Frequently asked questions
What causes brittle nails?
Genetics, hormonal fluctuations, and nutrition deficiencies play a role, but frequent gel removal, acetone use, and prolonged exposure to water and detergents can weaken nails over time as well, says celebrity nail artist Tina Le. That doesn’t mean you need to avoid those things altogether. Just be mindful of frequency, or counteract the damage with a nail-strengthening routine.
What are the different types of nail strengtheners?
Nail strengtheners generally fall into two camps: hardening treatments that create a protective layer over the nail and conditioning formulas that focus on hydration and flexibility. “They provide a protective yet flexible film that helps reinforce the nail plate,” says Lori Banks, a nail artist and esthetician in Los Angeles. Other formulas come as oils, serums, or multistep treatments and contain moisturizing or conditioning ingredients to support dry, brittle nails.
How do you choose the right nail strengthener?
Start with what’s bothering you most. If your nails bend, peel, or split easily, a hardener or strengthening polish can add a protective barrier against everyday damage. If they feel dry and brittle—particularly after frequent manicures or acetone exposure—look for a more conditioning treatment or oil. Ridge fillers can smooth uneven texture, while formulas that double as base coats are useful if you regularly wear polish.
What ingredients should you look for in a nail strengthener?
Prioritize a mix of strengthening and conditioning ingredients. “Look for formulations with proteins (like biotin and keratin) as well as vitamins (including A, C, and E) and minerals (like calcium),” says Dr. Magovern. Hydrating oils and humectants can also help keep brittle nails flexible and less prone to snapping. Dr. Stern recommends avoiding formulas with formaldehyde, formalin, or methylene glycol, which can make nails feel harder initially but may leave them more brittle over time. She suggests choosing nontoxic polishes labeled at least “3-free,” meaning they’re formulated without dibutyl phthalate, formaldehyde, and toluene.
How do you use a nail strengthener?
Start with clean, bare nails and follow the product’s instructions, since application varies by formula. “Nails should be cleaned with soap and water prior to application,” says Pattie Yankee, celebrity manicurist and CEO of Pattie Yankee Products, who also recommends swiping them with isopropyl alcohol to remove any lingering residue.
“Some nail strengtheners require daily application, while others are applied every few days or weekly,” says Le. “Once your nails have strengthened, you can reduce the frequency of application to maintain the results.” Dr. Magovern says it can take a few weeks of consistent use to notice stronger, more durable nails.
Does gel polish ruin nails?
Not necessarily. “It’s actually improper gel removal that makes nails weaker, thinner, and damaged,” says Samantha Jade, a New York City-based expert nail artist. She recommends professional removal when possible and warns against peeling or ripping off gel polish, which can strip layers from the natural nail and leave it more vulnerable to breakage.
We tested over 20 nail strengtheners over several weeks, evaluating their delivery methods (i.e., one-, two-, or three-step processes), texture, accessibility, and ease of use. Each product was used according to brand instructions, one at a time, with close attention paid to improvements in brittleness, peeling, dryness, cracking, and flaking. We prioritized products that actually made a difference: ones that left our nails looking strong, snag-free, and hydrated. We noted ingredients that consistently improve nail health, such as keratin and peptides, as well as conditioning botanical extracts.
- Duri Rejuvacote 1 Original Maximum Strength Nail Growth System, $20: Nails felt stronger and less thin after use, but the seven-day treatment schedule is more involved than our top picks.
- Essie to the Rescue UV Gel Damage Repair, $11: The subtle neutral tint was a plus, and nails looked healthier after a week of use, though we preferred our post-gel pick.
- Olive & June Nail Strengthener, $15: It noticeably improved peeling and left a subtle sheen on bare nails, but our tester noted that as a base coat, polish flaked off easily.
- Orly Nail Defense Nail Strengthener, $13: This dried quickly and worked well as both a base and top coat, though we preferred our top base-coat pick for its thinner, easier-to-layer formula.
- Essie On a Roll Apricot Nail & Cuticle Oil, $14: Our tester liked the mess-free rollerball cuticle oil and found that her nailbeds looked healthier with regular use but disliked how oily the formula was.
- Ashley Magovern, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and medical director of Dermstore
- Dana Stern, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City
- Pattie Yankee, a celebrity manicurist and CEO of Pattie Yankee Products
- Samantha Jade, a New York City-based expert nail artist
- Tina Le, a celebrity nail artist
- Elle Gerstein, a celebrity nail stylist
- Hannah Lee, a manicurist and content creator
- Lori Banks, a Los Angeles-based nail artist and esthetician
