Weak, brittle nails can set the stage for a pretty lackluster manicure. Not only do they split, break and peel, but they can also develop ridges and look more yellow in color. These 10 products can pump life back into your nails, making them stronger, smoother and better-looking overall.
Nails Inc NailKale Superfood Base Coat
Protect your nails from splitting, which can make nail polish chip even faster, with this antioxidant-rich base coat that comes fully loaded with kale extract to hydrate and strengthen weak nails. $15, nailsinc.com
Josie Maran Bear Naked Nail Wipes
Some nail polish removers (particularly those with acetone) can be too harsh, leaving your nails dehydrated. These grapefruit-scented, argan oil–infused wipes work triple-duty to remove your polish, nourish dry cuticles and support nail growth. Plus, a portion of every sale goes to the SOS Polar Bear initiative, hence the super cute name. $16, josiemarancosmetics.com
Butter London Horse Power Nail Fertilizer
Formulated with horsetail, a powerful herbal ingredient that helps strengthen and repair nails, this ultimate nail rejuvenator is a must-have for those who have had acrylic nails for years, but are now ready to go au naturel. $19, butterlondon.com
Dior Huile Abricot Daily Nutritive Serum
Your nails can benefit from a serum just like your skin does, drinking it up to reap a whole host of benefits. This nongreasy formula uses a blend of argan oil, vitamin E and apricot oil to penetrate nail beds and harden the keratin within them, resulting in smoother, stronger nails. $25, dior.com
Formula X Sheer Strength
Whether you wear this nail strengthener solo—it comes in 10 different shades—or use it underneath other polish, your nails will soak up the nutrient-packed formula (think of it like a vitamin of sorts for your nails). The result: stronger, peel-free nails with continued use. $13, sephora.com
KOCOSTAR Nail Therapy Multivitamin Nail Treatment
This super unique nail treatment (you actually slip little individual masks over each finger) delivers botanicals and vitamins into your nails to repair signs of damage. Leave them on for 30 minutes to an hour and then rub any leftover liquid into your nails for optimal results. $4, nordstrom.com
Julep Oxygen Nail Treatment
Rejuvenate thin, weak nails with this patented formula that’s chock-full of plant stem cells that strengthen aging nails, and oxygen technology, which blocks moisture, allowing them to breathe and grow. $18, julep.com
IBX
Referred to by the brand as “a green juice for your nails,” this first-of-its-kind treatment (it’s applied pre-mani by a professional in a salon) may be a game changer for those who have weak nails or get gel manicures on the regular.
So how does it work? It’s applied just like a polish (you can wear it under gel or regular polish, or by itself) and then gentle heat is applied to help it penetrate the upper layers of your nails. Then, your nails are set under light to seal it in and set the treatment in motion. It works to repair your nails from the inside out with monomer technology that mends damage, and avocado and jojoba oils that smooth the surface. Treatment prices range from $10–20 depending on the salon, ibxnails.com
Eve Lom Cuticle Cream
Utilizing soothing ingredients such as chamomile, yarrow oil and beeswax to help keep cuticles nourished and protected, this fast-absorbing cream encourages healthy nail growth without leaving behind a greasy residue. $24, beauty.com
Be Well by Dr. Frank Lipman Hair, Skin & Nails Dietary Supplement
An unbalanced diet can cause nails to become weak and brittle. This supplement, which includes biotin and olive fruit extract to increase the thickness and overall health of your nails, also delivers hair and skin benefits over time with a mix of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and botanicals. $39, bewellbydrfranklipman.com