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After 12 weeks of testing, these outperformed the rest.
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For once-a-week program and a high-shine finish, keratin-enrichedLights Lacquer Magic Strengthenershould be your pick.
Struggling with flimsy,peeling, orbreaking nails?
Colder weather, age, and the regular use of acrylics,gel manicures, andpress-onscan weaken fingernails.
PHOTO: Amazon
But, applying an effective nail-strengthening treatment with ingredients like keratin or wheat protein can help turn things around.
Ahead, find our definitive list of strengthening products forhealthier, more resilient nails.
According to our tester, it works fast.
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After one use, her nails felt protected.
After two, they were noticeably healthier and stronger.
Brittany, tester:My nails became harder and less prone to peeling or splitting.
PHOTO: Amazon
They also seemed more hydrated and grew quickly.
Our tester appreciated that it was invisible and odorless.
Ashley, tester:If you bite your nails or cuticles, this will absolutely deter you.
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Thelong, strong nailsof your dreams are within reach thanks to this intensive growth treatment from Duri.
It was worth the diligence, though; her nails doubled in length in just a couple of weeks.
Picking a keratin-replenishing formula like this one can help.
PHOTO: Amazon
Ashley, tester:My nails felt stronger than they ever had.
When I stopped applying, a week later my nails were still in pristine condition.
Mimic that mirror-like gloss minus the nail damage with this protein-enriched formula.
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The key ingredient is hydrolyzed wheat protein, which reinforces brittle nails while hydratingdimethiconeboosts flexibility.
Brittany, tester:This strengthener goes on extremely glossy and looks even more shiny than a top coat.
Help has arrived in the form of Olive & Junes Nail Strengthener.
PHOTO: Lights Lacquer
However, the formula did feel a little drying, so keep a goodhand creamorcuticle oilready.
Ashley, tester:“I like that my nails were peeling less when using this.
We were truly impressed by all this polish did for our testers nails from the very first use.
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It promises to nourish the nail and alleviate dryness withcamellia oil.
It also calls on cellulose to repair the nails surface.
After consistent use, our testers nails felt and looked less brittle, and she noticed less breakage.
PHOTO: Amazon
There wasnt much nail growth to speak of, but the overall health of her nails was noticeably improved.
Our tester appreciated that precise system isnt necessary since the treatment works on both the nail and cuticle.
This nail strengthener is a twice-daily treatment formulated with moisturizingsweet almond oilandjojoba oil, and strengthening keratin.
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After consistent use, our testers nails felt less brittle, more pliable, and less prone to breakage.
She also noted that her nails felt generally stronger and looked well hydrated.
Finally, we like that this polish is21-freeand made without any harsh chemicals.
PHOTO: Olive & June
Taylore, tester:This product has a really pretty, high-shine finish.
It actually lasted almost two weeks before I noticed chips, and the shine never dulled.
Aamina, tester with short, round nails:The program is so smooth.
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I have a hard time imagining doing an at-home mani without it now.
By the end of the testing period, our testers nails became stronger and healthier-looking.
Saleam, tester:I like how easy it is to apply.
PHOTO: Bloomingdale’s
A little goes a long way and it absorbs into the nails and skin easily and quickly.
Gerstein says you just have to use them correctly so that the nail can absorb the nutrients.
“Nail strengtheners promote growth, as they ensure a well-sealed, hydrated nail,” Gerstein explains.
Unfortunately, most nail strengtheners (in polish form) can’t be used undergel polish.
“Regular polish and gel polish are two different things that do not interact together,” says Gerstein.
As a gel mani fan, she regularly uses strengthening products to keep her nails in good shape.
PHOTO: Amazon
For this article, she reviewed testing insights after Byrdie testers spent 12 weeks trying out 18 nail strengtheners.
Ashley Ziegleris a lifestyle writer specializing in beauty and fashion.
She also tests products and services so she can stand behind her recommendations.
PHOTO: Dermstore
PHOTO: JINsoon
PHOTO: Amazon
PHOTO: Amazon
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