Consider if you want a formula that paints on like a lacquer, or if you’d prefer an oil or a balm. Similarly, if you want a polish-style nail strengthener, think about if you want it to double up as a base coat. If you love wearing colours on your nails, we’d suggest buying a base coat nail strengthener, such as Rimmel’s Nail Nurse or Sally Hansen’s Double Duty Strengthening Base and Top Coat.

All of the products in our edit of the best nail strengtheners are tried, tested and approved by Mumsnet users and our editors, so they’re all worth investing in. Choosing the right one for you is down the personal choice. It uses protein to penetrate the nails to make them resistant to bending and splitting and fans have been wowed by the results this delivers, transforming tired talons into strong, split-free nails to be proud of. I’ve been using Dr Paw Paw (which is same consistency as Vaseline) and that’s worked well too. My nails are the strongest they’ve been for a long time." Tried and Tested by OhMyMG As the name would suggest, this has keratin in for its strengthening powers, as well as jojoba oil to condition the nail plate and surrounding skin, and sweet almond oil for that gorgeous scent and to soften the skin. It certainly makes nails look healthy, filling in ridges, while antioxidant ingredients such as acai berry and vitamin E protect, while Argan and baobab oils nourish.

Do nail strengtheners help nails to grow?

This luxurious-feeling cream helps make nails more resistant as well as softening cuticles in one softly scented pot. It’s expensive for something so small, but each nightly application feels like a self-care moment, plus it looks beautiful on your bedside table. This popcorn scented nail strengthener is a delight to use. You need no skill to apply it; just dab it all over your nail and cuticle area and rub in for fingertips that feel nourished and soft. Just one coat of this transparent base coat start your transformation to dramatically stronger and healthier nails! The unique formula nourishes nails, shields against damage and acts as a base coat to help prolong your nail polish wear. I always use [a] Sally Hansen base coat. Not entirely sure what it does but it’s amazing.” Tried and tested by Chippytea16.

This depends on the nail strengthener you choose. Some of the more intensive formulas, such as Mavala’s nail strengthener, are designed to be used two or three times a week, while products such as CND’s Rescue Rxx can be used daily. In the case of base coat nail strengtheners, use these every time you do your nails for best results over time. What is the best nail strengthener?CND is a professional nail brand and this is an essential in many nail tech’s kit, so you know it’s good. With continued use it prevents nails from peeling and splitting and it comes in both a nail polish style bottle and a pen applicator, for use on the go.

This makes cuticles supple too, with nail biters saying it soothes even their most ragged of cuticles. The only downside to note is that as this is an oil, it is… oily, so if you don’t like that texture, you’d be better suited to a base coat style nail strengthener Pros Because the formula is so powerful when it comes to hardening, be careful not to get this on the skin around your nails, as it will harden them as well. Mavala recommends holding your hands upside down for a minute after applying this to ensure it doesn’t run onto your fingers. We agree, it sounds a little scary, but when you see the effect it has on strengthening weak nails, all will be forgiven. If you struggle to apply nail products neatly though, we’d avoid this. Pros I use CND RescueRxx. I’m on a medication that causes brittle nails as a side effect but have been fine since using CND.” Tried and tested by Dameofdilemma If you’re a fan of gel manicures, you’ll likely know the sad feeling of removing your gel polish and finding your natural nails look rather sad and damaged - we’ve all been there. It comes in various different formulas, including coloured versions, a matte one and formulas designed specifically for brittle nails, peeling nails and thin nails, depending on your nails needs.Anyone who’s a slave to acrylic manicures will know that when you remove them, your natural nails can be weakened. This cult formula works hard to restore their strength and results can be seen in a matter of weeks. Glycerin is high up in the ingredients list and as a humectant that draws moisture in, it explains why this is so intensely nourishing. Pros Before we recommend new products, we always ask our trusted Mumsnet users, of which there are more than 7 million each month. That’s a lot of honest, impartial advice. Expert guidance Loved by nail professionals and consumers alike, OPI’s Nail Envy comes out tops in the nail strengthening world. Not only does it level up your nails, infusing them with nourishing ingredients and keeping them from splitting and breaking, it’s easy to apply with a wide, flat brush that even novices will be able to get to grips with.

Many nail strengthens are designed to be applied every other night, so those formulas aren’t a good choice if you want to apply a colour on top. OPI is one of the biggest names in nails, creating endless gorgeously coloured polishes as well as this professional-approved nail strengthener. You’ll often see a bottle of OPI Nail Envy atop your nail tech’s desk, and for good reason. It’s a salon quality brand (hence the salon price tag!) that harnesses the power of hydrolyzed wheat protein and calcium for their strengthening prowess. It works well as a base coat too, allowing polish to glide on smoothly on top. It has a wide tapered brush for easy application, for one last bonus point . Pros It also comes in an extensive range of formulas. The original is a glossy transparent formula that looks like your nails but better, but it also comes in matte and even in a few of OPI’s iconic polish shades, so you can wear your favourite colour at the same time as strengthening your nails. A nail strengthener works over time, using nourishing ingredients to penetrate the nail plate to make your nail stronger, while a hardener adds a layer of protection to your nail to stop it bending or breaking. The latter is great if you want to protect your nail as it grows, while a strengthener is good for long term results. Why you should trust us

Finally, we cross-referenced all of the above information to find the best nail strengthener that had won the most accolades and recommendations across the board to bring you a selection of the best ones at various price points. We think there’s something here for everyone. Our Swears By edits are compiled by journalists with expertise in the areas they’re writing about. To help ensure we give the best, most accurate and trustworthy recommendations, they follow several steps when choosing products. Recommendations from real parents