When nails get weak or brittle, it’s time to initiate treatment mode with one of the best nail strengtheners. Take it from me, a longtime (but not-by-choice) short-nails girl: It feels like every time they get long enough to gloriously clickety-clack on my keyboard, they split. The one-step-forward, two-steps-back cycle is indeed hard to break (no pun intended) without some intervention. And so, I turn to nail-strengthening formulas to give my nails a fighting chance. Throughout the years I’ve tested a combination of hand creams, cuticle oils, and brush-on formulas that act like a rescue treatment when my nails are at their worst. Most of my finds have come from chatting with experts and friends with enviable nails—plus some ideas from social-media scrolls—and all this research has culminated into a definitive list. Below are the best nail strengtheners, tested and reviewed by dermatologists, Glamour editors, and nail experts.
The best nail strengtheners, at a glance
- Best Overall: Dr. Dana Nail Renew System, $29
- Best Cuticle Oil: Essie On a Roll Apricot Nail & Cuticle Oil, $14
- Best for Nail Growth: CND Rescue Rxx Daily Keratin Treatment, $20
- Best for Yellow Nails: Dermelect Luminous Nail Brightening Treatment, $17
- Best for Gel-Polish Wearers: Essie to the Rescue UV Gel Damage Repair, $12
Best Overall: Dr. Dana Nail Renew System
Celebrity nail artists Sonya Meesh and Elle Gerstein both swear by this nail-renew system, which includes the brand’s pro-loved Deep Hydrating Formula along with a Glycolic Prep pen. “The glycolic ‘opens’ up the pores of my nails to deliver hydration and protein peptides, which is what makes this strengthener so unique,” says Gerstein. “It’s like using a serum before a moisturizer—it makes it work better. I see a significant difference in just one application.” After prepping her nails with the glycolic-boosted pen, Gerstein applies Dr. Dana’s nail hydrator, which fills in damage from gels and acrylics while nourishing her cuticles. “This is a staple,” she says. “In all my years using nail strengtheners, this one is a game changer.”
Meesh says this is a great option for anyone who wears peel-off gel nails like they do. “I hate soaking my own nails for removal, and sometimes I have some damage because I’m impatient,” they say. “The glycolic-acid treatment is great for my dry cuticles and flaking nails. You’re never truly hydrating if you’re not removing the dry, dead skin.” Meesh also prefers applying both products at night before bed, “so my skin can really soak it in.”
- How to use: Apply a thin coat of Glycolic Prep once weekly to clean, bare nails. Sweep the Priming Wand over your nails, then brush on the Deep Hydrating Formula, reapplying as needed.
- What we’re into: Fast results; great for revitalizing damage from gel polish or acrylics
- Things to consider: There are multiple steps; best on bare nails without polish
Best Cuticle Oil: Essie On a Roll Apricot Nail & Cuticle Oil
For truly strong nails, you need to take care of your cuticles too. Manicurist Stephanie Stone swears by Essie’s cuticle oil, which is formulated with apricot kernel oil, an ingredient proven to help moisturize dry skin. “I use this on a daily basis for my own personal care and keep a few extra on hand to share with my clients who need to start giving their cuticles some love,” she says. Stone stresses the importance of always keeping her cuticles hydrated to “prevent the cracking and hangnails that lead to breakage.” If you need to apply your cuticle oil throughout the day and not just at bedtime, this is a great pick. “I love that it has a rollerball applicator so I can keep it in my purse without fear of spillage and mess,” she says.
