My nails snag and chip so easily that for decades I gave up on manicures completely, that is, until I discovered the best nail strengtheners. While I don’t need them to be long necessarily, I want them to look nice and hold up in normal wear. Here, I tested several out, ranging from simple nourishing oils (surprisingly effective!) to multi-step routines complete with buffing and even pre-polish base coats. The good news: I’ve found that most of these strengthen soft, frail nails and hold up over time, even after painting them with polish. 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 very best products to up your nail care game, tested and reviewed by dermatologists, Glamour editors, and nail experts.
The best nail strengtheners, at a glance
How we picked nail strengtheners
How we tested nail strengtheners
We tested nail strengtheners for a series of weeks and took a look at the delivery methods (i.e if they were a one, two or three step process), consistency of product, accessibility and how easy they were to use. We followed instructions of each kit and tested one at a time over a series of days to weeks, checking in on how they helped with brittleness, cracking, dryness or flakes. We also spotlighted nail strengtheners that actually made a difference: ones that left our nails looking strong, snag-free and hydrated.
1. Best Overall: Dr. Dana Nail Renew System
Original photo from Talley Sue testing Dr. Dana Nail Renew System
Celebrity nail artists Sonya Meesh and Elle Gerstein both swear by this nail-renew system to achieve healthy nails, 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.”
In addition to being thin and soft, my nails are heavily ridged—a deadly combination, because they will easily split vertically right next to a ridge. Dr. Dana’s Nail Renewal System takes a three-pronged approach—the first step, which you do once a week, is a coat of their Glycolic Prep, which uses glycolic acid to gently exfoliate. This needs to be absorbed, which takes a few minutes. (The pointed brush gave me great control near the cuticles; I sort of wish all my nail polish had this shape of brush.) Then you use the three-surfaced file to scuff the surfaces of the nails through subsequently finer grits. This was really helpful, because it minimized the ridges. Last, the rubbery side polishes the nails to a nice gleam—a nice change from the dull effect the ridges usually give me. I loved the buffing process and that polished look, and my cuticles and nails clearly needed the nourishment.
- 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
2. Best Cuticle Oil: Essie On a Roll Apricot Nail & Cuticle Oil
Original photo from Talley Sue testing 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.