Here are my 5 best nail hardeners chosen. It is an updated list with nail strengtheners that I love, recommend and I’ve actually tested some of them. Enjoy!
Sally Hansen Diamond Nail Hardener Review
After so many hours spent on nails done with acrylic and gel, all the polish with buffers or drills, my nails need a break from time to time. We all know that applying acrylic on your nails in time will make them bendy and thin.
I cannot say that I have strong nails without applying any treatment from time to time. So, when I decide to give them a break, among the others, I use Sally Hansen Instant Nail Hardener. This nail strengthener is also one of my many favorite nail products. The protective coating seals the nails allowing them to increase the texture
Features:
Sally Hansen Diamond Strength Instant Nail Hardener will help your nails grow beautifully and harden their structure. This product will help you give a refresh to your nails. You need to use it in layers, one layer per day.
You don’t need to remove the previous layer each day, just reapply and after 4-5 days remove all the layers and repeat the process. In time you’ll see the benefits of this product and its excellence. It’s a remedy for soft, thin, cracked, or peeling nails.
👍 Pros:
- Helps the nails to grow naturally
- Offers a strong structure
- Looks nice on nails and gives a cute shine.
👎 Cons:
- It’s not matte, but shiny, I do not see it as a bad thing as I like shiny things, but a matte version could be easily accepted and used by men too.
Sally Hansen Nail Hardener Q&A
Can be used under acrylic nails?
No. Acrylic nails need a firm surface to adhere to. I would not recommend under acrylic but it can be used as a top-coat.
Does this need to be removed?
Yes. If you use it as a treatment to hardener your nails I would recommend you to apply it in layers, one per day. After 4-5 days you should remove with acetone and repeat the process.
Final thoughts
For you to see the results when using Sally Hansen Diamond Instant Nail Hardener as a treatment be patient with your natural nails to grow. This product will offer a strong structure and allow them to harden, grow, and recover. It’s a great product for thin, bendy, peeling nails and amazing for recovery after using a lot of acrylics.
Sally Hansen Nail Hardener & Sally Hansen Nail-Growth Miracle Serum
The Sally Hansen Nail Hardener is a product that practically bonds to your nail-bed, making the bendy and flacking nails strong and beautiful. If your nails need a boost of health and firmness, the Sally Hansen hardener is the product you’ve been looking for. Paired with the Sally Hansen Nail-growth Miracle treatment, which protects against tearing and splitting, you benefit from a full rejuvenation set.
Features
The nail strengthener instantly fuses with your nail after just one coating. The coating may be applied alone or as a base coat. It leaves behind a glossy finish and ends the splitting nails nightmare. Together with the salon-strength emergency treatment, whose soy protein formula defends against deterioration, you finally have the right treatment set you’ve been looking for.
👍 Pros:
- While consistently applied, the breakage of the nail will be prevented.
- Glossy transparent finish.
- If you constantly buffer the nails to remove the gel or acrylic nails, these products are a great aid.
👎 Cons:
- Some people may prefer a matte finish.
👉 Have you though about a gel nail extension kit, here is my top 5 list.
Sally Hansen Nail Hardener & Nail-Growth Miracle Serum Q&A
Could the nail hardener be applied under acrylic/gel nails?
Yes, you can, as the acrylic/gel nails need a tough surface to adhere to.
Is the nail-hardener a polish or a serum?
The product is thin and is like a nail polish.
Does it need to be removed after some time?
You may remove it whenever you’re ready to change your polish.
Conclusion
A set of products that truly provides visible results. A professional treatment that strengthens the nails, supports rapid growth and protects against brittleness and splitting. I cannot emphasize enough how much these products helped me.
OPI Nail Envy Strengthener Review
With a very suggestive name, the OPI Nail Envy Strengthener will do just what its name says; it will make everyone crave for nails just as the ones you’ve got after applying the treatment. The hydrolyzed wheat protein and calcium, aid in longer, stronger and natural-looking nails.
The formula of the OPI nail strengthener may come already adjusted for various types of needs; from the original formula, suited for weak or damaged nails, to dry or brittle, soft, thin, sensitive and peeling nail. The choice is yours.
Features
The formula of the OPI nail strengthener really does make a difference when applied. It contains added calcium and proteins that will build manicure-ready nails, which can endure the rigors required by any modern salon. The product can be used as a standalone treatment or as a nail polish base coat alternative.
👍 Pros:
- The formula may also come in four neutral shades; ready to add some color over your new healthy nails.
- The matte finish will be great for men who want healthy nails and a natural look.
- Comes into a nice variety of colors and has multiple formulas who aid a great variety of problems.
👎 Cons:
- If you apply multiple coats successive, it may take a while to dry.
OPI Nail Envy Strengthener Q&A
Will my nail turn yellowish after prolonged use?
No, definitely not. Your nails will look fabulous even after prolonged usage.
Do I need to dry it in a UV lamp?
A regular air drying will do just fine. It is not necessary to dry under a UV lamp. If you need a good UV lamp you may find my reviews on UV lamps here.
Should I apply this treatment forever?
There is no need to apply this strengthener continuously. It is great to fix the damage done after a vigorous buffing session.
Final words
OPI Nail Envy Strengthener is a true game-changer in nail care and protection. With a neat assortment of nuances and addressing a diverse range of nail disorders, the product comes as a relieve when you want mint-condition fingernails. The targeted strengthener treatments and their effective formulas will leave your nails harder, longer, and stronger than ever before.
Onyx Professional Hard as Hoof Nail Strengthening Cream
Now it is time to talk about a nail hardening cream too. The Hard as Hoof hardening cream from Onyx is a coconut scent strengthener that is beneficial for both nails and cuticles.
Its emollients and vitamin-rich formula aid the restoration of the natural moisture balance of the dry nail, while also restoring the cuticles. Even the most severe cases of splits, chips, cracks, and peels won’t stand a chance in front of this product.
Features
With a coconut scent, calcium, vitamins and hydrogenated jojoba oil, the cream seamlessly conditions your nails and cuticles. All you need to do to put this goodness to work is to gently massage it into the nail bed, cuticles and below the nail, at least three times a day. Your nail bed will be harder and the tip of the nail will become whiter; like a french manicure that comes in a box.
👍 Pros:
- It works great on both fingernails and toenails.
- Can be worn with or without nail polish.
- The cream is helping to restore and fix the damage done by acrylic nails.
👎 Cons:
- The cream is not waterproof.
Onix Nail Strengthening Cream Q&A
Can it be used while I have gel nails applied?
While I highly doubt it will penetrate the gel, it will certainly help the cuticles stay in good condition.
Does it help with peeling nails?
Yes, you’ll see a wonderful improvement after the first few applications.
Does the cream leave the nails natural or glossy?
The cream leaves behind a natural look after it is absorbed. No shine.
Conclusions
This cream provides two of my favorite things in the world. The coconut scent along with healthy and strong nails. On top of that, the nails will gain more endurance and long-lasting strength. Paired with one of the “lacquer” nail strengtheners described in the current article, will certainly lead to some awesome nails that will be the envy of the world.
NailTek Nail Recovery Kit Review
The NailTek recovery kit is a nail rejuvenation set that contains the ultimate combination of restoring products. With a ridge filler, a strengthener, and cuticle oil, the peeling nails will become a memory of the distant past. The unique formula of the products will seal the layers of the nail and will moisturize and nourish the cuticles.
NailTek Features
Containing a ridge filler, a strengthener, and cuticle oil, this package has it all. The ridge filler will permeate the crinkles and fill the nail, the strengthener with its unique protein formulation will harden the nail, while the cuticle oil will provide the finishing touch, nourishing the skin.
👍 Pros:
- Stops the peeling of the nail.
- It is a great recovery product for the nails that were covered by acrylic/gel.
- The ridges are filled, leaving a nice and smooth finish behind.
👎 Cons:
- While the polish covers the discoloration, it does not necessarily get rid of it.
NailTek Nail Recovery Kit Q&A
Can you use the products on natural nails directly?
Yes, you do not need to apply the products over polish.
Do the products dry quickly?
Yes, they dry pretty fast.
Can you use the products on toenails too?
Yes, they have a great effect on toenails too.
Final words on NailTek
I’m giving this set a 10/10 credit for my nails remaining strong and beautiful. While they grow pretty fast, they have a tough time staying like that as they’re pretty thin. The filler is smooth and has a beautiful matte finish.
Topping with the clear strengthener will help prevent new damage, and the cuticle oil will provide the finishing touch. All in all, receiving the 3 products in the kit is a good deal.
Best Nail Hardener – Buying Guide
What is the best nail hardener on the market?
There is no best for everyone nail hardener out there, but I would recommend going for Sally Hansen Nail Strengthener and Onyx Cream as well.
How does a nail hardener work?
A nail strengthener will help your nails grow healthier if applied correctly. Usually, you use a nail hardener after excessive buffing, too much acrylic or just to help your nails keep their natural looks over time.
Do I really need a nail strengthener?
When the time comes you will definitely need a nail strengthener. But I would recommend it even if you have strong, beautiful nails, just to prevent peeling, splitting, and so on.
Where can I find a good nail hardener?
There are lots of brands out there, my favorite is Onyx Professional, found on Amazon. More than this, you can find more good products at individual retailers. Most of them have their contact details and website address on every marketplace, so go find the right one for you.