If you’ve spent years getting your nails done every two weeks, there may come a day when you take the gel off, get off the hamster wheel, and realize your nails are suddenly thin, fragile, and prone to breakage at the slightest touch.
Unfortunately, I learned this the hard way. When I started transitioning out of gel manis, it seemed my nails would snap at any given moment—during a workout class, carrying groceries, searching for something in my bag. Without my habitual manicure appointment, I turned into a walking “my nail broke” meme—in constant search of Band-Aids to safeguard against further damage. The confusing part was that my nails had finally grown to a nice length; they apparently just weren’t strong enough to hold up without a gel coat on top. Frustrated and discouraged, I figured testing a nail strengthener or two wouldn’t hurt.
According to board-certified dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi, MD nail strengtheners should be viewed as supportive maintenance rather than a permanent fix. “Brittle nails are often multifactorial and can be linked to frequent hand washing, acetone exposure, trauma from gels or acrylics, aging, nutritional deficiencies, or underlying skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis,” she explains. She adds that continued gel use can delay visible improvement.
Vogue’s Favorite Nail Strengtheners:
“Self-care for nails is a must, especially if you’re exposed to the elements or work frequently with your hands,” board-certified dermatologist Alicia Zalka, MD says, to combat the micro-stressors that make nails brittle and weak.
When choosing a strengthener, Dr. Shirazi advises avoiding overuse of hardening agents, particularly formaldehyde-based resins, which can make nails overly rigid and more prone to cracking or irritation. Instead, she recommends formulas that balance strengthening with conditioning ingredients, used consistently but not indefinitely. Healthy nail habits still matter most, including minimizing prolonged water exposure, moisturizing cuticles, and taking breaks from aggressive manicures.
Whether you’re stepping away from gels for cost, recovery, or a reset, targeted treatments can help support the process. Below, experts weigh in on six beloved nail-health products, including strengthening serums, base coats, and primers. We also answer common questions, including what actually helps nails grow, whether nail strengtheners really work (spoiler: they do), and what to look for when choosing one.
In This Story:
- Do nail strengtheners really work?
- What actually helps you nails grow?
- What to Look For in a Nail Strengthener
- How long does it take to see results in nail strengtheners?
- How We Tested
- Meet the Experts
Best Overall: Isdin Si-Nails Strengthening Nail Serum
Isdin
Si-Nails Strengthening Nail Serum
- Why We Love It: This nail serum is a concentrated formula designed to strengthen weak, brittle nails. It comes in a convenient, easy-to-apply pen format, allowing for precise application to the nails and cuticles—without any mess. Dr. Zalka explains, “It contains hyaluronic acid and castor oil, which help attract and lock in moisture to keep nails and cuticles hydrated. Think of it as a conditioner for your nails and cuticles.”
- Editor’s Experience: “I hold Isdin’s nail serum to a higher standard, knowing it’s a splurge compared to other nail-health products. That said, it’s worth the price tag, given the clinicals behind its claims and how noticeably it strengthens my nails, which feel less prone to breakage over time. One thing that usually bothers me about nail treatments is the often harsh scent, but this one is fragrance-free, so I can use it without worry. The pen format also makes it incredibly easy to use, it dries quickly, and there’s no waiting around in the process.” —Iman Balagam, contributor
- Key Ingredients: Silanediol salicylate, pistacia lentiscus gum, cationic hyaluronic acid
- How to Apply: Click once per nail, once a day, for optimal results
- Size: 2.5 ml
Best for Preventing Yellowing: Manucurist S.O.S. Base Coat
Manucurist
S.O.S. Base Coat
- Why We Love It: For very damaged nails, Dr. Zalka recommends this strengthening formula enriched with nitrocellulose, alpha hydroxy acids, and antioxidants to help restore nail health. It can be worn on its own for a natural look or used as a base coat before applying polish. “It also prevents yellowing by protecting nails from the effects of dark polish,” adds Dr. Spearman. Unlike many nail products that can be harsh on both skin and the environment, this one is eco-friendly, made with vegan and cruelty-free ingredients.
- Editor’s Experience: “I am absolutely obsessed with Manucurist’s S.O.S. Base Coat—it’s been my go-to since I stopped getting manicures. After about a week, this has completely transformed my nails. In editing this, I’m realizing it prevents yellowing, so that explains why my nail beds suddenly appear brighter. Just brush it on as you would a normal base coat and go about your day!” —Kiana Murden, beauty editor, shopping
- Key Ingredients: Vitamin B5, vitamin C, AHAs
- How to Apply: Use alone as a strengthening base coat or apply before your polish for added protection.
- Size: 0.5 fl oz
Best Drugstore: Sally Hansen Gel Rehab Nail Treatment Pen
Sally Hansen
Gel Rehab Nail Treatment Pen
- Why We Love It: Sometimes your nails simply need a little rehab, and this easy-to-use pen is one of the simplest ways to help resuscitate them. Lightweight and portable, it’s formulated with samphire extract and vegan keratin, alongside film-forming ingredients that temporarily reinforce the nail plate and help reduce water loss, per Dr. Shirazi. However, she adds that it is best used as temporary protection while healthier nails grow out, which may take several months depending on the individual and the naturally slow growth rate of fingernails.
- Editor’s Experience: “If we were to do a SWOT analysis, consistency is probably one of my greatest weaknesses, and the only way to get me to do something regularly is if it is as convenient as possible. Thankfully, this pen removes any second-guessing, so I can dab it onto my nails without any prep or post-care. It also dries quickly, so I don’t have to sit around staring at my phone, practically foaming at the mouth, waiting to get back on Instagram.” —Iman Balagam, contributor
- Key Ingredients: Samphire extract, vegan keratin
- How to Apply: Apply the Sally Hansen nail care serum directly onto bare nails using the pen twice daily for six days for maximum efficacy
- Size: 5 mL
Best for Intensive Repair: CND Nail Strengthener Rxx
- Why We Love It: CND, known for its professional-grade products, delivers a nail strengthener that actually works. The formula is packed with keratins and proteins to fortify the nails, while key ingredients like cellulose, silica, celery seed extract, and camellia oil help smooth and strengthen. “This is designed to target the root cause of nail weakness, restoring nails to a nourished, healthy state,” explains Dr. Spearman. As with any treatment, following the instructions is key—apply daily for four days, then remove and reapply, repeating the process for a total of 14 days.
- Editor’s Experience: “Some reviewers have noted that their nails turned yellow after using this product, but let the record show that wasn’t my experience. That said, I struggled to stay consistent with it, and as with most things, consistency is key—it’s meant to be used in 4-day cycles. If you’re a more regimented person, this could be a great option, but you’d need nail polish remover on hand to actually keep up with the routine.” —Iman Balagam, contributor
- Key Ingredients: N/A
- How to Apply: Start with two coats on clean, bare nails on day 1, then apply one coat daily on Days 2 and 3. On day 4, remove and repeat the cycle for optimal results.
- Size: 0.5 fl oz
Best Base Coat: Kiss Nail Strengthening Treatment
Kiss
Nail Strengthening Treatment
- Why We Love It: If splitting, chipping, and cracking are your main concerns, this affordable treatment polish is infused with diamond powder and biotin to help strengthen brittle nails over time. The best part? It can double as a base coat, making it easy to incorporate into your existing manicure routine. Suitable for both hands and feet, it’s also a great option for anyone dealing with nail discoloration. Another bonus is its quick-drying formula, so you won’t be left awkwardly waiting around for it to set. Just keep in mind that results aren’t instant—it typically takes three to six months of consistent use to see a noticeable difference.
- Editor’s Experience: “Infused with the good stuff (think: biotin, propolis, and tea tree oil), I found this product easy to use and quick-drying, so I didn’t have to wait around for polish to set. That said, you do have to use it consistently for three to six months for best results. While I’m not quite there on my journey, the ease of application is enough to keep me going.” —Iman Balagam, contributor
- Key Ingredients: Biotin, propolis, tea tree oil
- How to Apply: Apply a thin coat directly to clean, bare nails and allow it to dry completely
- Size: 13 mL
Best for Daily Use: Essie Hard to Resist Advanced Nail Strengthener
Essie
Strengthener Treatment
- Why We Love It: When picking up your next Essie polish, why not add this strengthener to your cart? Dr. Shirazi says its formula is enriched with proteins, vitamins, and minerals to help reinforce the nail structure. By reducing brittleness and breakage, it promotes smoother, stronger nails with consistent use. “It’s an ideal choice for nails that are prone to peeling or weakness,” he adds.
- Editor’s Experience: “A few things to note about this product: you’re going to need two coats, as one coat might not last as long as you’d like. There is also a pretty potent nail polish-like scent, but no pain, no gain? That said, my nails do appear stronger, so it feels worth it.” —Iman Balagam, contributor
- Key Ingredients: MSM technology
- How to Apply: Use alone as a strengthening base coat daily.
- Size: 13.5 ml
Best for Peeling Nails: Nail Tek Nail Strengthener Xtra 4
Nail Tek
Xtra 4 Strengthener
- Why We Love It: Designed for soft, peeling nails, Nail Tek Xtra 4 features a protein-enriched formula that helps restore nail health. “It reinforces the nail matrix, enhancing strength and flexibility, and is particularly beneficial for nails weakened by frequent polish removal or exposure to harsh chemicals,” explains Dr. Shirazi.
- Editor’s Experience: “As someone who has had her nails break in her boxing gloves, I take nail care seriously, and this is one of the best options for quicker results, taking about two weeks or so to show improvement. I’m personally not the most ‘clean’ ingredient shopper, so some might not like that it contains formaldehyde, but there are enough pros to outweigh that in my book.” —Iman Balagam, contributor
- Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed wheat protein, vitamin B5
- How to Apply: Apply one coat and leave as is for a natural look, or use as a base coat before applying color.
- Size: 0.5 fl oz
Best Nail Serum: OPI Repair Mode Bond Building Nail Serum
OPI
Repair Mode Bond Building Nail Serum
- Why We Love It: A bit pricier than some of the other options on our list, we’d counter that this lightweight serum is worth the splurge for anyone dealing with damage from gel removal, harsh products, or simply daily wear and tear. It can be worn beneath regular polish or treatments and even used as a 10-minute prep step before gel services at the salon—BYOS(erum). Plus, there’s zero dry time, making it especially easy to use, and the brand reports up to 99 percent keratin repair and nails that are four times stronger in just six days when applied as directed.
- Editor’s Experience: “Serum is the proper term for this product. It’s super lightweight and much thinner than nail polish, so you barely notice you’ve applied anything to your nails. There’s no scent, so it’s not irritating, which matters since you need to apply it twice a day for six days to see results.” —Iman Balagam, contributor
- Key Ingredients: Ulti-Plex Technology
- How to Apply: Apply two coats directly to clean nails as a treatment. Use twice daily for six days.
- Size: 9 mL
Everything You Need to Know
Do nail strengtheners really work?
Yes—but all of our experts agree that it depends on the condition of the nails and the ingredients in the formula. Choi explains, “Nail strengtheners help prevent breakage and protect nails from damage, but it’s important to understand that strengthening weak nails is a gradual process requiring consistent application.”
It’s also important to distinguish nail strengtheners from nail hardeners. Spearman clarifies that while nail strengtheners work to improve the nail from within, nail hardeners simply create a protective coating on the surface.
Zalka categorizes nail strengtheners into two types: replenishing products and protective products. Replenishing products, such as serums and oils, help restore moisture to the nails and surrounding skin, addressing dryness and brittleness. Protective products, like base coats or layered applications, act as a coat of armor, sealing the nail to prevent breakage and damage.
What actually helps your nails grow?
Spearman emphasizes that nutrition, hydration, proper care, and minimizing damage are key factors in promoting nail growth. Deficiencies in biotin, protein, iron, vitamin C, and zinc can slow growth, so supplementation may help if your diet is lacking. Like skin, nails need moisture—using cuticle oils, hand creams, or natural oils like olive and coconut oil can keep them hydrated and prevent brittleness. Proper nail care is also essential, which means avoiding overfiling, pushing cuticles back instead of cutting them, and wearing gloves when cleaning to protect against harsh chemicals. Lastly, minimizing stress and trauma—like using nails as tools or repetitive movements such as typing—can help prevent unnecessary damage.
Shirazi adds that genetics and age also play a role in nail growth, meaning that while we can optimize nail health, growth rates will still vary: “Sometimes, the best treatment is simply leaving them alone—frequent gel applications, excessive filing, and constant polish removal can weaken nails over time.”
Zalka explains that nails are made of keratin, just like hair, and grow from the nail matrix, located under the cuticle: “Much like split ends in hair, ridges or texture irregularities in nails signal damage. Keeping nails moisturized and protected from UV exposure is just as important as it is for your skin and hair.”
What to Look For in a Nail Strengthener
Choi explains that the most effective nail strengtheners contain a combination of key ingredients that target nail health and resilience. Hydrolyzed keratin reinforces the nail’s structure, while biotin boosts keratin production for overall strength. Calcium and peptides improve flexibility and reduce brittleness, while antioxidants like green tea extract and vitamin E can help protect nails from environmental damage and promote healthy growth.
Spearman adds that ease of use is just as important—a simple, convenient application increases compliance and ensures consistent use. Look for hydrating and nourishing ingredients, as well as quick-absorbing, nongreasy formulas that make daily application effortless. A clear or subtly tinted option is ideal for those with workplace restrictions on nail polish.
Choosing the right type of nail strengthener—whether a base coat, top coat, serum, oil, or polish with built-in strengthening properties—is key to meeting individual nail-care needs. It’s also best to avoid ingredients that may weaken nails over time, such as formaldehyde, commonly found in nail hardeners, which can cause brittleness; toluene, which is drying and poses potential health risks; camphor, which dehydrates nails; and parabens, which can act as allergens and hormone disruptors.
How long does it take to see results in nail strengtheners?
With consistent use, you can expect to see stronger, healthier nails within two to four weeks, says Choi. Achieving full results typically takes six to eight weeks, depending on your nails’ initial condition and how often you apply the strengthener.
Zalka notes that fingernails grow about 3.47 mm per month (or 0.1 mm per day) and tend to grow slower in winter and with age. While noticeable length growth may take a few weeks, improvements in nail plate appearance, smoothness, and surrounding skin softness can often be seen within a week, she adds.
When we test and review a product, we take a holistic approach to deliver well-rounded product recommendations. First, we lean on Vogue's vast network of experts—from board-certified dermatologists to celebrity estheticians—to gain professional acumen on the industry's standout products, ones these specialists would actually use on their clients. We pair their expertise with our editorial best practices to curate the thoughtful edits you read on our site.
As it relates to nail strengtheners, we selected the best based on the following characteristics: ingredients, application type, frequency of application, finish, and the nail-care concerns they address. To do this, we paired our own personal tests of each formula with expert guidance and reviewer insights to determine which we would recommend to you. Read more about our testing methodology here.
- Dr. Dara Spearman, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing in Fort Wayne, Indiana, specializing in melanoma and skin-cancer care.
- Dr. Azadeh Shirazi is a California-based board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology.
- Dr. Alicia Zalka is a board-certified dermatologist, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University, and founder of Surface Deep.
- Jin Soon Choi is an editorial manicurist and founder of the JINsoon Spas and JINsoon Nail Lacquer.
