6 Months Ago My Manicurist Told Me This Serum Would Transform My Nails—She Was Right
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 instantly, and upon its arrival began a four week-long break from nail polish in order 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 be in need of 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 and means that they can 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."
Shop the Best Nail Growth Serums:
- CND Rescuerxx Daily Keratin Treatment
- OPI Repair Mode Bond Building Nail Serum
- Dadi'oil Nail Treatment
- Nailberry Acai Nail Elixir
- Sally Hansen Nail Growth Miracle Treatment
- Nails Inc. Glow and Grow Nail Growth Treatment
- Orly Nailtrition Nail Strengthener
- OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener
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.
2. OPI Repair Mode Bond Building Nail Serum
3. Dadi'oil Nail Treatment
4. Nailberry Acai Nail Elixir
5. Sally Hansen Nail Growth Miracle Treatment
6. Nails Inc. Glow and Grow Nail Growth Treatment
7. Orly Nailtrition Nail Strengthener
8. OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener
Grace Day is a beauty editor and content creator. She has over 10 years of beauty-industry experience, spanning editorial, retail, and e-commerce, which gives her a unique understanding into how people shop for their beauty routines.While studying for a history degree (specialising in the history of beauty) and working as a beauty adviser in department stores, Grace started writing her own beauty blog in order to share the products she discovered while dealing with acne. After graduating, she moved to Beauty Bay as beauty editor and content manager. Grace is currently a beauty contributor toBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing . She has also written for Hypebae and PopSugar and works as a brand consultant and copywriter.
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