The Tamesis
If you’ve been getting your nails done every two weeks for years, you may have one day taken off the gel, got off the hamster wheel, and realized that your nails are suddenly thin, brittle, and prone to breaking at the slightest touch.
Unfortunately, I learned this the hard way. When I stopped wearing gel nails, my nails seemed like they were going to break at any moment—in gym class, while carrying groceries, looking for something in my bag. Without my customary manicure appointments, I became a walking “I broke my nail” meme—constantly looking for a Band-Aid to prevent further damage. What’s confusing is that my nails are finally growing to a good length; they clearly aren’t strong enough to hold up without the gel coat on top. I was frustrated and frustrated and thought it couldn’t hurt to test a nail strengthener or two.
According to board-certified dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi, MD nail strengtheners should be considered supportive maintenance rather than a permanent repair. “Weak nails are often multifactorial and may be related to frequent handwashing, trauma from exposure to acetone, gels or acrylics, aging, nutritional deficiencies or underlying skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis,” she explains. Continuing to use the gel can delay noticeable improvement, she added.
FashionFavorite nail strengthener:
“Self-care for your nails is a must, especially if you’re exposed to the elements or work with your hands frequently,” says board-certified dermatologist Alicia Zarka, MD, to combat micro-stresses that make nails brittle and fragile.
When choosing a strengthener, Dr. Shirazi recommends avoiding overuse of hardeners, especially formaldehyde resin, which can make nails too hard and more susceptible to cracking or inflammation. Instead, she recommends a formula that balances strengthening and conditioning ingredients and is used continuously but not indefinitely. Healthy nail habits remain paramount, including minimizing prolonged exposure to water, moisturizing cuticles, and taking a break from strenuous manicures.
Whether you’re giving up gels because of cost, recovery, or reset, targeted treatments can help support the process. Below, experts evaluate six favorite nail care products, including strengthening serums, base coats, and base coats. We also answer frequently asked questions, including what actually helps nail growth, whether nail strengtheners really work (spoiler: they do), and what to look for when choosing a nail strengthener.
In this story:
Best Overall: Isdin Si-Nails Strengthening Nail Serum
- Why we love it: This nail serum is a concentrated formula designed to strengthen weak, brittle nails. It comes in a convenient, easy-to-apply pen format that applies precisely to nails and cuticles without any mess. Dr. Zalka explains, “It contains hyaluronic acid and castor oil to help attract and lock in moisture to keep nails and cuticles hydrated. Think of it as a nail and cuticle conditioner.”
- Editor experience: “I love Isdin 的指甲精华素有更高的标准，因为我知道与其他指甲保健产品相比，它是一种奢侈的产品。也就是说，它物有所值，因为其声称背后的临床研究以及它如何显着地强化我的指甲，随着时间的推移，指甲不易断裂。指甲护理产品通常让我烦恼的一件事是它的气味通常很刺鼻，但这款产品不含香料，所以我可以放心使用它。笔式设计也使其非常易于使用，它会变干。很快，整个过程中无需等待。” —Iman Balagam, Writer
- Main ingredients: Silanediol salicylate, coptis wood gum, cationic hyaluronic acid
- How to apply: One click per nail, once daily for best results
- size: 2.5ml
