The internet is full of before-and-after photos demonstrating the effects and benefits of everything from nail growth serums to lash growth serums and even hair growth serums. But, as with anything that goes viral on social media, it's always worth doing the research to figure out exactly how these products work—and of course, whether they do indeed work in the first place.
As a beauty editor, I've tried my fair share of products over the years, and while I'm well-versed in all things skincare and haircare, when it comes to nailcare, I like to turn to the professionals. Manicurists and nail techs have their hands and eyes (quite literally) on nails all day long, so when it comes to product recommendations, they always know what works—and what doesn't.
Earlier this year, fed up with nails that felt weak and thin and broke as soon as they started to extend past my fingertips, I turned to my manicurist, Ashleigh Bamber, for help. She immediately sent me a link to CND Rescuerxx Daily Keratin Treatment along with a lengthy voice note raving about its benefits. I purchased it instantly and, upon its arrival, began a four-week break from nail polish to apply the treatment to my nails twice daily.
Some of us are genetically blessed with long nails, thick eyelashes and a full head of hair, but others may require a helping hand. If short, brittle nails are the bane of your life, you're in the right place. Scroll down for my edit of the very best nail growth serums, including my ultimate favourite.
How Do Nail Growth Serums Work?
"Contrary to popular belief, nail growth serums don't work by directly speeding up the growth of your nails," says Bamber. "Unfortunately, nothing can work magic quite like that!" This is because the speed of our nail growth is, much like hair growth, dictated by our genetics and hormones, and impacted by factors like our health, lifestyle, age and your job.
"Instead, they work by improving nail health and by protecting the nail from anything that might be causing it damage," she explains. "The healthier and stronger our nails are, the better they will grow, and they will be less likely to break, meaning they do eventually grow longer."
How Do You Use Nail Growth Serums?
While the exact usage can differ depending on the treatment you opt for, most nail growth serums are designed to be applied to bare nails on a daily or twice-daily basis for a number of days or weeks. This allows them to deliver their benefits directly to the nail, enabling them to work uninterrupted. "Remember that taking care of what you've already got is the best place to start," adds Bamber. "You'll get better results from a short healthy nail than from a long, brittle one."
The Best Nail Growth Serums
- Best Overall: CND Rescuerxx Daily Keratin Treatment, £25.95
- Best for Gel Wearers: OPI Repair Mode Bond Building Nail Serum, £29.90
- Best Organic: Dadi'oil Nail Treatment, £19.95
- Best for Growth: Nailberry Acai Nail Elixir, £21
- Best for Quick Results: Sally Hansen Nail Growth Miracle Treatment, £11
- Best for Stained Nails: Nails Inc. Glow and Grow Nail Growth Treatment, £9
- Best for Nail Colour: Orly Nailtrition Nail Strengthener, £15.99
- Best for Weak Nails: OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener, £23
- Best for Sensitive Nails: Manucurist Complete Serum, £15
1. CND Rescuerxx Daily Keratin Treatment
According to Bamber, this is something of a nail tech's secret weapon, and the reviews certainly speak for themselves. I used this daily for a month, and within just a few weeks my nails felt so much stronger. I knew I was a convert when they started to gain length, but didn't flake or break as they usually do. The key ingredient is keratin proteins, which work by bonding to the natural nail in order to strengthen and restore moisture.
Pros
- Contains keratin proteins to restore strength
- Helps with length, splitting & peeling
- Clinically proven
Cons
- Isn't the easiest to find in stock
2. OPI Repair Mode Bond Building Nail Serum
Also highly recommended and well-reviewed, OPI's Repair Mode utilises a patented Ulti-Plex technology that penetrates the nail surface to build new bonds from within.
Pros
- Good colour
- Helps with strength & repair
- Well formulated
Cons
- It can chip
3. Dadi'oil Nail Treatment
This lightweight oil is designed to absorb quickly and penetrate deeply into the nail to improve both strength and flexibility—resulting in longer, healthier nails. It also helps to soften hard cuticles and nourish dry hands.
Pros
- Organic formula
- Good for sensitive nails
- Lovely scent
Cons
- Doesn't work as quickly as others
4. Nailberry Acai Nail Elixir
This nail growth serum combines strengthening actives with hydrating natural oils, rich in vitamin E, to nourish and protect nails.
Pros
- Great for sensitive nails
- Nourishing thanks to vitamin E
- Helps to protect from further damage
Cons
- Not the most efficacious for nail growth, specifically
5. Sally Hansen Nail Growth Miracle Treatment
This cult favourite draws upon the benefits of soy protein to bind moisture to nails, keratin to protect nails against splitting, cracking and tearing and collagen to stimulate healthy nail growth.
Pros
- Works quickly
- Great for growth
- Contain keratin
- Hardens nails
Cons
- Less of a serum, more of a hardening treatment
6. Nails Inc. Glow and Grow Nail Growth Treatment
Designed to be used like a daily moisturiser for your nails, this serum draws upon the benefits of hyaluronic acid and castor oil to deeply nourish dry nails and aid in bond repair. The result? Longer, stronger nails.
Pros
- Nourishing
- Good for cuticles
- Works well on stained nails
Cons
- Takes a while to help with growth
7. Orly Nailtrition Nail Strengthener
Ideal for nails that are in poor health after extended periods of wearing gel or acrylics, this nail strengthener is designed to be used as an intensive 14-day treatment.
Pros
- Great for gel wearers
- Stops peeling
- Fast acting
Cons
- A pricier option
8. OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener
If you don't like the thought of wearing bare nails, this OPI Nail Envy serum-boosted nail polish delivers strengthening and lengthening benefits alongside colour.
Pros
- Great colour and coverage
- Helps with strength
- Works quickly
Cons
- Can chip
9. Manucurist Complete Serum
First of all, this is a really lovely product to use as it has a glossy, luxurious texture that feels pleasant to massage in. As for the results? It works to hydrate the cuticles while also strengthening and repairing damaged nails over time.
Pros
- Lovely gel texture
- Contains panthenol to hydrate
- Helps to strengthen and protect
Cons
- Needs applying daily