Key ingredients: celery seed extract, rosemary extract, sage leaf extract | Size: 0.6 fl oz. | Who it’s for: people who don’t want downtime with bare nails
Most Versatile: Deborah Lippmann Hard Rock
Why it’s worth it: Deborah Lippmann’s Hard Rock works as a strengthener and a base and topcoat. Swipe a few coats of the protein-rich formula over clean, bare nails daily until it’s time for your next polish. It’s super quick-drying, so you can apply it whenever you want without factoring in wait time.
Key ingredients: diamond powder, safflower seed oil, biotin | Size: 0.5 fl oz. | Who it’s for: people who want a quick-drying solution
Frequently Asked Questions
What do nail strengtheners do?
“Nail strengtheners help to prevent brittle and damaged nails and help the nail bed to stay healthy—if nutrients are incorporated in the formulation,” says cosmetic chemist Ginger King. “The strengthening part usually uses proteins and polymer resins to nourish and form a seal.” The result? Stronger nails.
But how do nails become weakened and brittle in the first place? Manicures and the process of removing gels and acrylics can be particularly damaging—especially if you’re removing them by at-home ripping or picking. “Nails are composed of cells called keratinocytes that look like tiles on a roof if you examine them under a microscope,” Dana Stern MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist, previously told Allure. “By peeling off a gel manicure, you are not only removing the gel but also the top layers of these delicate cells. This can result in white patches and textural irregularities throughout the nails.”
Aside from gels and acrylics, other factors can weaken nails, such as “a fungal infection (onychomycosis), contact dermatitis (from nail polish), psoriasis of the nails, nutritional deficiency (iron, biotin, etc.), and eczema,” David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. Consult your dermatologist to get down to the root of the issue.
How should I choose a nail strengthener?
Dr. Kim explains that to choose a suitable nail strengthener, you must consider the underlying cause. If it’s picking at gels, first and foremost, try to stop doing that and moisturize. “Moisturizing with your favorite cuticle oil or cream will help damaged cells stick together, thus improving the appearance of the surface of the nail,” Dr. Stern explained.