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 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 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

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. 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. 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.

11. Best nail strengthener with colour: Essie Nail Care Hard To Resist Nail Strengthener

It needs to be applied directly to the nail, without any base coat or polish, to fully get to work. Pros

It’s a thin, glossy formula that should be applied directly to the nail. You can apply polish on top, but given that it’s recommended to apply this every night for at least a week, we’d leave this as the only thing on your nails to allow it to work its magic. 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. One thing to note - only use this after you’ve applied your nail polish. It creates a slightly oily protective barrier that means lacquer will apply streakily. 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. 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 guidanceSandwich a coat of your chosen polish between two layers of this for a long-lasting, strong manicure that looks good and keeps your nails in top condition. 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. Users love it for strengthening the tip of nails, which is often the first part of the nail to show damage, splitting and bending. This provides an impressive layer of protection that even hours of typing won’t be an issue for. Rimmel’s protective base coat can be worn under your favourite nail polish as a protective base coat, or on its own to help nourish nails and give them a shiny finish. Say goodbye to weak and damaged nails!

It’s made from ingredients with naturally healing properties, hence why it’s so soothing and we love to keep it by our bed to apply before we nod off. 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. It feels rich and nourishing… So much so, we’re tempted to rub it over our whole hands! Fans say they can see a difference in as little as two weeks, though some do note that it’s a very rich formula, hence why it’s best for overnight use rather than when you need to go about your day.

8. Best professional nail strengthener: CND RescueRxx Daily Keratin Treatment

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