Do Nail Strengtheners Really Work? Here's What To Know

Nail strengtheners are composed of active ingredients — like hydrators, reinforcers, and other moisturizing ingredients — to protect brittle nails from breakage and other damage. Dermatologist Dr. Kiran Mian explained that nail strengtheners “can help reinforce structure in brittle nails, allowing them to be resistant to breakage,” she explained to Today. “Your nail concerns will determine which will be best for you.”

Depending on your nail concerns, you can incorporate other hydrating ingredients like glycerin, vitamin E, or biotin. It will also force you to address the common ways you may be damaging your nails by over-treating them with acrylics or gel manicures, while not giving your nails enough time to breathe. Over time, the nail and nail beds will repair themselves and build a defense force against your next nail paint application.