There’s no shortage of factors at play when it comes to diagnosing the cause behind our brittle nails. Could it be our stress-induced nail biting habit? Maybe it’s our devotion to fortnightly shellac manicures? Our naturally brittle nail beds? Or maybe it’s because we took matters into our own hands and picked off our overgrown SNS *shudders*.
Whatever the reason, it’s time to invest in a good quality nail hardener. Formulated with growth-promoting proteins, vitamins and collagen, these nail strengthening formulas can offer long and strong results in as little as one coat.
And if au natural nails just aren’t your thing, don’t stress. Incorporating a nail hardener into your routine doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your signature polish colour. Nail hardeners come in the form of clear top or base coats to complement your mani, or even as regular polishes infused with ingredients that are going to repair and heal.
So to transform those weak, brittle and flaking nails, here are our top six nail hardeners that actually work.
2024’s Top 3 Nail Hardeners
- OPI Repair Mode™ Bond Building Nail Serum, $39.95, Myer
- Revitanail Intensive Strength, $22.99, Priceline
- Sally Hansen Diamond Strength Instant Nail Hardener, $17.95, Healthy Life
OPI Repair Mode™ Bond Building Nail Serum
From $39.95 at Myer
Coming in on the exxier side, this serum isn’t here to mess around. Yes it’s a strange thought to be applying a serum to your nails, but if you’re looking for strong nails in a matter of (six) days then it’s time to start slathering. The serum works to rebuild your nails’ keratin bonds from the inside out, leaving behind strengthened and smoothed nails.
Want to read more? Read OPI Repair Mode™ Bond Building Nail Serum Reviews here…
Key features:
- Instant dry time
- Vegan
- Ulti-Plex technology works to rebuild keratin structure
Available at:
- $39.95 from Myer
- $40 from Sephora
- $39.95 from Adore Beauty
Revitanail Intensive Strength
From $22.99 at Priceline
If you’re about ready to call 000 on your lifeless nails, we’re here to tell you to put down the phone, and pick up a bottle of the seriously intensive, calcium-enriched polish. Yep, it’ll work miracles on your brittle nails, preventing any peeling or chipping while also working on strengthening the new growth. Bonus: you can apply it as a nourishing base coat!
Want to read more? Read Revitanail Intensive Strength Reviews here…
Key features:
- Protects nails against dehydration
- Works as a base coat
- Calcium-enriched
Available at:
- $13.79 (usually $22.99) from Priceline
- $17.99 (usually $20.99) from Chemist Warehouse
- $24.14 from Amazon Australia
Sally Hansen Diamond Strength Instant Nail Hardener
From $17.95 at Healthy Life
Stop nails from splitting, flaking or breaking with regular coats of the Sally Hansen Diamond Strength Instant Nail Hardener. In as little as five days, the protective formula locks in moisture and allows brittle nails the chance to grow long and strong.
Want to read more? Read Sally Hansen Diamond Strength Instant Nail Hardener Reviews here…
Key features:
- Infused with strengthening micro-diamond and titanium
- Locks in moisture
- Creates a strengthened shield for your nails
Available at:
- $16.99 (usually $17.95) from Healthy Life
- $17.95 from Priceline
- $18 from Woolworths
essie Hard To Resist Nail Strengthener
From $17.95 at Myer
If the clear coats of other strengtheners just aren’t cutting it for you, it’s time to reach for essie. Yep, this tough as well, nails strengthening coat comes in two tinted tones: a brightening glossy pink and a yellow-tone reducing purple. Think it can’t get any better than that? Think again. The clever strengthener works to bond to your nails creating a protective barrier against daily wear and tear as your nails hit the (metaphorical) gym and get jacked.
Want to read more? Read essie Reviews here…
Key features:
- Pink (or purple) tint colour
- Works as a protective barrier
- Results in as little as three days
Available at:
- $17.95 from Myer
- $14.99 from Chemist Warehouse
- $17.95 from Priceline
Mavala Scientifique Penetrating Nail Hardener
When brushed sparingly onto the nail tip, the Mavala Scientifique Penetrating Nail Hardener absorbs into the nail and hardens immediately to combat splitting or flaking.
Want to read more? Read Mavala Scientifique Penetrating Nail Hardener Reviews here…
Key features:
- Anti-drying
- Hardens the nail plate
- Quick-hardening
Available at:
- $26.95 from Pharmacy Online
- $27.99 (usually $32.95) from Chemist Warehouse
- $30.95 from Mavala
Manicare Daily Nail Hardener
From $14.95 at Pharmacy Online
Instantly create a strong protective shield that helps soft, brittle nails grow longer and stronger. The Manicare Daily Nail Hardener works by sealing the edges of nails for added protection and resistance against tearing.
Want to read more? Read Manicare Daily Nail Hardener Reviews here…Key features:
- Seals in splitting edges
- Formaldehyde free
- Can be used long-term
Available at:
- $14.95 from Pharmacy Online
- $9.54 (usually $19.09) from Chemist Warehouse
Main Image Credit: @opiaustralia
Have you used a nail hardener before? Do you prefer to have your nails natural or manicured?
I’m still faithful to mostly OPI Nail Envy, or sometimes Revitanail, but I do like the look of that Essie Treat Love & Color Nail Polish Collection. I looked it up and there’s some gorgeous colours on offer.
It is great Mira – have used it since I was a teenager when I first got some in a 'Beauty Club' pack.
That Essie Treat Love Colour looks like a lovely natural colour.
Yes I would try that.
I’ve tried Revitanail but Mavala looks good too
OPI Nail Envy! Love! Been a fan of all things OPI since winning the BH competition. Hard to go back to other brands now. Having said that the Mavala is such a cute little bottle!
I'm assuming that Sally Hansen was the one I used and found great, misfortune8. I still haven't found one to match it – I do realise your comment was 2018 but it's still relevant.
Yes I think so too. Very girly 🙂
I stick with my comment from 2018. nail hardners make my nails brittle.
Have used the Revitanail one before.
I have a Dior nail hardener-type product and it seems like any clear nail polish would accomplish the same goal.
I am lucky that I don’t need a nail hardener.
You are lucky -My nails are so soft without help.
Exactly. Any clear nail polish works the same for me. Nail hardeners are just a waste of money imo.
It was lockdown and I stupidly got acrylics again. Then I decided to remove them myself after 7 weeks lol. I clipped them with nail clippers, then lifted the acrylic off with the edge of the nail clippers. It was painful and time consuming but I'm glad I got it all off myself. They're currently just covered up with a base coat, nail polish & top coat and nobody can see the disaster underneath 😀 I've tried nail hardeners in the past but found they didn't really make much difference. Just layer on the base coats & top coats & it's pretty much the same thing imo.
I used Revitanail , when I do grow my nails.
Yes that is what I have found -They feel hard but snap easily
I have used revitanail and although it does make my nails hard they seem to break off more than usual so the Jury is still out on this one
I'm using the revitanail one at the moment, it makes my nails look nice while it's on too. I have to write a timetable so I make sure I do it every day and remove on time!
I reckon the Revitanail was the first nail strengthener I ever used, love the Mavala one it is beautiful to apply and use.
Definitely need a nail hardener my nails break easily and on my toes they are flakey will need to try Mavala Switzerland Scientifique Penetrating Nail Hardener hope it will work on my finger nails and toe nails.
Wondering if it would be a good idea to get some false Nails for my finger nails. Still trying to decide.
I only really use them after I get shellac because they tend to dry out and damage my nails
Never did, but do not need one. Wonder how they can work.
My nails are hard enough so I've never used a hardener.
I have used Revitanail when my nails needed it and it really worked. Fortunately my nails are healthy now
Looks gorgeous
My nails are quite hard but two of them get lines downwards and sometimes split?
Haha, me neither!
I've tried the Revitanail and loved it. I also tried the Sally Hansen one and didn't love it 😛 It kept flaking off, I couldn't get it to stay on my nails.
I tried Revitanail many years ago after cancer treatment and it really helped my nails return to normal. They were very hard and did not flake or chip. These days I don't paint my fingernails and I take a daily calcium supplement and eat a lot of calcium rich foods and this keeps my nails in good shape.
It was Sally Hansen Hard as Nails with Iron – I wish they still made it!
Thanks for sharing!!!
RevitaNail is in my nail stash. At the moment it isn't being used because I am applying hand cream umpteen times a days so my nails are quite strong.
I think my fingernails are hard enough, they just get annoying little nicks in them which mean I have to file them or cut them. It's my toenails that need tlc. I have been putting cream on my feet and toe nails hoping that will work but I think its an every day, indefinite thing.
I barely give my nails any attention, but I when I do I'll certainly give the Manicare nail hardener a try.
some lovely nail brands
I don’t use any nail hardeners, nails break if I grow them, which I don’t do.
I've used Revitanail before, a while ago now, don't remember how it performed
I have tried Revitanail. It was really good.
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My nails tend to be strong but great to know there are some good options available.
I almost bought the Treat Love & Color Nail Polish a while ago and then I changed my mind. I still might be tempted to buy it one day.
I haven’t used one in ages, maybe I should start again
Revitanail is my favourite.
I have the one from Revitanail and it works well
Yes it is a good product
I have used the revitanail and was very happy with that
I have used Revitanail and still have some in my stash. Since moving to an area with water with a high mineral content I haven’t had to use it.
so many great ones these days – mavala still miraculous
I tend to use these to give it a bit more polish but don’t generally need a hardener.
Love a good nail manicure, really does cheer me up
Manicare Daily Nail Hardener sounds like a goer for me. My nails are splitting down and catch on everything. It is so annoying and I have tried a lot of products.