Manicurists Say This $20 Nail Strengthening Treatment Can Prevent Chips (2024)

Manicurists Say This $20 Nail Strengthening Treatment Can Prevent Chips (1)

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There is no greater disappointment than having a nail chip after spending weeks trying to grow them out. Handwashing, exposure to household cleaning products, regular acrylic and gel manicures, and even the climate you live in can all affect nail health. While you can't control a lot of those factors, what you can do is find a great at-home nail strengthener to infuse your nail beds with the nutrients they need to be rock-solid.

Many of the best nail strengtheners on the market don’t even require you to skip your regular manis while using them. "A lot of people feel like if their nails are weak, they have to let them breathe," says celebrity manicurist Rita Remark. Instead, it’s more important to layer on the moisture, just like you would for dry skin or hair, she says.

The best nail strengtheners

If you've seen nail strengthening products before and wondered, "Is that stuff really worth the money?" we feel you. That's why Women's Health went on a quest to figure out the answer—and spoiler alert, there are some solid options out there. Before adding a nail-strengthening treatment to your routine, here’s what to keep in mind before you buy.

What to consider

Type

Most nail strengtheners come in bottles that look a lot like nail polish. Others come as brush-on treatments with pen-like applicators. Both types are easy to use. However, if your nails are in really rough shape, strengthening creams or multi-step treatments may be the better way to go, Remark says. This is because they provide more hydrating benefits, offering more thorough and effective care when used properly and consistently.

Key ingredients

Like any other skincare product, it pays to take a peek at the ingredient list. For greatest efficacy, look for ingredients like vitamins A and E, calcium, biotin, and keratin, which can nourish nails, improving the overall health of both the nail bed and cuticle. These ingredients can also help prevent breakage, says dermatologist Macey Delcambre, MD. Other formulas that work also contain conditioning agents like jojoba oil or aloe vera gel, which can help give nails added TLC. Finally, certain treatments may include an MSM compound, which is a stronger chemical that acts as a bonding agent and can help fix ridged nails, says Remark.

How we chose

The editors at Women’s Health, including editorial assistant Sabrina Talbert, commerce editor Jasmine Gomez, and contributor Brigitt Earley, researched the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated nail strengtheners. Our team also consulted two celebrity nail artists and a dermatologist to find out which products they recommend and even use on their own nails. Then, we vetted the most widely-praised formulas, evaluating important attributes like type, key ingredients, ease of use, and overall efficacy. After thorough review, these are the eight best nail strengtheners for brittle nails.

Best Overall

OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener

Manicurists Say This $20 Nail Strengthening Treatment Can Prevent Chips (9)

Pros
  • Manicurists Say This $20 Nail Strengthening Treatment Can Prevent Chips (10)Seals in moisture immediately
  • Manicurists Say This $20 Nail Strengthening Treatment Can Prevent Chips (11)Works in just a week
  • Manicurists Say This $20 Nail Strengthening Treatment Can Prevent Chips (12)Can be applied daily
Cons
  • Manicurists Say This $20 Nail Strengthening Treatment Can Prevent Chips (13)Most effective if used without nail polish

This best-in-class nail strengthener has a rich ingredient list packed with vitamins A, C, and E, along with biotin and calcium to stimulate growth and prevent chipping and breaking. The brand is also stocked in nearly every nail salon and drugstore. The experts we interviewed love that it’s vegan and easy to use. Simply paint it on like nail polish.

When first applied, users say the treatment feels like a gel. It goes on thick, but feels very lightweight and thin once dried. For best results, apply two coats initially. Then, add a new coat once per day for six days. If you prefer, you can layer it with nail polish and lacquer. In this case, the strengthener will function as your base coat.

When applied over your nail polish after the initial treatment, the OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener acts as a shiny top coat. In a sense, it works behind-the-scenes while giving your nails an immediate visual glow-up. Based on our previous testing with similar formulas containing biotin, you can expect to see stronger nails in as little as a week, meaning you should experience less peeling, breakage, or hangnails.

The product serves as reinforcement for your nails, ultimately preventing your manicure from cracking. That being said, the actual nail strengthener is prone to chipping after a few days. An easy fix is to simply apply another coat, though. Extra layers go on smoothly without looking cakey.

Read more: Best Cuticle Oils

TypePolish
Active ingredientsVitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin C, calcium, biotin

Best Budget

Nail-Aid Keratin Growth Treatment

Manicurists Say This $20 Nail Strengthening Treatment Can Prevent Chips (14)

It may be a fraction of the price of the other nail strengtheners on this list, but this treatment is incredibly effective at strengthening nails. The formula, which is a cult-favorite on Amazon, is essentially a keratin treatment for your fingers. It's formulated with amino acids that absorb into the weakest layers of your nails to harden and promote growth. Like our top overall pick, you’ll get better results without nail polish, but you can technically use it as a base and top coat with colored polish.

“After a manicure gone horribly wrong, my nails were in dire shape—I’m talking about true divots in my nails,” says contributor Brigitt Earley. “I popped this formula in my cart and it was at my doorstep the next day. After about two weeks, I began to see noticeable repair—my nails became a lot smoother and free of pits in the nail beds.”

TypePolish
Active ingredientsKeratin, vitamin B5, vitamin E

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Best Top Coat

Sally Hansen Advanced Hard-As-Nails Strengthening Top Coat

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Manicurists Say This $20 Nail Strengthening Treatment Can Prevent Chips (19)

Pros
  • Manicurists Say This $20 Nail Strengthening Treatment Can Prevent Chips (20)Long-lasting
  • Manicurists Say This $20 Nail Strengthening Treatment Can Prevent Chips (21)Dries super fast
Cons
  • Manicurists Say This $20 Nail Strengthening Treatment Can Prevent Chips (22)May peel over time

Celebrity nail artist Temeka Jackson loves this top coat because she finds it lasts longer than other options she’s experimented with. Plus, if you're looking for an affordable find, this fan-favorite can be found at most drugstores. The formula is designed to provide an extra hard, high-shine finish, so nails don't break or split.

The strengthening treatment is also formulated with omega-3 and soy to lessen the look of ridges. Despite it going over layers of nail polish, it acts as a protective barrier that reduces moisture loss to the nail, preventing them from becoming brittle and weak.

After just a few uses, you’ll notice fewer tears on the sides of your nails and a longer-lasting manicure. It has a quick drying time, too—you only have to wait a few minutes. The formula has an immediate strengthening effect that you’ll notice helps lessen chips during everyday activities like dishwashing, and also delivers more permanent results with consistent use.

TypePolish
Active ingredientsCamellia oleifera leaf extract

Best Base Coat

Chanel La Base Camėlia Base Coat

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Pros
  • Manicurists Say This $20 Nail Strengthening Treatment Can Prevent Chips (24)Natural-looking
  • Manicurists Say This $20 Nail Strengthening Treatment Can Prevent Chips (25)Neutralizes color
Cons
  • Manicurists Say This $20 Nail Strengthening Treatment Can Prevent Chips (26)Takes a while to dry

While this product is definitely a splurge compared to the rest of our top-rated nail strengtheners, it definitely lives up to the hype. The formula, which is rich in camellia oil, cellulose, vitamin E, and argan oil, is designed to nourish your nails while simultaneously visually correcting any discoloration.

It’s an editor-favorite we recommend using before a manicure, whether at home or at the salon (bring the bottle with you!). "I love using press-on nails, but sometimes they cause damage, making my nails look rough and ragged if I take them off too soon," says WH editorial assistant Sabrina Talbert. "This provides such a nice shine to my nails, making rough patches virtually unnoticeable while keeping them healthy between sets."

TypePolish
Active ingredientsCamellia oil, cellulose, vitamin E, argan oil

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Pros
  • Manicurists Say This $20 Nail Strengthening Treatment Can Prevent Chips (28)Provides a protective barrier over the nail
  • Manicurists Say This $20 Nail Strengthening Treatment Can Prevent Chips (29)Has a subtle pink tint to it
Cons
  • Manicurists Say This $20 Nail Strengthening Treatment Can Prevent Chips (30)Can’t be used with other polishes

Essie may be known for their pretty shades of nail polish, but they also make a quality nail strengthener. This one in particular provides a shiny, subtle pink tint to nails while giving them some extra TLC—great if you’re skipping manis but really miss color while you’re trying to fortify your nails. The thick formula dries fast, but does require a learning curve to apply if you aren’t used to painting your own nails. It’s best to apply a thin coat because if you apply too much users say it easily smudges and takes a longer time to dry.

Since it does have that pink tint, you should give yourself a little extra time to apply it carefully since a messy application may be more noticeable than those from nail strengtheners that apply clear. Paint it on and let it sit for just three days, and then enjoy dramatic results. Just two coats reduces yellowing and gives nails a healthy glow. Over time, it targets overall durability, too. The brand says you’ll notice stronger, harder nails in just three days.

TypePolish
Active ingredientsButyl acetate, citric acid, cannabis sativa seed oil

Best For Acrylic Damage

Nail Tek Nail Recovery Kit

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Manicurists Say This $20 Nail Strengthening Treatment Can Prevent Chips (32)

Pros
  • Manicurists Say This $20 Nail Strengthening Treatment Can Prevent Chips (33)Repairs acrylic damage
  • Manicurists Say This $20 Nail Strengthening Treatment Can Prevent Chips (34)Conditions nails
Cons
  • Manicurists Say This $20 Nail Strengthening Treatment Can Prevent Chips (35)Some testers say this product has a strong smell

Everyone has, at one point or another, scraped off gel or ripped off an acrylic and regretted it. In case of those emergencies, this nail recovery kit includes a nail strengthener, cuticle oil, and ridge filler so your nails feel as good as new in just a few days. "I recommend this every time a client has brittle nails," says Jackson. "They have a great system for layering and creating great results with consistency.”

The clear coat stays on nails without chipping for an extended time, and you can truly see a difference in strength and color within a matter of days, she says.

TypePolish
Active ingredientsTea tree oil, vitamin E

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Best Cream

Londontown Kur Restorative Nail Cream

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Manicurists Say This $20 Nail Strengthening Treatment Can Prevent Chips (37)

Pros
  • Manicurists Say This $20 Nail Strengthening Treatment Can Prevent Chips (38)Packed with hydrating ingredients
  • Manicurists Say This $20 Nail Strengthening Treatment Can Prevent Chips (39)Replenishes the nail's keratin
Cons
  • Manicurists Say This $20 Nail Strengthening Treatment Can Prevent Chips (40)Application can be messy

Creams aren't quite as convenient as lacquers since they're a little messier than top coats that dry in a few seconds, but they work absolute wonders, says Remark. This nail cream, by luxe brand Londontown, works best on dry, cracked, and brittle nails when worn overnight with gloves.

Yes, it’s a pricey pick, but we think it’s worth every penny. You don’t need a lot to get the job done, so a single container will serve you well for a month and counting, even with consistent use. And it doesn’t just target the health of the actual nail. In addition to stronger beds, you’ll also notice healthier, more hydrated cuticles. Its formula is designed to replenish the nail’s keratin, fortifying it to prevent breakage.

TypeCream
Active ingredientsCastor oil, soybean oil, coconut oil, shea butter, glycerin

Best Pen Applicator

Bliss Kiss Nail Oil Strengthener Treatment

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Pros
  • Manicurists Say This $20 Nail Strengthening Treatment Can Prevent Chips (42)Gets rid of hangnails
  • Manicurists Say This $20 Nail Strengthening Treatment Can Prevent Chips (43)Travel-friendly
Cons
  • Manicurists Say This $20 Nail Strengthening Treatment Can Prevent Chips (44)Not a lot of product overall

Creams and other nail-strengthening treatments you rub on can often get messy, but not this one. This spill-proof nail strengthener is designed with a pen brush applicator that allows you to apply the treatment with precision, making it ideal for travel. The formula is packed with nourishing ingredients, including vitamin E for strengthening and jojoba oil for conditioning.

Some nail products come with harsh, unpleasant smells, but users particularly liked that this strengthening treatment gives you a fragrance-free option. There’s also a choice between several fun scented options, like vanilla and pumpkin spice latte, something no other product on this list offers.

TypePen
Active ingredientsJojoba oil

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Meet the experts

Manicurists Say This $20 Nail Strengthening Treatment Can Prevent Chips (46)

How can I harden my nails naturally?

The best way to harden your nails naturally is through your diet and self-care. Nail strengtheners are a great supplement, but if you aren't staying hydrated and eating a healthy diet, it probably won't do much for you.

"To me, the best way to get your nails looking and feeling strong is with consistent care," Remark says. "It's not like a magic, one-stop shop, but you should take note of how your nails feel on a regular basis. If they feel really soft, maybe it's time to trim them down."

Remark also emphasizes that nails are different for everyone. Thin nails doesn't necessarily mean unhealthy nails—that could just be your genetics.

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Manicurists Say This $20 Nail Strengthening Treatment Can Prevent Chips (47)

Shop more of the best products for nail care

Best Nail Polish Removers | Best Cuticle Oils | Best Press-On Nails | Best Polygel Nail Kits | Best Dip Powder Nail Kits | Professional-Level Gel Nail Polishes And Kits | Beginner And Professional-Level Acrylic Nail Kits | Best Nail Drills

Manicurists Say This $20 Nail Strengthening Treatment Can Prevent Chips (48)

Brigitt Earley

Contributing Writer

Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.

Manicurists Say This $20 Nail Strengthening Treatment Can Prevent Chips (49)

Jasmine Gomez

Commerce Editor

Jasmine Gomez is the Commerce Editor at Women’s Health, where she cover the best product recommendations across beauty, health, lifestyle, fitness, and more. When she's not shopping for a living, she enjoys karaoke and dining out more than she cares to admit. Follow her @JazzeGomez.

Manicurists Say This $20 Nail Strengthening Treatment Can Prevent Chips (2024)
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