Best Brush On Nail Hardeners For Long Strong Nails

Nail hardeners are used to boost the strength of brittle nails.

And if you've been an acrylic nails wearer, then you know what we are talking about. Peeling. Splitting. Cracking. Unhealthy-looking nails.

Nail hardeners are actually clear nail enamels that have been amped up with different solvent and resin concentrations. They are the first coat of enamel applied to the clean nail and function as a base coat. And they can also be brushed on after a colored polish for extra protection.

There are many nail hardeners on the market. Some work well, and some do not. But the basic idea of using a hardener, is to build up a strong nail plate. In other words--- fortify, protect, and harden.

We have dug our fingernails into the dirt, and gone digging around for the Best Brush On Nail Hardeners:

1. Mavala Scientifique Nail Hardener ($16.99, http://www.folica.com/). This little bottle has a huge following of fans. Hard to find, but we located a stash at folica.com. One woman says she's been using Mavala for some 30 years. Now, that's an opinion we can trust.

Mavala describes their little nail hardener this way:

The tip of nail is the most fragile part which breaks easily. Logic and experience have proven that it is the tip of nail which needs to be strengthened. This Scientifique is a special treatment for the nail tip. It helps prevent splitting or flaking, strengthens soft nails. It features fast result, ease to apply and economical. And one little bottle lasts an entire year.

2. OPI Nail Envy Natural Nail Strengthener ($12.00, http://www.amazon.com/, and at fine salons). Let's face it, OPI really knows nails. And this small bottle can also do the trick. Say so long to cracking, splitting, and flaking nails.

The product works like this:

You apply two coats to start, then one coat every other day. At the end of a week, you remove all the product and start over. This method sounds weird, but it really delivers.

3. Witchcraft Nail Hardener ($14.99 at http://www.ebay.com/, or http://www.witchcraftnailproducts.com/). This stuff has been around for about 40 years. It was developed in Canada, and is very popular around here. Not easy to find, but Ebay always seem to be auctioning off a few bottles. And we found the hardener and a whole nail kit for $14.99.

And this nail hardener is so easy to use:

Shake well before using. Apply one coat to nail surface. Let dry, then apply second coat. Repeat procedure twice a week.