What is the best nail strengthening base coat 2022?

To keep your nails always beautiful, it is a good idea to use a quality base coat before applying any kind of nail polish. But often this alone is not enough: many people suffer from brittle, flexible, or ridged nails, and have difficulty letting their nails grow. In this case, the solution is to rely on a good strengthening base coat.

Several common brands of nail polish, such as Risqué, Impala and Colorama, produce very good strengthening bases for the day to day, but when the nails are very fragile, perhaps only these products are not enough to solve the problem. It may be necessary to use bases with different compositions, more specific, that act on the root of the matter, treating the nails and strengthening them in the long term.

Read on to learn more about the best nail strengthening bases available in 2022, and find out which one is best suited to solve your problem with brittle nails for good!

Comparison of the 10 best strengthening foundations

How to choose the best nail strengthener base coat

To be able to choose well which strengthening foundation you will use, it is important to take into account several factors, such as composition, whether it is hypoallergenic, or at least dermatologically tested, drying time, and other factors.

Below you will better understand what factors deserve your attention when buying, and you will learn how to choose the best strengthening base for your nails!

Seek to know the composition of the strengthening base

First, to make sure that the base will achieve the desired goal, it is essential to understand what the composition of the product you are using. Strengthening bases include several ingredients that can help strengthen and reduce flexibility and nail breakage, and each of these components has different benefits or contraindications.

- Calcium: is a natural component of nails, which has a direct impact on nail health. Lack of calcium can lead to brittle and fragile nails.

- Keratin: is a protein naturally present in nails and hair, and gives them shine, hydration and, in the case of nails, resistance and hardening.

- Formaldehyde: can be extremely effective in hardening flexible nails, but it is an aggressive ingredient and can cause allergies, so its concentration may not be higher than 5%.

- Vitamin B5: is a very beneficial vitamin that contributes to the resistance and strengthening of the nails, leaving them also more level.

- Vitamin E: It has antioxidant function, and protects the nails from free radicals. It can also collaborate with their hydration.

- D-Panthenol: component rich in vitamin B5, and gives nails strength and resistance. It also helps treat flaking and breakage.

- Argan: compound rich in vitamin A, which has great ability to moisturize the nails. It also collaborates greatly with their strengthening.

When you are choosing your next nail strengthening base, it is interesting to check the composition of it, and check exactly what the ingredients are and the amount or concentration of them in the formula.

If you are allergic, bet on hypoallergenic strengthening bases

Some components present in the formula of the strengthening bases can cause allergic reactions, especially if you have very sensitive skin. Therefore, it is very important to make sure that the chosen product will not cause you this type of problem.

It is ideal, then, to bet on a foundation that is hypoallergenic - that is, which has undergone several tests in the laboratory to ensure that it does not cause allergies. It is increasingly common that brands offer products of this type.

In case you're not prone to allergies, it's a good idea to at least invest in a strengthening foundation that's dermatologically tested - that is, one that has undergone clinical tests accompanied by a dermatologist to ensure the safety of the product.

Check the amount of product in each package

Usually the nail bases all come in similar bottles, of similar sizes. The average content of a bottle is between 7 and 10 ml, but some brands work with larger glasses, up to 15 ml. This difference in quantity can be expressive, even more if you use strengthening base often, so it is interesting to pay attention to the cost-benefit of each.

In addition, there are also brands that provide options for professional use, with bottles of larger size, and usually cheaper than the options sold at the pharmacy or perfumery. Put in the balance your need and the value of the product per ml before making your choice.

Choose the finish that suits you best

If you have very fragile nails, but you're not a big fan of wearing nail polish all the time, that doesn't mean you can't use a strengthening base coat to make your nails grow healthier. If that's your case, it's important to choose a base coat with a finish that pleases you, since you're not going to cover it with nail polish.

If the idea is to leave the nails more discreet, bet on a base coat with matte finish, that leaves them more opaque. Many men usually opt for this type of finish, which has a more natural appearance.

If you want your nails to stand out more, you can invest in a base coat with a glossy finish, which will leave them beautiful and shiny, and contribute to not break so easily.

There is also the option of the satin finish, also called semi-gloss or semi-gloss, which is a finish between the previous two. The aspect that it leaves on the nails is still somewhat natural, but still has the appearance that you did your nails.

Compare the drying time of the strengthening bases

Who hasn't ever been bored waiting for their nails to dry? That's right, this is a process that can be quite long, and standing around waiting can be quite uncomfortable - even more so if you still intend to apply a coloured nail polish over it.

In these cases it is interesting to bet on a quick-drying strengthening base, which in addition to allow you to move without so much fear of smudging your nails, also speeds up the process of doing the nails as a whole.

Check if the manufacturer does animal testing

The number of people who care about the environment and animals is growing. Even so, many cosmetics companies still test some of their products on animals, either on monkeys, rats, or even other rodents. But calm down, it's not the case of getting into despair, and simply accept the brittle nails.

To be able to keep your nails strong and healthy with a clear conscience, just check if the manufacturer of your favorite strengthening base does not perform animal testing. Nowadays many companies make this kind of information available on their websites, so it is quite easy to find this data before making your choice.

The 10 best nail strengthening bases of 2022

Now you already have a better idea of what to look for when choosing your foundation. But for you to be even more sure of your choice, we prepared a list with the 10 best strengthening foundations, based on the tips we gave you. Check it out!

Nail Polish Strengthener, Colorama

Low cost and easy access

The nail strengthener Colorama is a product quite easy to find, and has a very affordable price. Inclusive is quite possible that you already know it, or have already used it some time.

It is a great option for those who still do not know exactly how their nails react to a nail strengthener base coat, or need to use the product more often. The application is very simple, like a normal nail polish. The drying is not fast, so you need to be a little careful before applying a nail polish on top.

Its main active ingredient is panthenol , which gives nails resistance and strength, while leaving them more moisturized. This base helps treat flaking and nail breakage, for having this active ingredient rich in vitamin B5.

Pro-Strengthening Nutribase Nail Polish, Colorama

Nutrition and growth at an affordable price

The Nutribase Pro-Strengthening, from Colorama, is also an excellent option for those who need a deeper treatment, but still at an affordable price, since the brand is national. This special base is enriched with fluoride and calcium , nourishing the nails and ensuring that they grow strong and healthy.

Its finish is shiny, which gives the nails a freshly done look, so it is perfect to be worn alone, without nail polish on top. Unfortunately, however, it is not hypoallergenic, so it is important to be careful if you have any allergies to components in the formula.

A negative point of the product, as well as the previous one, is that Colorama belongs to L'Oreal, a multinational cosmetics company that sells products in China. As there it is mandatory that some cosmetics go through animal testing, we can not say that the brand is vegan, or cruelty-free.

SOS Base 7 In 1 Pink, Granado

Complete treatment in a single product

The 7 in 1 base coat from Granado is a complete treatment for the nails , so a product indicated to recover brittle or weak nails. Who seeks a single product to save very damaged nails can bet on it without fear. The seven benefits that the base coat offers are as follows: shine, nutrition, hydration, leveling, growth, hardening and strength.

The main active ingredients of this product are calcium, keratin and vitamin E, but it also contains other components such as argan oil and baobab, and at the same time has no ingredients of animal origin (nor goes through animal testing) or is a vegan product.

The only negative point of this product is its higher price, which is justified by the completeness it offers - the cost-benefit is extremely high.

Nail Polish Treatment Fortifying Base, Impala

Strengthening and hydration anywhere

Impala is another well-known brand in the domestic market, and it is easy to find this fortifying base anywhere you can find nail polishes. The product is of great quality, and its components promote the strengthening of the nails and leave them more resistant.

The coloring can scare a little, but although it is yellowish the nails do not stay in this tone after drying - and the base does not interfere in the coloring of the enamel applied on top.

Even having formaldehyde in its composition, the product is dermatologically tested, which makes it difficult some kind of adverse reaction. In addition to strengthening also helps in hydration and protection of the nails , helping them grow healthy and without stains. Another positive point is that Impala ensures that their products do not undergo animal testing, so they are suitable to be used by peoplevegan or engaged in the animal cause.

Nail Force Strengthening Base, Dermage

Powerful treatment without allergies

The Nail Force base coat from Dermage is a powerful treatment for brittle or very brittle nails, and its formula with calcium and keratin acts directly in solving these problems. In addition it stimulates the strengthening of the nails, and acts against yellowing and flaking of them.

It's a quick-drying base, making it great to use before another nail polish without spending too much time. It's completely free of allergenic components like formaldehyde , and it's dermatologically tested - meaning the likelihood of an adverse reaction to this product is very low.

For being a product of guaranteed safety and effectiveness , the price ends up being higher than other strengthening bases, but the cost is fully justified by the very high quality offered. Unfortunately Dermage does not require its suppliers that the inputs for its production are free of animal testing, so even if this product does not pass this type of test the brand can notbe considered cruelty-free.

Strengthening Base Technology, Risqué

Hydration and strength with Omega 6

Part of the Technology line of hypoallergenic products from Risqué, this strengthening base acts in the treatment of nails, making them healthier and stronger. It also has moisturizing properties, helping to prevent flaking and nail breakage.

Its composition includes Omega 6, which acts in the deep hydration of the nails and orchid oil, which has repairing properties . This, coupled with its hypoallergenic formula and its quick drying make it an excellent option for nail preparation before applying the enamel.

Its price is also very accessible, being one of the cheapest options available in the market. Unfortunately Risqué cannot be considered free of animal testing because the brand belongs to the multinational Coty, which sells its products in China, where animal testing is mandatory for some types of cosmetics.

4Free Keratin Strengthener, Blant

Reconstruction and natural growth

Blant's 4Free nail strengthener is one of the most attractive options for strengthening nails due to its keratin-rich composition. Its formulation helps to rebuild thin and brittle nails and stimulates the natural growth of all nail types.

Blant is a brand that specializes in nail care, and this is one of the main products of this brand. Thus, this nail strengthener is one of the best options available today. Its formula is hypoallergenic , being free of components that can be harmful to some people, such as formaldehyde.

Despite its price a little higher than the most common bases, the product has a great cost benefit, since in addition to rebuild the nails, it promotes elasticity and growth.

Strengthening Nail Polish Concrete, Top Beauty

Strong and unbreakable nails

The concrete base coat from Top Beauty is a great alternative for those who have thinner and brittle nails, because its formula contains formaldehyde, also known as formaldehyde. This component acts directly on the hardening of the nails, giving them enough strength and a great resistance.

The concrete base is part of the SOS Nails line of Top Beauty which has, besides this product, options of bases that promote the natural growth of nails, another strengthening base, and many other great products.

Mava-Strong protective and strengthening base, Mavala

Miracle recovery for lost nails

Swiss Mavala is one of the world leaders in nail care, which offers several exceptional nail care products and a very extensive line of nail polishes.

This treatment base coat, Mava-Strong, recovers even the most fragile nails, thanks to its formulation with vitamin E, hydrolyzed keratin and arginine, as well as tea tree essential oil. Combined with fast drying and long product life, these ingredients make this base coat one of the best possible options for strengthening nails.

Mava-Strong base coat also has a glossy finish and can be used alone, without nail polish on top, and still giving nails a beautiful look. Its only negative point is the high price, which is justified by the fact that it is imported and by the great qualities of the product.

Treatment Base for Weak Nails, La Beauté

Strengthening and nutrition against scaling

Our choice for best nail strengthening base is La Beauté, which is a brand known for the high quality of its product.

Its treatment base is highly potent, acting in the strengthening and nutrition of nails , stimulating its natural growth, and fighting flaking. It is the most indicated option for those who want to grow long, strong and healthy nails.

In addition to all these positive points, the La Beauté foundation also has a larger package than most products on the market, with a bottle of 15 ml - that is, almost twice as much as a foundation or a common nail polish. Thus, even if it has a slightly higher price, the cost benefit is also one of the positive points of this product.

More information about nail strengthener base coat

Now that you know what criteria to evaluate, and you know the best strengthening bases options, we've separated some other information about strengthening bases, as well as other types of nail bases, that may interest you. Read on to learn more!

How and when to apply a nail strengthener base coat

Almost as important as knowing how to choose the best strengthening base coat for your nails, is knowing if you really need one, and how to use it correctly. After all, there's no point in having a good product, if you don't know how to use it.

Start by assessing whether your nails are always weak and brittle, or whether sometimes something happens that causes them to break. If it is the first option, it may be worth investing in a more refined nail care product, but if you just have nails that break once in a while a simpler strengthening base coat may do the trick.

When applying a strengthening base it is always important to have clean nails, i.e. without any nail polish applied. There is no point in applying a base coat over a coat of nail polish, because if it has no contact with the nail its ingredients will not be able to act in strengthening the nails.

Whenever you apply a base coat, and want to use a nail polish on top, it is important to wait for the appropriate drying time before starting the enameling. Not only to avoid smudging the base coat, but also to ensure that there will be no mixing of the product with the enamel, and its strengthening properties will not be altered or weakened.

Learn about other types of nail base

In addition to strengthening bases, there are also several other types of nail bases that can be used, and each one has a different function - not to mention that each type can help care for a different type of nail.

If you have healthy nails, the ideal base is only a top coat, which protects them from possible harmful effects of the chosen nail polish.

In the case of having yellowish nails, something that can be caused by the use of dark nail polishes without base, or by nicotine, the ideal is to bet on a whitening base, which can take this yellowish tone.

Already if you have irregular nails, with ripples or cracks, the use of a leveling base is indicated. These bases fill these spaces, leaving the nails more uniform for the enameling.

Choose the strengthening base coat that is best for your nails!

Now you know what steps you should take when choosing the best nail strengthening base, as well as our selection of the 10 best bases to use in case of brittle or fragile nails.

Always remember, however, that the most important thing is to choose a product that works for you, so try to test a few different types to find out which is the most suitable for your needs. But in case of doubt, do not hesitate to return to our article to review some point, and try to come to a new conclusion!