What Are Nail Strengtheners? We Asked the Experts

While revamping your skincare lineup or refreshing your makeup bag may feel like natural ways to improve your beauty routine, we often forget about our nails. People spend countless hours getting their hair and skin in tip-top condition, but nail health is just as important. Whether you regularly sport extravagant nail art or prefer minimalistic manicures, the key to keeping your fingernails healthy is with a little TLC. So what are your options?

You’ve probably passed over a few bottles of nail strengthener while perusing the Target aisle, wondering what exactly the point is and, more importantly, if it works. To set the record straight, we asked top nail experts for the full rundown of the product, including how to use them, when to expect results, and how to find the right formula for you.

What Are Nail Strengtheners?

Nail strengtheners are topical treatments that improve the health of your fingernails.“Most [nail strengtheners] come in the form of a polish,” shares Rita Remark, Essie’s global lead educator. “The formulas are infused with ingredients that promote repair and nourish damaged or weak natural nails.” Thea Green, founder of Nails.INC, also notes that the product can help with durability and improve the resilience of brittle nails.

How does this work exactly? Your fingernails are made of a protein called keratin, which keeps your nail beds covered and protected from bacteria. But your nails still need nutrients to grow long and strong. While you get some of that naturally, a nail strengthener can give you an additional boost. According to celebrity nail artist and CEO of Nailing Hollywood, Mazz Hanna, most nail strengtheners contain keratin, calcium, and vitamins to promote healthy nail growth. She explains that some may also work to hydrate the nails, which keeps them strong over time.

Who Should Use a Nail Strengthener?

Anyone can use a nail strengthener, but the experts say that those dealing with weak, brittle, thin, or peeling nails will benefit most. While most of these issues can be a side effect of frequent use of nail extensions, they are not the only cause of nail damage. “Our nails take a lot of wear and tear from everyday actions like washing our hands or using harsh cleaning chemicals. Incorporating a nail strengthener can help keep them sturdy,” says Remark. 

Aside from daily activities and tension from extensions, Green tells us that aging can also impact nail health. “As we age, our nails can become thinner and may need some extra TLC to keep them healthy and strong,” she says. Trauma and post-health-related nail damage can also affect the natural strength of your nails, making them ideal for a nail-strengthening product.

How to Use a Nail Strengthener

The good news is that applying a nail strengthener is even easier than recreating the latest nail trend. In most cases, you will apply a nail strengthener like a typical nail polish. Start with clean, bare nails. Remark stresses the importance of this step as it ensures you will get the full benefits from the product. After trimming and filing your nails, Green suggests applying a thing, even coat over each fingernail. Make sure to cover the edge and tips of the nail to prevent splitting.

As for how often you can apply the product, Hanna says that the frequency varies. “Most products recommend applying a new coat every 2-3 days,” she explains. But to see long-term results, you’ll need to use it as you would any beauty treatment. “Incorporating a strengthener into your routine over several weeks, along with regular maintenance, will give you the best results.”

What to Look For

When shopping for a nail strengthener, Remark says that a little self-diagnosis goes a long way. Assess your top nail concerns and search for ingredients to treat them. “If your nails are damaged and peeling from improper gel removal, you’ll need a strengthener that can assist in rebuilding and smoothing your nails,” she explains. However, if you’re unsure of any issues, Hanna notes it’s best to look for products that contain nourishing ingredients like keratin, calcium, biotin, or oils that will hydrate and strengthen. (Here’s our list of tested nail-strengtheners with these types of ingredients.)

If you are looking for a more intense solution, celebrity nail artist Elle Gerstein recommends opting for a strengthening system. These will generally have two steps: one to open the pores beneath the nails and another to deliver nutrients. This allows the product to penetrate deeper for a more targeted approach.

Nail Strengthener vs. Nail Hardener

While they might look and sound similar, a nail strengthener and a nail hardener are not the same thing. According to Green, the key differences lie in their purpose, formulation, and the overall effect they have on your nails. “A nail strengthener is designed to improve the overall health of nails, while a nail hardener is specifically used to make nails harder and more rigid,” she says.

A nail strengthener focuses on improving the overall health and resilience of the nails by hydrating and nourishing them. It prevents breakage by making nails more flexible and less prone to splitting. A nail hardener, on the other hand, typically adds rigidity to the nails, making them harder but not necessarily healthier. Overusing hardeners can lead to brittleness, so they’re best for short-term use or specific cases of very soft nails.

The Final Takeaway

Using a nail strengthener can bring several benefits, but like anything in beauty, consistency is key. If you want to see visible improvements, such as growth and a reduction in dryness and brittleness, you’ll need to commit to routine use. “Nail strengtheners can improve the overall health of your nails, but long-term benefits depend on regular application and proper nail care habits,” says Hanna. With those in place, you’ll likely start noticing your nails looking smoother, free of ridges, and stronger.