank & Style

Product Expert:Georgia Jones

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Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.

The Rankings


10
Image credits: target
Rank & Style Approved

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Ella+Mila First Aid Kiss Nail Strengthener

Overall Score

4.35

10

Ella+Mila First Aid Kiss Nail Strengthener

4.54

8687 User Reviews

3.3

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

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Best Vegan Nail Strengthener

WHAT IT DOES
Powered by vitamin E, this clean formula hardens, strengthens, and lengthens nails in just a quick, four-week period. Wear it for one week, remove it with a non-acetone polish remover, then reapply for a second week. For the third and fourth weeks, repeat this process every other day.

USER REVIEW
“This is truly a game-changer. I was amazed at how quickly my nails grew in just three to four weeks. My little fingernails always had a slight inward turn to them as they grew, but now they are normal nails!"

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Deborah Lippmann Hard Rock Nail Strengthening Top And Base Coat

Overall Score

4.4

09

Deborah Lippmann Hard Rock Nail Strengthening Top And Base Coat

4.44

396 User Reviews

2.8

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Multitasking Nail Strengthener

WHY IT MADE THE LIST
This hardworking formula functions as a daily treatment, a base coat, and a top coat in one. It's also ultra-gentle, so you can apply it every day worry-free.

WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
Reviewers rave about this nail strengthener's ability to extend the life of at-home manicures.


Nails Inc. Nailkale Superfood Base Coat

Overall Score

4.4

08

Nails Inc. Nailkale Superfood Base Coat

4.44

842 User Reviews

3

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Gloss Nail Strengthener

WHAT IT DOES
This five-benefit base coat is infused with kale extract to stimulate nail growth, hydration, anti-breakage and anti-splitting protection, and deep nourishment—all while leaving your nails with a gorgeous, high-gloss finish.

USER REVIEW
"This stuff is amazing! My nails were super thin and damaged after getting a horrible dip powder manicure. After a little over a week later, my nails are already feeling stronger and looking much healthier, and they don't feel sore anymore."


DermaNail Nail Conditioner

Overall Score

4.4

07

DermaNail Nail Conditioner

4.5

721 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Splurge Nail Strengthener

WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Developed by a leading dermatology research team, this nail conditioner is the real deal. The unique, patented technology binds cells together to create strong and stable nails, controlling splitting, peeling, cracking, chipping, and breaking and encouraging longer growth in the process.

WHO IT'S FOR
This is an excellent choice for those struggling with cosmetic nail problems caused by trauma or injury, such as onychomycosis and psoriasis.


Olive & June Nail Strengthener

Overall Score

4.45

06

Olive & June Nail Strengthener

4.31

466 User Reviews

2.8

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Long-Lasting Nail Strengthener

WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
Pretty bottle aside, shoppers love this nail strengthener for its lasting power. Unlike many formulas, you only need to use this one once a week to see results.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
This nail strengthener contains celery seed extract, an antioxidant known to improve nail thickness, along with rosemary and lavender to provide a dose of hydration.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Nail Tek Foundation Strengthening Base Coat

Overall Score

4.5

05

Nail Tek Foundation Strengthening Base Coat

4.4

5297 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Smoothing Nail Strengthener

WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Designed to function as a base coat and nail strengthener, adding this to your manicure routine is a no-brainer. But that's not the only reason the formula stands out—it's also made with a unique blend of strengtheners, conditioners, and micro-fibers that fill in ridges both instantly and in the long run.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
This formula is the strongest of Nail Tek's strengthening line, so it's ideal for those who have tried everything.


Sally Hansen Mega Strength Top Coat

Overall Score

4.5

04

Sally Hansen Mega Strength Top Coat

4.4

8850 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Affordable Nail Strengthener

WHY IT MADE THE LIST
The secret to this impressive drugstore option is platinum powder—it gives the formula an extra hardening kick. Plus, the flexible brush makes it super easy to apply, even if you have shaky hands. Oh, and did we mention it rings up under $10?

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
This one comes in way more colors besides clear—we're talking 30 plus.


Onyx Professional Hard As Hoof Nail Strengthening Cream

Overall Score

4.6

03

Onyx Professional Hard As Hoof Nail Strengthening Cream

4.4

51513 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Cream Nail Strengthener

WHY IT MADE THE LIST
This do-it-all product functions as a moisturizer, nail strengthener, and cuticle conditioner all in one. You've really got no excuse for not adding this streamlined formula to your daily routine.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
This is Amazon's #1 best-seller for nail strengtheners.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free


Essie Strong Start Nail Treatment

Overall Score

4.65

02

Essie Strong Start Nail Treatment

4.6

12801 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Quick-Dry Nail Strengthener

WHAT IT DOES
Infused with biotin, this strength-boosting formula reinforces and hardens the nails to make them resistant to peeling, chipping, and breakage.

HELPFUL TIP
Apply two coats for a classic clear manicure, or apply one coat as a base before your color.


OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener

Overall Score

4.65

01

OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener

4.6

34369 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Nail Strengthener Overall

WHO IT'S FOR
Going heavy on the at-home manis lately? Us too. Whether you tried your hand at acrylics, gel, or dip powder, this best-selling strengthener will get your brittle nails back into tip-top shape in two weeks or less.

USER REVIEW
"If you've never been able to grow out your nails because they peel and break, this is the product for you. It's easy to apply and delivers everything it promises. Pretty soon, you'll be filing down your nails because they're too long!"

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