These Nail Strengtheners Will Leave Your Nails Seemingly Unbreakable (2025)

TL;DR

If you’re looking for a product that strengthens and supports nail growth while masking imperfections with a subtle shimmery finish, try our overall winner: ORLY Nailtrition Nail Growth Treatment. For once-a-week application and a high-shine finish, keratin-enriched Lights Lacquer Magic Strengthener should be your pick.

Our Top Picks

Key Ingredients: Green tea extract, algae extract, cannabis sativa seed oil, calcium, and bamboo extract | Size: 0.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If your nails are at the SOS stage after one too many gel manicures, this nail growth treatment from ORLY will save the day. Enriched with strengthening calcium, antioxidant green tea extract, and hydrating cannabis seed oil, it’s designed for daily application. According to our tester, it works fast. After one use, her nails felt protected. After two, they were noticeably healthier and stronger. The subtle pink and shimmery finish masked peeling and discoloration while the formula worked its magic, and when the 14-day treatment period was up our tester’s nails were noticeably longer, harder, and more hydrated. Consistency is key with this one, but it dries within 30-40 seconds, making it easier to squeeze daily application into your routine.

Brittany, tester: “My nails became harder and less prone to peeling or splitting. They also seemed more hydrated and grew quickly.”

Key Ingredients: Denatonium Benzoate | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Habitual nail-biters, there is hope for you yet. One taste of this formula as you absentmindedly nibble a nail or cuticle, and the vile flavor will deter you from doing it again. The key ingredient is denatonium benzoate, a chemical compound known for its intensely bitter taste (don’t worry, it’s perfectly safe to ingest in small doses). The quick-drying formula can be applied on bare nails or over polish, and the bitterness lasts about a week. Our tester appreciated that it was invisible and odorless. However, she didn’t think the formula actively increased growth, but the fact that she was biting her nails less meant her nails were definitely longer by the end of the testing period.

Ashley, tester: “If you bite your nails or cuticles, this will absolutely deter you. It's disgusting! I have a tendency to bite my nails on flights because I'm an anxious flyer, and this put a stop to it right away.”

Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed wheat protein, hydrolyzed soy protein, calcium | Size: 0.45 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Struggle to get your nails past a certain length before they break? The long, strong nails of your dreams are within reach thanks to this intensive growth treatment from Duri. It calls on three powerhouse strengthening ingredients–hydrolyzed wheat protein, hydrolyzed soy protein, and calcium–promoting flexibility, reducing brittleness, and creating a protective coat to seal in moisture. Although it’s technically a base/top coat, our tester used it as a stand-alone polish and loved the clear high-shine finish over her bare nails. The formula is designed for daily application over the course of seven days, and if our tester skipped a day the polish cracked and peeled. It was worth the diligence though; her nails doubled in length in just a couple of weeks.

Ashley, tester: “This product was very effective at stimulating nail growth and it reduced brittleness in my nails significantly.”

Key Ingredients: Keratin and calcium | Size: 0.43 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Chronically weak nails might be lacking keratin, a protein that helps form the tissues of the skin, hair, and nails. Picking a keratin-replenishing formula like this one can help. Although the formula takes a while to dry (around four minutes), it has a smooth glossy finish and our tester loved that one application lasted up to a week without chipping. After removal, our tester noticed the polish had dried out her nails, but that was a small price to pay for effective and long-lasting strengthening results—she says this formula gave her the longest nails she’s had in her life.

Ashley, tester: “My nails felt stronger than they ever had. When I stopped applying, a week later my nails were still in pristine condition.”

Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Dimethicone | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

There’s something so luxurious about the flawless, shiny finish of gels. Mimic that mirror-like gloss minus the nail damage with this protein-enriched formula. The key ingredient is hydrolyzed wheat protein which reinforces brittle nails while hydrating dimethicone boosts flexibility. The formula is quick and easy to apply, and it dries to a super-glossy finish in just a few minutes. Our tester applied the polish every day for a week, allowing the product to build into a protective layer that helped her nails grow long. The results were also impressively fast: She noticed her nails were significantly stronger and less bendy by day two. The only downside? If the formula accidentally comes into contact with the skin it can cause dryness, so take care when applying it.

Brittany, tester: “This strengthener goes on extremely glossy and looks even more shiny than a top coat.”

Key Ingredients: Celery seed extract, rosemary leaf extract, sage leaf extract | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Peeling, which is often caused by some kind of trauma to the nail (for example, trying to remove gels at home without soaking them properly), can take a long time to heal. Help has arrived in the form of Olive & June’s Nail Strengthener. It’s packed full of plant-based ingredients including celery seed extract which helps heal and condition the nail’s surface, reducing those stubborn white marks and ridges. The formula is easy to apply, dries in moments, and doesn’t sit on the nail like a regular polish—our tester’s nails seemed to drink the formula up and absorb it. She applied the treatment daily at first to intensify the benefits, before going down to once per week once she noticed her nails were peeling less. However, the formula did feel a little drying, so keep a good hand cream or cuticle oil ready.

Key Ingredients: Camellia oil, cellulose | Size: 0.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

We love a product that multitasks. Enter, Chanel’s Protective and Smoothing Nail Treatment which can be used as both a nail strengthener and a base coat that you can wear on its own for a milky finish. We were truly impressed by all this polish did for our tester’s nails from the very first use. It promises to nourish the nail and alleviate dryness with camellia oil and calls on cellulose to repair the nail’s surface. After consistent use, our tester’s nails felt and looked less brittle, and she noticed less breakage. There wasn’t much nail growth to speak of, but the overall health of her nails was noticeably improved. She also shared that a simple coat of this treatment was enough to give her nails a shiny, rosy glow, like a perfect middle between bare nails and a minimalist manicure.

Taylore, tester: “It adds a nice sheen to the nails, as well as this barely there, almost rosy glow that made my nails appear more healthy instantly.”

Key Ingredients: Sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, keratin | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

This treatment is ideal for anyone who gets impatient waiting for their nails to dry. Unlike traditional nail polish, the CND RescueRXx Daily Keratin Treatment is brushed on and then massaged in, resulting in minimal drying time. Our tester appreciated that precise application isn’t necessary since the treatment works on both the nail and cuticle. This nail strengthener is a twice-daily treatment formulated with moisturizing sweet almond oil and jojoba oil, and strengthening keratin. With regular use, our tester noticed that her nails felt stronger and looked much healthier, and her cuticles were moisturized.

Ashley, tester: “I love that it absorbs and dries so quickly; I can apply it before bed, rub it in, and I don’t have to worry about it getting on my sheets.”

Key Ingredients: Silanediol salicylate, pistacia lentiscus gum, cationic hyaluronic acid | Size: 2.5 mL | Cruelty-Free: Yes

ISDIN’s Si-Nails serum has a gel-like consistency that’s easy to rub into the nail and cuticle and absorbs within seconds of application. It’s formulated with a blend of fortifying and hydrating ingredients (including hyaluronic acid), which work together to make the nails harder and stronger, and leave the cuticles moisturized.

Since it’s a serum, our tester didn’t experience any of the typical pitfalls of polish like chipping or fading. We were truly impressed by how this treatment transformed our tester’s nails and pleasantly surprised by how much faster their nails were growing with the serum (and how much healthier they looked as a result). The click-pen applicator can disperse a bit too much product, leading to waste, but we think the impressive formula makes it worth buying regardless.

Aamina, tester: “It spread really evenly across my nail bed and cuticle and felt more like skincare than a nail product.”

Key Ingredients: Patented Hexanal, glycolic acid, malic acid, lactic acid | Size: 0.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

JINsoon’s HyperRepair is a low-maintenance treatment that leaves nails looking healthy and freshly polished long after application. Our tester noticed the treatment working after just two applications and loved its gorgeous shine and smooth, polished finish. If you want a stronger color, it can also serve as a strong base coat for layering other polishes on top.

After consistent use, our tester’s nails felt less brittle, more pliable, and less prone to breakage. She also noted that her nails felt generally stronger and looked well hydrated. Finally, we like that this polish is 21-free and made without any harsh chemicals.

Taylore, tester: “This product has a really pretty, high-shine finish. It actually lasted almost two weeks before I noticed chips, and the shine never dulled.”

Key Ingredients: Rapeseed oil, biotin, vitamins A, E | Size: 0.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

With Londontown’s Nail Hardener and Base Coat, your manicure will look great without compromising your nail’s health. This hardening polish is made with rapeseed oil, vitamin A, vitamin E, and biotin, which leaves nails hydrated and nourished. When our tester used this strengthener as a base coat, its smooth texture layered perfectly underneath her go-to polish.

In addition to its layering ability, this product serves as a protective barrier between the nail and typical nail polish. Throughout the testing period, our tester’s nails stayed healthy with daily use of this product, and she was impressed by how well the treatment maintained and even slightly improved her nail strength. The results weren’t dramatic, so this isn’t the ideal option for those with extremely damaged nails, but we highly recommend it for people who paint their nails frequently and want a strengthening base coat.

Aamina, tester with short, round nails: “The application is so smooth. I have a hard time imagining doing an at-home mani without it now.”

Key Ingredients: Calcium, coconut oil, beeswax, shea butter, glycerin | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Instead of a polish, ONYX Professional’s Hard As Hoof Nail Strengthening Cream is more like a lotion with a creamy texture that absorbs into the nails with minimal effort. Our tester loved how easy this formula was to use and that only a small amount of product is needed per application (although it needs to be reapplied three times a day ideally). The treatment left his nails looking more hydrated, which makes sense since it’s formulated with moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil (hence the subtle coconut scent), shea butter, and jojoba seed oil. By the end of the testing period, our tester’s nails became stronger and healthier-looking.

Saleam, tester: “I like how easy it is to apply. A little goes a long way and it absorbs into the nails and skin easily and quickly.”

FAQ

• Do nail strengtheners work?

  Yes. Gerstein says you just have to use them correctly so that the nail can absorb the nutrients. "Clean the nail with antibacterial soap, wipe it with alcohol to balance the pH level, then apply the nail strengthener," she says. Also, remember that using these products consistently is key; it will likely take some time to see results If you’re not seeing improvements within a few weeks, Dr. Lipner advises seeing “a board-certified dermatologist who can diagnose your nail condition and prescribe appropriate treatment.”

• Does a nail strengthener help nails grow?

  "Nail strengtheners promote growth, as they ensure a well-sealed, hydrated nail," Gerstein explains. "Nails are just like a sponge—when a sponge is hard and dry, it cracks, which is the same as a nail without a proper manicure.

• How often should you use a nail strengthener?

  Gerstein suggests using a nail strengthener once per week and complementing it with a daily application of your favorite cuticle oil to help keep the nails hydrated. But if you're dealing with really damaged nails, check in with your doctor to make sure there’s no underlying health condition that could be leaving your nails in such bad shape.

• Can you put nail strengthener under gel polish?

  Unfortunately, most nail strengtheners (in polish form) can't be used under gel polish. "Regular polish and gel polish are two different things that do not interact together," says Gerstein. That said, if you're looking to boost the strength of your nails before you get a gel manicure, treat your nails for two weeks leading up to your service or opt for vitamins and the other forms of strengthening treatments listed above.