After Years of Gel Removal, This Product Brought My Brittle Nails Back to Life

After years of having gel manicures back-to-back, I learned the hard way that the removal process matters just as much as application. When I first started getting gel nails, I’d have them completely removed and reapplied every single time. The process was intense to say the least, involving acetone soaking, scraping, buffing and drilling—and over time, my nails paid the price. They became thin, weak and painfully brittle, peeling from the tips and bending at the slightest pressure. I loved the glossy, durable finish of gels, but I didn’t love what was happening underneath.

Now, I opt for builder gel infills instead of full removals whenever possible, and it has made a huge difference in keeping my natural nails stronger and healthier. But before I made that switch, I had to schedule regular breaks from gel polish just to give my nails a chance to recover and harden again. During those recovery periods, I tried just about every nail strengthener and treatment I could get my hands on—from hardening solutions to conditioning serums and cuticle oils. You name it, I tried it.

Of course, some worked better than others, and a few genuinely did transform the look and feel of my nails—making them instantly appear healthier while supporting their long-term growth and strength. The most efficacious treatment? Paint-on nail strengtheners. Below, find the nail strengtheners that truly made a difference for me.

What Makes Nails Weak and Brittle?

In my experience, weak and brittle nails are usually the result of stress to the nail plate—the hard upper layer of the nail. The aggressive process of repeated gel removal can thin the nail plate over time, leaving it more prone to peeling and splitting. I noticed that when I was having full removals regularly, my nails felt papery and flexible, as though the protective layers had been stripped away. If you don't wear gel nails, then environmental factors play a part too—frequent hand washing, exposure to cleaning products and even cold weather can sap moisture from the nails.

According to nail tech and expert Ashleigh Bamber, “Most brittle nails I see aren’t naturally weak, they’re actually over-processed or dehydrated. The nail plate is made of layers of keratin, and when those layers are disrupted, you’ll see peeling, flaking and breakage.” She also points out that picking or peeling off nail polish is one of the quickest ways to cause damage. “When you peel polish, especially gels, you’re literally taking layers of your natural nail with it,” she explains.

How Do Nail Strengtheners Work?

When my nails were at their weakest, I assumed all strengtheners simply “hardened” the nail, but the process is actually a bit more nuanced than that. Some formulas use proteins or keratin to reinforce the nail plate, temporarily filling in microscopic gaps and creating a more resilient surface. Others focus on hydration, using conditioning ingredients to improve flexibility and prevent snapping. I found that the best results came from treatments that balanced both strengthening and nourishing.

Bamber explains it simply: “A good strengthener either reinforces the structure of the nail or improves its moisture balance, but ideally it does both. Nails need strength, but they also need flexibility. If they’re too hard, they can actually become more prone to cracking.” She adds that consistency is key. “You won’t fix months of damage overnight. Regular application gives the nail plate time to grow out healthier.” For me, using a treatment polish weekly made a visible difference in how smooth and sturdy my nails felt.

What Should You Look for in a Nail Strengthener?

If you have nail peeling like me, look for ingredients such as keratin, biotin or calcium to help reinforce the nail plate. Hydrating ingredients like glycerin or plant oils are also essential to restore flexibility. I also personally prefer formulas that double as a sheer, glossy polish, so my nails look healthier instantly while they recover.

Bamber recommends tailoring your choice to your specific concern. “If your nails are soft and bendy, a strengthening treatment with protein can help. If they’re dry and splitting, focus on hydration first,” she says. She also advises avoiding overly harsh formulas. “Some old-school hardeners contain high levels of formaldehyde, which can make nails rigid and more likely to snap. Modern formulas are much more balanced.”

The Best Nail Strengtheners

1. Best Overall: Manucurist Active Bright (£16)
2. Best Serum Formula: OPI Repair Mode Bond Building Nail Serum (£29)
3. Best for Growth: Butter London Horse Power Nail Treatment Rescue Basecoat (£13)
4. Best for Quick Results: Peacci 2 In 1 Base Coat (£8)
5. Navy Strength (£17)Best Multitasking Nail Strengthener: Navy Strength (£17)

1. Manucurist Active Bright

My absolute go-to nail treatment when my nails were at their weakest was Manucurist Active Bright. The formula blends strengthening with gentle hardening and hydrating properties, so it supports both resilience and moisture, which is essential for healing nails that have been repeatedly stripped by gel removal. Far more than just a base coat, I like that it gives a polished, glossy look that disguises imperfections while working in the background to fortify the nail plate.

Bamber says, “Manucurist’s Active Bright is ideal for nails that have been through repeated gels. It’s conditioning without over-hardening, and you will see healthier growth over time.”

2. OPI Repair Mode Bond Building Nail Serum

3. Butter London Horse Power Nail Treatment Rescue Basecoat

This formula is all about supporting growth while simultaneously improving overall nail health. I appreciated its blend of strengthening ingredients with vitamins that encourage nails to grow longer, and found that it doubled nicely as a base under polish. It’s a slightly thicker formula but still feels nourishing rather than stiff, making it great for nails that struggle both with strength and with length.

4. Peacci 2-In-1 Base Coat

On a smaller budget or in need of fast results, this formula—part treatment, part base coat—combines basic strengthening with a clear gloss finish, making nails look smoother instantly and feel stronger within a few applications. While it won’t rebuild heavily damaged nails overnight, I appreciated its immediate impact on surface texture, which can feel like quicker improvement.

5. Navy Strength

6. Sephora Collection Clear Hardener

7. Margaret Dabbs London Nail Strengthening Treatment

8. Nails.INC Gel Rehab Strengthening Nail Treatment

How I Tested

I tested each nail strengthener during periods when my nails were recovering from gel removal, particularly after more intense soak-offs that left them thin and prone to peeling. I used every treatment consistently for at least two to three weeks, and avoided layering multiple strengtheners at once so I could properly assess results. I paid close attention to breakage, peeling, flexibility, and overall appearance, as well as how each formula wore alone and under polish. I also considered how quickly I noticed improvement, whether my nails felt overly rigid or comfortably strong, and how quickly each product delivered results.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.