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
- $17.95 from Oz Hair and Beauty
- $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?
