The best nail strengthener is one that not only strengthens nails but protects it from further damage. Here’s how to strengthen your nails with our top nail strengtheners in the UK
Having strong, healthy nails isn’t just good for your appearance, it can be reflection of your overall health.
Weak, brittle nails, or nails that are an unusual colour or shape can suggest that your body isn’t getting the nutrients it needs. It could suggest your immune system is low, or that something in your life is causing them to split or break easily.
We’ve previously explained the main brittle nails causes and symptoms but in this guide, we’re focusing on what to do about it – how to strengthen nails and get them (and potentially your health) back to its best.
We’ve also tried and tested the best nail strengtheners in the UK and that list is found at the bottom of this article. Click here to jump straight to that section, or keep reading to find more about strengthening your nails at home.
FURTHER READING: Brittle nails: A skin specialist reveals the causes and symptoms | What stress does to your skin and hair
iStock The best way to strengthen your nails is to try and determine the reasons why their brittle in the first place. The main brittle nails causes include:
You can then address the cause rather than just the symptoms.
Your nails are a reflection of your overall health and a diet lacking in essential nutrients can lead to weak, brittle nails. To combat this, make sure you’re getting as many of the following vitamins and minerals as possible.
You can read more in our best skin food guide.
You can alternatively turn to beauty supplements to raise the levels of these vitamins and minerals in your diet. Supplements should never be used as a substitute for a balanced diet but they can help give you a boost. You can read more, and get recommendations, in our guide to the truth about beauty supplements.
Shutterstock Beyond nutrition, how you care for your nails on a daily basis plays a crucial role in their health.
Just like the skin on your face and hands needs the best moisturiser, your nails need hydration to stay strong and flexible. Using a hand cream and cuticle oil daily can help prevent dryness and splitting and leave your hands feel soft and supple.
A good hand cream is particularly useful after cleaning or washing dishes or handling cleaning products. Wearing gloves to shield your nails from harmful chemicals and excessive water exposure can also help.
And if you’re a big fan of manicures, there are a few things you can do to limit the damage that gels, acrylics, and nail polish remover can have on your nails.
Opt for gentle, acetone-free nail polish removers. Limit the use of nail polish, and allow your nails time to breathe and recover between manicures.
We also recommend that you stop using your nails as tools to pick or pry things open.
If you don’t have the time – or the impetus – to strengthen your nails naturally then there are products that can help you strengthen nails overnight. Or at least in days rather than weeks.
Adding a top nail strengthener to your care routine can act as a protective barrier and repair superficial damage overnight. While regular application can lead to visible improvements, making nails not only appear healthier but also become more resilient and less likely to break.
This is because many of these products contain a blend of vitamins, proteins, and other nutrients that reinforce the nail’s natural structure, promote growth, and protect against breakage and splitting.
£19.50 | BUY NOW
Mavala If you’re looking for a quick, and effective nail hardener that strengthens your nails overnight, the Mavala Scientifique K+ Nail Hardener instantly penetrates and quickly hardens the nail to transform weak or splitting nails into strong, healthy tips.
It contains Pro Keratin and helps the natural keratin fibres in the nail layer to join forces and create a stronger base. It also contains crystal resin tears and a gum extracted from the pistachio mastic tree that helps the natural keratinisation of nails, further repairing and reinforcing them.
BUY NOW
£21.90 | BUY NOW
OPI OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener is specifically formulated for people struggling with weak, damaged and brittle nails.
Its formula contains wheat protein and calcium, two components that work together to fortify and repair the nails and promote a harder, longer, and stronger nail structure.
It can be used as both a stand-alone treatment or as a protective base coat under nail polish and the more you use it, the better and long-lasting the results.
BUY NOW
£7.99 | BUY NOW
Sally Hansen Sally Hansen’s Hard as Nails Strengthener is a clear treatment designed to combat nail weakness and brittleness head-on.
It contains a blend of vitamins and minerals that help nourish the nails, seal in moisture and increase their hardness.
Like OPI’s Nail Envy, you can wear this nail strengthener under your favourite polish, or you can wear it on its own for natural look.
It’s cheaper than a lot of nail strengtheners out there yet its up there in terms of performance and quality so don’t let this put you off.
BUY NOW
£14 | BUY NOW
Nails Inc This isn’t a nail strengthener in the traditional sense, but the Nails Inc. Nailkale Superfood Base Coat can still improve the strength and health of your nails thanks to the use of kale.
Known for being rich in Vitamins A, C, and K, kale extract helps boost keratin production which is vital for nail strength, smoothness, and overall health.
This base coat not only nourishes but also protects the nails, laying the foundation for a healthier nail bed and enhanced nail growth.
It’s best for people who prefer products with nourishing, plant-based ingredients rather than super strong chemicals. Plus it helps create a smooth and tacky base for your nail polish to stick to. It’s a win-win.
BUY NOW
£8.99 | BUY NOW
Essie As its name suggests, Essie’s All-in-One Polish Base Coat and Top coat is a multipurpose product. It acts as a base coat and top coat with the added benefit of being a nail strengthener. This makes it the best value for money product in this list, and is a testament to the brand’s commitment to nail health and strength.
It contains biotin, a key nutrient known for its nail-strengthening properties, and it creates a protective barrier against damage, reinforcing nails from the base up.
Its clear formula is designed to work with any nail colour, and it creates a smooth canvas for you to apply your polish.
BUY NOW
£21.50 | BUY NOW
Jessica Nails This nail strengthener doesn’t come cheap, but that’s because it contains various proteins, including hydrolyzed keratin that hydrate, repair and strengthen the nail.
This formula has been designed to address the root causes of nail weakness but, thanks to hydrating ingredients, it makes sure your nails stay flexible not just hard and strong.
BUY NOW
Victoria is founder and editor-in-chief of mamabella, freelance journalist and Mum. She has a passion for empowering people to feel beautiful whatever their age, size, skin type and budget
