The best nail hardeners in the UK 2023

Do you have soft, brittle nails? Nails that always tend to break or split? A nail hardener is the perfect solution for you. Not only will it harden your soft nails, but it will also nourish them. However, among so many products on the market, which one is right for you? We invite you to follow this buying guide that will direct you to the best nail hardeners of the moment.

Simon & Tom 1
9/10

Editor's Choice

Simon & Tom

The best nail hardener in 2021

Simon & Tom brand nail hardener is our first choice because of its effectiveness in repairing fragile nails. It will provide your nails with multiple benefits both on their aesthetic appearance and their functions.

12,64 £ on Amazon

Simon & Tom is a 100% natural treatment for fragile, dry and brittle nails. Composed of 6 vegetable oils with nourishing and antibacterial properties, such as Argan and Jojoba oil, it strengthens, re-densifies, nourishes, repairs, protects and smoothes the nails for a perfect manicure.

Also, this nail hardener is also composed of sweet almond oil and aloe vera, which moisturizes the cuticles to protect the nails against external aggressions. Because of its softening properties, calendula prevents nail irritation. And finally, this product can be used without problem by women with very fragile nails, since it contains no parabens, phthalates or mineral oils.

Rimmel stronger 2
8/10

The best cheapest

Rimmel stronger

The best nail hardener in 2021

Rimmel is a nail polish containing ingredients that will protect and strengthen your brittle nails. With this nail polish, your nails will be more resistant and will regain their normal appearance.

5,59 £ on Amazon

Stronger Nail, Nail Nurse by Rimmel is an ultra complete care for your nails. A 5-in-1 action, this top coat treats, strengthens, protects, stimulates regrowth and guarantees long-lasting nails. Based on keratin and calcium, it protects nails and makes them stronger and more resistant to shocks.

It is best used like a classic base coat that dries out quickly, except that it provides an additional effect, namely strengthening the nails. It also improves the appearance of nails that become visibly smoother and shinier. With Rimmel stronger nail polish, you will have beautiful and healthy nails.

Alessandro Spa Sensitive 3
9/10

The best high end

Alessandro Spa Sensitive

The best nail hardener in 2021

Alessandro Spa Sensitive Nail Hardener features a gentle formulation with no added formaldehyde, which is a compound that could increase the risk of cancer. It is therefore the perfect solution to treat your damaged nails.

18,85 £ on Amazon

The nail hardener enriched with formaldehyde-free coconut oil visibly improves the condition of the nails thanks to hexanal and contributes to their strength. In addition to its subtle fragrance, this coconut oil also improves their growth.

Multifunctional, this glossy product can be used alone or as a base for nail polish. In addition, you can apply one or two thin coats to a carefully cleaned nail. Alessandro Spa recommends strengthening your nails with an effective treatment that should last 6-8 weeks, up to 12 weeks. After that, you can apply it once or twice a week as a maintenance treatment. It is a nail hardener made for all skin types and will revive your brittle nails.

Herôme Extra fort 4
8/10

The best of excellent choice

Herôme Extra fort

The best nail hardener in 2021

This Herome Extra Strength Nail Hardener is a hardener that will strengthen your soft, thin and split nails. The first signs of results will be visible from your first week of use.

15,28 £ on Amazon
Buying guide • November 2023

Best nail hardener

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The best nail hardener in 2021

The best nail hardener in 2021

The best nail hardener in 2021

The best nail hardener in 2021

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Comparison table of the best nail hardeners

Editor's Choice Inexpensive Top of the line Excellent selection
Simon & Tom 5
9/10
Rimmel stronger 6
8/10
Alessandro Spa Sensitive 7
9/10
Herôme Extra fort 8
8/10
OUR SELECTION
Simon & Tom
Rimmel stronger
Alessandro Spa Sensitive
Herôme Extra fort
Simon & Tom brand nail hardener is our first choice because of its effectiveness in repairing fragile nails. It will provide your nails with multiple benefits both on their aesthetic appearance and their functions.
Rimmel is a nail polish containing ingredients that will protect and strengthen your brittle nails. With this nail polish, your nails will be more resistant and will regain their normal appearance.
Alessandro Spa Sensitive Nail Hardener features a gentle formulation with no added formaldehyde, which is a compound that could increase the risk of cancer. It is therefore the perfect solution to treat your damaged nails.
This Herome Extra Strength Nail Hardener is a hardener that will strengthen your soft, thin and split nails. The first signs of results will be visible from your first week of use.
Type
Oil
Varnish
Oil
Nail Polish
Property
Soothing
Gentle to use as a classic base coat
Gentle without added formaldehyde
Extra Strength
Content
Composed of argan and jojoba oil, sweet almond oil and Aloe vera
Keratin and calcium based
Coconut oil
Superb nail hardener enriched with amino acid
Efficiency
Strengthens, re-enforces, nourishes, repairs, protects and smoothes the nails
5-in-1 action
Fortifies nails with an effective cure that should last 6-8 weeks
Guarantees longer, harder nails
Specificity
Superb 100% natural product
Gives an extra effect
Great multi-functional product
Contains no toluene or formaldehyde resin

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Buying guide - nail hardener

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How to choose your nail hardener

When it comes to choosing a nail hardener, a paid choice is one that is going to help achieve its purpose. This means that, the choice you are going to make will solve and prevent its problems. The criteria below will help you make the right choice of product:

#1 - The brand

This is the first criterion of choice not to be neglected. For this, opt for a nail hardener that has received many positive reviews from users. So, do not hesitate to consult forums and specialized magazines that allow you to know the treatment that has given the best effectiveness over time, or at least, to get an idea. This will allow you to know which is the best and most effective product.

#2 - Ease of use

Products with a wide brush allow you to apply it comfortably and precisely. The quantity of the product should be chosen according to your need and the recommended frequency of use. So remember to check if the brush that comes with the nail hardener facilitates its application, because the more fluid the treatment, the easier it will be to apply. Whether it is a soft, strong or extra strong nail hardener, you should not make a mistake in the choice when buying.

#3 - Matte or glossy effect

Another criterion that you should also take into account is to ask a question if the nail hardener you are going to choose should have a matte or glossy effect. Indeed, hardeners come in two types that provide matte or glossy renderings. If you want to use it alone without adding polish, opt for a product that will make your nails shine. On the other hand, if you want to use it as a base for nail polish, it is not necessary that its rendering is shiny. So choose the models that take only a few minutes to dry.

#4 - The price

The price is also an important criterion. A most expensive nail hardener is not necessarily the best. You should try to find the best value for money when buying. But the price can vary from 6 to 19 euros depending on the brand, its quantity and its composition. Therefore, remember to check the capacity of the bottle but also the components of the treatment. It is especially recommended to favor products that include an antibacterial agent when making your purchase.

#5 - The formula

Nail hardeners are composed of several formulas. If you want a product that works just by protecting the surface of your nail plate, look for a product that contains diamond powder, as one coat of this product may be enough to protect your nails. And if you want a nail hardener works by nourishing your nails. You will be spoilt for choice, as these are the most common models on the market. Keratin remains the most effective ingredient for strengthening nails.

According to the opinions of dermatologists, it is better to use a product based on natural ingredients. And they especially recommend using a product without formaldehyde, because this chemical compound has the power to effectively harden the nails but in the long term, it can break them and provide undesirable side effects on the nails.

Application of a nail hardener

Depending on the brand of nail hardener you choose, the initial treatment usually lasts two weeks. It is followed by a maintenance treatment every three weeks. And when your nails are healthy again, you should consider using it twice a year. However, before applying a nail hardener, the nails must be well cleaned before using it. As this care product is quite aggressive, it is recommended to protect your cuticles and epidermis with a little hand cream.

The treatment begins with the application of a layer of hardener on the nails on the first day. You need to put a second coat over the first the next day. Then, you must remove it all on the third day with a gentle nail polish remover without acetone and put a new coat followed by another one 24 hours later. This treatment should be repeated for two weeks. To optimize the use of the nail hardener, the application should be done before going to sleep so that the product can work during the night.

Good to know

Homemade products, such as water saturated with salt or lemon juice, are an alternative to chemical nail hardeners and offer the same benefits.

Attention

Hardeners should not be applied under the nail, on the cuticles or on the skin, as they may also harden.

The different types of nail hardeners

On the market, there are 3 types of nail hardeners that we will present below.

Soft nail hardener

The soft nail hardener is a nail hardener suitable for people with sensitivities to cosmetics because it does not contain formaldehyde or TSF resin, but natural components such as keratin and other proteins that strengthen the nail and are not at all harsh.

Hard nail hardener

This nail hardener is especially suitable for people who have drier and more brittle nails. It is especially known for having quick results on the nails, as it features ingredients that will make the nails a little harder and stronger.

Extra hard nail hardener

These nail hardeners are real care for nails that are too damaged and no longer have their normal shapes. They are known for their fast effectiveness in only a few days. Very rich in amino acid, they have above all the role to reinforce the nails. And the results are visible from the first use.

A nail hardener or a nail polish cream

A nail hardener

The advantage of using a nail hardener is that it can be used as a base in manicure. Also, it is discreet and can also be used by men. On the budget, it is not expensive at all and not difficult to find on the market. Its disadvantage is that some of these products contain ingredients that can harm your health and even cause cancer.

Secondly, they can also cause allergies and worsen the situation of your nails if you don't choose it properly.

A nail polish cream

The advantage with nail polish creams is that they can rid your nails of ridges, take care of uneven edges and even encourage natural nail growth. But also, polishing can increase the blood circulation of the nail plate and bed and will provide a smoother surface to which the polish adheres better.

The disadvantage with nail polish creams is that they are difficult to find on the market. In addition, with regular use, they can cause a number of health effects ranging from minor complaints such as skin irritation, allergic reactions, nausea, to more serious problems such as respiratory problems.

Verdict

Both products have their benefits and drawbacks. However, if you really want to repair your broken nails and bring them back to life, use nail hardeners. But if you just want to do some manicure, go for the nail polish creams.

Why buy a nail hardener?

To be used as a base

If you are used to applying a "base coat" to your nails before applying nail polish, a nail hardener is applied in the same way. These products usually come in a nail polish style bottle with a wand. After giving yourself a manicure and making sure your nails are clean and dry, you are ready to apply the nail hardener. The wand is removed from the bottle, dabbed to remove excess solvent, and then applied to your nails before applying the nail polish.

To provide the necessary care for your nails

Nail hardeners are especially helpful for anyone who gets manicures. Nails are extremely fragile after removal of false nails or tips, so it is important to strengthen your natural nail by applying a nail hardener solution.

To strengthen and harden your nails

Nail hardening solutions come in the form of a clear protective coating. Once applied, the solution then penetrates the nail and reacts with the natural proteins in your nail plate to strengthen and harden your nails.

To prevent nail staining

Nail hardeners in general also help prevent any staining that may occur, especially from darker nail polish shades, but some hardeners work a little more when it comes to fighting stains.

To provide extra strength

Nail hardeners can be used to provide extra strength to your nails. If you have soft, brittle nails, you can use them in place of your regular nail polish for a little extra support. Nail hardeners work by creating extra layers of strength and support where needed.

The best brands of nail hardeners

In our opinion, the best brands of nail hardeners in 2022 are :

Simon & Tom
Rimmel
Alessandro
Herôme
Sally Hansen

Founded in 2005, Simon & Tom is a brand that develops a whole range of cosmetic products based on botanical oils. But also, it offers effective cosmetics in symbiosis with your skin, hair and nails. Their nail hardeners are some of the best selling on the market.

The Rimmel brand is owned by the American multinational group of French origin Coty. Their nail hardeners are also highly appreciated by all and are among the most effective.

Alessandro is the expert brand of beauty products for nails, hands and feet. A professional beauty specialist, Alessandro unites quality excellence, continuous innovation and an international vision. And Alessandro brand nail hardeners are also second to none.

In 25 years, the Hérôme brand has become the reference and the key player in hand and nail care. ... Hérôme is the specialist in hand and nail care and offers a solution for every nail problem.

is an American beauty brand created by Sally Hansen herself, in 1946. Since then, the brand has been known by all for its commitment to providing affordable beauty products with innovative formulas for all women. Really effective beauty products like nail hardeners.

What is the price for a nail hardener

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
6 £ to 10 £
Mid-range
10 £ to 80 £
High-end
more than 80 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Nourish your nails

Regularly caring for your nails will strengthen them, give them strength and resistance, but also facilitate their regrowth. If you want to opt for homemade nail care products, a castor oil or brewer's yeast bath or a mixture of olive oil and lemon juice are excellent nourishing, strengthening and moisturizing products. Otherwise, also use nail hardeners to treat your brittle nails.

Cut your nails regularly

It is advisable to avoid having nails that are too long limits the risk of having brittle nails, as well as the risk of banging. Therefore, you should cut them regularly to limit their length. It is also not recommended to use nail clippers if your nails are very brittle. A soft filing will be more appropriate in this case.

Limit your ridged nails with care

Contrary to what one might think, filing one's grooved nails with too much vigor can accentuate the reliefs. It is essential to operate gently, banishing coarse-grained files in favor of a fine-grained file. You must also be careful to file in the same direction to avoid splitting the nail.

Use special anti-grim bases or polishes

As an alternative or in addition to nourishing oils for your damaged nails, you can opt for nourishing, smoothing base coats or care varnishes that will smooth the nail surface gently. And even better, use nail hardeners as a base to get more results in the care.

Stop biting your nails

The onychophagy or biting the nails is a bad habit source of streaks. Whether it's a reflex or a stress reaction, it's best to stop. If the habit is too hard to contain, try using special nail polishes that can help you with their unpleasant taste in the mouth. This can help you get rid of the habit.

FAQ

Is a nail hardener good for regrowth?

Just like hair, nails grow back systematically in a natural way. If they are brittle and soft, they will tend to fall off rather than grow back. The answer is yes, because thanks to the ability of this product to strengthen the horny plate, nails become more resistant and grow normally.

When should you use a nail hardener?

Brittle, split, peeling and soft nails are the result of external aggressions or a deficiency in vitamins and minerals. Now, this can alter the resistance of the nail plate. It is therefore recommended to use this product if the nails break, split, peel or are soft. You can also use it to prevent them from happening.

How to harden your nails naturally?

If you want to opt for a homemade method, try this:

Soak your nails in a salt solution (warm water + 1 tablespoon of salt) or lemon juice for 5 minutes, then moisturize them after rinsing and drying. After that you will see that your nails will be repaired, because this method is identical as the use of nail hardener.

What foods can you use to strengthen your nails?

To harden your nails, you should focus on foods rich in iron, zinc and copper. You can find: iron in eggs, dried vegetables, red meat, cashew nuts. Copper is found in seafood, wheat, cocoa, snails and soya. And zinc in red meat, eggs, fish, seafood, legumes.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. https://www.opi.com/blog/5-reasons-you-should-be-using-a-base-coat, opi.com
  2. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/product-reviews/fashion-and-beauty/g28856360/best-nail-strengtheners/, goodhousekeeping.com
  3. https://easynailtech.com/nail-strengthener-vs-hardener/, easynailtech.com
  4. https://www.stylist.co.uk/beauty/best-nail-strengtheners-hardeners-base-coats-strengthen-nails/384906, stylist.co.uk
  5. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/brittle-nails, medicalnewstoday.com
  6. https://www.getthegloss.com/article/how-to-repair-your-nails, getthegloss.com
  7. https://www.leaf.tv/articles/how-to-use-nail-hardener/, leaf.tv
  8. https://www.instyle.com/beauty/nails/how-to-strengthen-weak-brittle-nails, instyle.com
  9. https://beauty.onehowto.com/article/how-to-make-a-homemade-nail-hardener-2825.html, beauty.onehowto.com
  10. https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/more-beautiful-nails-a-dozen-tips#1, webmd.com
  11. Amazon.co.uk: nail hardener, amazon.co.uk
  12. The best nail hardeners: Top 3 ..., beaute-test.com
  13. Professional brand nail hardeners, bleulibellule.com
  14. Nail hardener: What's the best in 2021?, iamlamode.com
  15. Amazon.co.uk: nail polish hardener, amazon.co.uk
  16. What's the use of a nail hardener - Fem Journal - Peppermint Beauty, journaldesfemmes.fr
  17. Finish with soft brittle and split nails ⋆ ..., unefilleordinaire.net
  18. How to make your own nail hardener - Improves ..., peppermint-beauty.com
  19. How to use Herome strong nail hardener ..., justesublime.fr
  20. Nail hardener - Newpharma, amelioretasante.com
  21. Nail hardener - For soft and brittle nails - Gouiran Beauté, evangeline-lilly.net
  22. ᐅ The best nail hardener in 2021! - Beauty Idea, newpharma.fr
  23. Biovisol Strengthening Care Overactive Hardener 10ml | Low Price, gouiran-beaute.com
  24. Nail Hardener Strong - Strong Nail Hardener for ..., ideebeaute.eu
  25. How to Make Homemade Nail Hardener - 6 Steps, santediscount.com
  26. Scientific K+ Nail Hardener 5ml Mavala ..., sephora.fr
  27. Nail Hardeners | Pro-Nail Care | Pro-Duo, beaute.toutcomment.com
  28. Nail Hardener - Nail Care - Nails - PEGGY ..., easyparapharmacie.com
  29. Herome Strong Nail Hardener - Strengthens ..., pro-duo.fr
  30. Nail Hardener - Herome, peggysage.com
  31. Vitamin Liquid Hardener 10 ml - Ecrinal : Nail Care, incenza.com
  32. , herome.com
  33. , jeancoutu.com
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Simon & Tom 9
Simon & Tom
Rimmel stronger 10
Rimmel stronger
Alessandro Spa Sensitive 11
Alessandro Spa Sensitive
Herôme Extra fort 12
Herôme Extra fort

Lecteurs

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