Best Nail Strengtheners for Stronger & Healthier Wedding Nails
Dreaming of having strong and healthy nails on your big day? Give them a little pre-wedding TLC with one of our favourite nail strengtheners, as well as reading expert tips
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From the moment you say yes, to the moment you say I do, your nails take centre stage. Whether you're looking for ways to grow your nails before your partner pops the question or you're trying to strengthen them before your big day, our edit of the best nail strengtheners should help you reach your goal.
When all eyes are constantly on your hands you'll want to do your ring justice with a well kept mani but if you have weak, brittle nails it can actually be super stressful. The good news is there are ways to strengthen your natural nails without opting for extensions.
- The best nail strengtheners to shop now
- 3 handbag essentials for healthier nails
- How to get strong nails - FAQs
How do nail strengtheners work?
Before you start shopping for the best nail strengtheners, it’s important to note that weak nails can be caused by all manor of things including back to back gel nails or acrylics, nail biting and even hormones.
Depending on the cause of your weak nails there are different treatments to look out for. A nail hardener creates a layer on top of the nail. Think of it like a shield, to make your nail immediately harder and protect them while they grow, however a nail hardener won’t make your nails stronger in the long run. Nail strengtheners infuse your nails with nourishing ingredients to make them stronger as they grow.
If you're wondering if nail strengtheners actually work to make your nails longer, the answer is yes, but maybe not in the way you think. Nail strengtheners don’t encourage the growth of the nail, instead they protect your nail from breakage, which makes them lengthier in the long run.
5 of the Best Nail Strengtheners for Healthy Wedding Nails
Here you'll find a shortlist of our favourite products, plus expert tips to help you get your nails wedding ready...
1. Nail Envy - OPI
This is celebrity manicurist, Roxanne Campbell’s nail strengthener of choice, and if a pro who has done Adele and Alicia Key’s nails loves it, you just know it’s good.
It comes in a variety of different formulas, from coloured versions, including OPI's beloved Bubble Bath, to formulas designed specifically for nails that split and peel, but the original edition is Roxanne’s favourite. “I see results fast and it really works miracles,” she says. “Your nails become stronger and the nail plate looks clear and healthy.”
- Expert take: it has a blend of hydrolysed protein and calcium inside the polish, which work together to rebuild layers of the nail. Apply two coats of OPI’s Nail Envy to bare nails before applying an additional coat or two every couple of days. After a week, remove the product and start again.
2. RescueRXx Daily Keratin Treatment - CND
Not only does this smell delicious, it’s packed with nourishing jojoba oil to help keep your nails hydrated, as well as strengthening, hardening and protecting them from everything that leaves them looking less than perfect.
On top of jojoba oil, CND RescueRxx includes keratin for extra strength and sweet almond oil for that gorgeous scent and to soften the skin.
- Expert take: this should be applied directly to the nail, without any base coat or polish, to fully get to work, but you can add base coat and polish on top after if you like. It doesn’t need to dry like a traditional lacquer, so it’s simple to apply and doesn’t need any nail-painting skill.
3. Hard to Resist Nail Strengthener - Essie
Essie's Hard to Resist Nail Strengthener has become a favourite for many beauty editors and with good reason. The subtle pink tint gives your nails a healthy glow and it really does help strengthen fragile nails.
- Expert take: this formula contains nail bonding technology, which fuses the layers of your nails together to prevent peeling and breakage. Plus, it glides onto the nail with Essie’s signature easy-to-use brush
4. Scientifique K Nail Hardener - Mavala
If you’re in the market for a seriously heavy-duty nail strengthener which will make your nails stronger in a short space of time, we can’t recommend this Mavala product enough. It’s one of the best nail treatments for damaged nails or if you have damage from having acrylics.
- Expert take: Mavala’s iconic nail strengthener is so powerful when it comes to hardening that the brand advises users be careful not to get this on the skin around the nails, as it will harden that as well. They recommend holding your hands upside down for a minute after applying this to ensure it doesn’t bleed onto your cuticles.
5. Maximum Growth - Sally Hansen
Sally Hansen has a huge range of nail strengthening products to choose from and they really do work. This is one of our top rated nail strengtheners if you're looking for a treatment that will strengthen and protect your nails as they grow. It's infused with silk protein to reinforce weak nails.
- Expert take: apply two or three coats, allowing each coat to dry before you apply the next layer. You'll need to apply this one every day to see the best results.
3 Handbag Essentials for Healthier Nails
Once you've found a strengthening polish that you love, you'll also want to incorporate some hydrating hand creams and cuticle ointments to help your nails grow long and strong. The trick to making sure you actually reach for them is to find products you enjoy using, and these ones are Hitched approved...
1. Creme Abricot - Dior
Yes, this is on the pricier end of the scale, but trust us when we say a little of this nourishing ointment goes a long way! It's infused with apricot oil and seaweed extract to smooth and soften your cuticles so they won't crack or peel.
- Expert take: thanks to the super cute packaging and intense hydration, this isn't a product you'll forget about easily! We love popping a layer on before bed for an overnight moisture boost.
2. Solar Oil - CND
You'll find this as a staple in most celebrity nail artist's kit and for good reason. It's packed with conditioning ingredients including jojoba oil and sweet almond oil. The formula not only softens your cuticles but hydrates your nails to keep them flexible and prevent breakage.
- Expert tip: as well as a polish style bottle, this comes in an addictive click-to-activate pen that we’ve become quite obsessed with applying on-the-go.
3. Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm - Aesop
Don't underestimate the power of a good hand cream when it comes to keeping your nails in good shape. This one from Aesop not only hydrates your hands and cuticles but it has the summery scent of citrussy mandarin and rosemary leaf.
- Expert take: We love how quickly this hand cream absorbs into your skin, plus the smell is addictive.
Strong and Healthy Nail FAQs
To find out how you can get your strongest and healthiest nails before your big day, we enlisted the help of a nail expert from So.Shell to give us their top tips...
How can nearlyweds strengthen their nails at home?
"Consistency is everything when it comes to nail health. I always recommend starting by applying cuticle oil and a rich hand cream daily," they explain. "This keeps both the nail plate and surrounding skin hydrated and resilient. Incorporate a quality strengthening treatment 2–3 times a week, and keep nails filed to a practical, uniform length to minimise breakage."
"Protective gloves are a must when cleaning or washing dishes, and don’t overlook nutrition, a balanced diet rich in biotin, zinc, and omega-3s supports strong, healthy growth from the inside out."
What are the best in-salon treatments to strengthen natural nails?
"IBX is one of my go-to treatments for compromised or fragile nails . It works by penetrating the nail plate to repair and reinforce from within, making it ideal as a pre-wedding prep.
"Another exceptional option is the Ukrainian nail strengthening technique, a professional method that uses a flexible rubber base and precise application to create a durable foundation without compromising the natural nail. It’s perfect for brides who want to grow out their nails safely and beautifully in the months leading up to the big day."
How far in advance should brides start focusing on their nail health?
"Start as early as possible, ideally three to six months in advance. This gives your time to grow out fully, repair any previous damage, and establish a strong, healthy base. The earlier you begin, the more polished and confident you’ll feel when it’s time for those close-up shots of your hands and ring."
What should brides avoid to keep their nails healthy?
- Avoid using your as tools, no scraping, prying, or picking.
- Limit prolonged exposure to water and harsh chemicals, and steer clear of repeated acetone use.
- Avoid stacking nail enhancements without giving your a rest in between. Regular “naked nail” days, paired with consistent hydration and quality care, will go a long way toward maintaining nail health.
Can you use nail strengtheners under nail polish?
"Usually yes, but always check the instructions. They can double as a base coat and add a protective barrier under your polish. Just ensure it’s compatible with your polish or gel system. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference in both the longevity of your manicure and the health of your underneath."
What is the best course of action for someone who has damage from acrylics or gels?
"Recovery is possible with the right approach. I recommend starting with a restorative treatment like IBX or a Japanese manicure to repair the nail structure. Taking a break from enhancements is crucial.
"The Ukrainian strengthening method is also a fantastic bridge, it supports the natural nail while allowing it to recover and grow. Keep nails short, well-shaped, and nourished with cuticle oil and hand cream. With consistent care, visible improvements usually start within a few weeks."
Now you have strong, healthy nails, why not check out our extensive round-up of wedding nail inspiration?
