If you’ve spent years getting your nails done every two weeks, there may come a day when you take the gel off, get off the hamster wheel, and realize your nails are suddenly thin, fragile, and prone to breakage at the slightest touch.
Unfortunately, I learned this the hard way. When I started transitioning out of gel manis, it seemed my nails would snap at any given moment—during a workout class, carrying groceries, searching for something in my bag. Without my habitual manicure appointment, I turned into a walking “my nail broke” meme—in constant search of Band-Aids to safeguard against further damage. The confusing part was that my nails had finally grown to a nice length; they apparently just weren’t strong enough to hold up without a gel coat on top. Frustrated and discouraged, I figured testing a nail strengthener or two wouldn’t hurt.
According to board-certified dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi, MD nail strengtheners should be viewed as supportive maintenance rather than a permanent fix. “Brittle nails are often multifactorial and can be linked to frequent hand washing, acetone exposure, trauma from gels or acrylics, aging, nutritional deficiencies, or underlying skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis,” she explains. She adds that continued gel use can delay visible improvement.
Vogue’s Favorite Nail Strengtheners:
“Self-care for nails is a must, especially if you’re exposed to the elements or work frequently with your hands,” board-certified dermatologist Alicia Zalka, MD says, to combat the micro-stressors that make nails brittle and weak.
When choosing a strengthener, Dr. Shirazi advises avoiding overuse of hardening agents, particularly formaldehyde-based resins, which can make nails overly rigid and more prone to cracking or irritation. Instead, she recommends formulas that balance strengthening with conditioning ingredients, used consistently but not indefinitely. Healthy nail habits still matter most, including minimizing prolonged water exposure, moisturizing cuticles, and taking breaks from aggressive manicures.
Whether you’re stepping away from gels for cost, recovery, or a reset, targeted treatments can help support the process. Below, experts weigh in on six beloved nail-health products, including strengthening serums, base coats, and primers. We also answer common questions, including what actually helps nails grow, whether nail strengtheners really work (spoiler: they do), and what to look for when choosing one.
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, allowing for precise application to the nails and cuticles—without any mess. Dr. Zalka explains, “It contains hyaluronic acid and castor oil, which help attract and lock in moisture to keep nails and cuticles hydrated. Think of it as a conditioner for your nails and cuticles.”
- Editor’s Experience: “I hold Isdin’s nail serum to a higher standard, knowing it’s a splurge compared to other nail-health products. That said, it’s worth the price tag, given the clinicals behind its claims and how noticeably it strengthens my nails, which feel less prone to breakage over time. One thing that usually bothers me about nail treatments is the often harsh scent, but this one is fragrance-free, so I can use it without worry. The pen format also makes it incredibly easy to use, it dries quickly, and there’s no waiting around in the process.” —Iman Balagam, contributor
- Key Ingredients: Silanediol salicylate, pistacia lentiscus gum, cationic hyaluronic acid
- How to Apply: Click once per nail, once a day, for optimal results
- Size: 2.5 ml
