Dr. Zalka categorizes nail strengtheners into two types: replenishing products and protective products. Replenishing products, such as serums and oils, help restore moisture to the nails and surrounding skin, addressing dryness and brittleness. Protective products, like base coats or layered applications, act as a coat of armor, sealing the nail to prevent breakage and damage.
What actually helps your nails grow?
Dr. Spearman emphasizes that nutrition, hydration, proper care, and minimizing damage are key factors in promoting nail growth. Deficiencies in biotin, protein, iron, vitamin C, and zinc can slow growth, so supplementation may help if your diet is lacking. Like skin, nails need moisture—using cuticle oils, hand creams, or natural oils like olive and coconut oil can keep them hydrated and prevent brittleness. Proper nail care is also essential, which means avoiding over-filing, pushing cuticles back instead of cutting them, and wearing gloves when cleaning to protect against harsh chemicals. Lastly, minimizing stress and trauma—like using nails as tools or repetitive movements such as typing—can help prevent unnecessary damage.
Dr. Shirazi adds that genetics and age also play a role in nail growth, meaning that while we can optimize nail health, growth rates will still vary. “Sometimes, the best treatment is simply leaving them alone—frequent gel applications, excessive filing, and constant polish removal can weaken nails over time.”
Dr. Zalka explains that nails are made of keratin, just like hair, and grow from the nail matrix, located under the cuticle. “Much like split ends in hair, ridges or texture irregularities in nails signal damage. Keeping nails moisturized and protected from UV exposure is just as important as it is for your skin and hair.”
What to Look for in a Nail Strengthener
Choi explains that the most effective nail strengtheners contain a combination of key ingredients that target nail health and resilience. Hydrolyzed keratin reinforces the nail’s structure, while biotin boosts keratin production for overall strength. Calcium and peptides improve flexibility and reduce brittleness, while antioxidants like green tea extract and vitamin E can help protect nails from environmental damage and promote healthy growth.
Spearman adds that ease of use is just as important—a simple, convenient application increases compliance and ensures consistent use. Look for hydrating and nourishing ingredients, as well as quick-absorbing, non-greasy formulas that make daily application effortless. A clear or subtly tinted option is ideal for those with workplace restrictions on nail polish.
Choosing the right type of nail strengthener—whether a base coat, topcoat, serum, oil, or polish with built-in strengthening properties—is key to meeting individual nail care needs. It’s also best to avoid ingredients that may weaken nails over time, such as formaldehyde, commonly found in nail hardeners, which can cause brittleness; toluene, which is drying and poses potential health risks; camphor, which dehydrates nails; and parabens, which can act as allergens and hormone disruptors.
How long does it take to see results in nail strengtheners?
With consistent use, you can expect to see stronger, healthier nails within 2–4 weeks, says Choi. Achieving full results typically takes 6–8 weeks, depending on your nails’ initial condition and how often you apply the strengthener.
Zalka notes that fingernails grow about 3.47 mm per month (or 0.1 mm per day) and tend to grow slower in winter and with age. While noticeable length growth may take a few weeks, improvements in nail plate appearance, smoothness, and surrounding skin softness can often be seen within a week, she adds.
Meet the Experts
- Dr. Dara Spearman, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing in Fort Wayne, Indiana, specializing in melanoma and skin cancer care.
- Dr. Azadeh Shirazi is a California-based board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology.
- Dr. Alicia Zalka is a board-certified dermatologist, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University, and founder of Surface Deep.
- Jin Soon Choi is an editorial manicurist and founder of the JINsoon Spas and JINsoon Nail Lacquer.
