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Best Nail Protein Formulas

Updated April 2022
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Nailtiques Formula 2 Protein
Nailtiques
Formula 2 Protein
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Versatile Use
Bottom Line

A high-quality nail, cuticle, and finger formula with excellent results.

Pros

The flat-style brush makes this formula the easiest nail polish to apply. With regular application, it transforms nails within a month. The results are long-lasting and easy to maintain. Dries fast and works as a base or topcoat.

Cons

Sits at a higher price point than many of its competitors.

Best Bang for the Buck
Nail Tek Intensive Therapy 2 Nail Strengthener
Nail Tek
Intensive Therapy 2 Nail Strengthener
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Customer Favorite
Bottom Line

An easy-to-use nail polish coat that repairs the strength of brittle nails.

Pros

Comes in a 0.5-ounce clear bottle with a nail brush. For use underneath or on top of nail polish. Requires a small amount and has a glossy finish. Recommended by professionals and made without cruelty to animals.

Cons

May not have noticeable results for some users.

Nutra Nail Calcium and Protein Formula
Nutra Nail
Calcium and Protein Formula
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Works Fast
Bottom Line

A quick and easy-to-use nail formula that produces quality results without breaking the bank.

Pros

Oil that you massage into your nail-beds and cuticles. Convenient to apply throughout the day. There was a noticeable difference in nail length within a few days, but more than that, our cuticles felt hydrated and soft.

Cons

Has a strong smell.

Sally Hansen Nail Growth Miracle Serum
Sally Hansen
Nail Growth Miracle Serum
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Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

The perfect choice for anyone who can't stand the strong smell of most nail repair formulas.

Pros

When applied often, the results are noticeable quickly. The formula is thick and easy to rub in. We loved not having to wait for dry times. While this product does have that typical nail polish scent, we did notice it wasn't as strong as most.

Cons

This product tends to require more consistent application than most to achieve results.

Prolana Nail Optimizer
Prolana
Nail Optimizer
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

A quality choice if you're looking to give strength back to nails that have been thinned and damaged by acrylics.

Pros

Repairs damage caused by acrylic nails. We appreciated how quickly the product dried. We noticed an almost instant difference in nail strength. After a few applications, thin nails stop peeling at the ends.

Cons

While the formula builds easily, it is difficult to remove all of the layers of polish when you're ready to take it off.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Models
Considered
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Consumers
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Researched
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If you have dry, brittle nails that crack, peel, and break easily, a protein nail formula can restore their strength and beauty. Chances are, if you have been a serial salon manicure recipient (especially with acrylics and hard-to-remove gel polishes), your nails have become thin. A nail protein formula goes on just like a polish or topcoat, fortifying the nail so that it grows in thicker and stronger. With ingredients like collagen and protein, these often work well as base coats before you apply your normal colored lacquer. And the price is much less than going to the nail salon, at under $15 a bottle for most brands.

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