There are lots of products out there promising longer, stronger nails using formulas enriched with more recognizable growth-boosting (like jojoba oil, keratin, biotin, proteins, and more) as well as some ingredients that pose quite the tongue twister. With so many different components at play, it can be challenging to determine the products that deserve a spot in your product lineup for at-home manicures from the ones that shouldn't make it off the shelf at the beauty supply store. The list seems endless, but that doesn't mean you can't make well-informed shopping decisions.
Without a doubt, one of the most recognizable categories of these nailcare products are serums. They're often praised for their length-boosting abilities and can make a huge difference in the overall health of your nails with little-to-no effort. But how do we know if they actually work? Sure, you can test them all, but you can also defer to advice and recommendations from experts and fellow nail enthusiasts. Luckily for you, you can find both below.
We asked a celebrity manicurist for advice on how to successfully grow out your nails and retain length by using serums, plus the everyday nailcare practices for healthy manis. Scroll on to learn everything you need to know about serums.
What Is Nail Serum?
According to celebrity manicurist and educator Aja Wilson, experiencing a lack of nail growth and length retention can be strongly indicative of your lifestyle. "Slow nail growth is often caused by several factors which can lead to peeling, splitting, and thinning nails," she begins. "This damage interrupts the natural growth cycle, leaving nails weak and fragile." Brittle, breakable nails can be attributed to damage from hair product, excessive buffing or improper gel removal, and other nutritional deficiencies—all which can be helped by adding a length-boosting nail serum to your nail care routine.
Nail serums are packed with all the good stuff to restore struggling nails to their healthiest state (we're talking formulas packed with nutrients such as vitamin E, keratin, biotin, peptides, amino acids, and so much more). While some formulas are designed to be used as frequently as your heart desires, others have better results when applied sparingly during a specific period. There are even serums designed specifically to address nails that are weak while also being able to be used as a base coat! That said, all of the best serums on the market have one huge thing in common: they use ingredients meant to reinforce and revitalize your nails.
How Can I Promote Nail Growth?
Wilson tells us that by using hydrating and strengthening treatments, you can keep your nail matrix hydrated (the tissue located at the base of the nail under the skin that divides and matures to produce length). One of her favorites serums to use is Essie's To the Rescue UV Gel Damage Repair ($12), which improves nail health by using a nourishing formula enriched with ceramides, keratin, and a tripartite protein complex. She also advises taking regular breaks from UV gel treatments, avoiding peeling off gels or using metal tools to remove them, having a biotin-rich diet, and giving your nails some extra TLC whenever you get the chance.
Wondering which nail growth serums Wilson and Who What Wear beauty editors swear by? Below, find the 12 products that are proven to promote nail growth in a matter of weeks (if not days), plus some tips and tricks on how to get great results.
The Best Nail Growth Serums, Listed
- OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener
- Londontown Get Well Nail Recovery
- Ellie Chase Horsetail Strengthener
- Onsen Nail & Cuticle Conditioner Serum
- Sally Hansen Nailgrowth Miracle Growth Treatment
The Best Nail Serums
1. OPI Nail Envy Nail Strengthener
If you loved the first version of OPI's iconic Nail Envy Nail Strengthener as much as we did, then get ready to be obsessed with its new and improved formula. Now, the formula is infused with the brand's Tri-Flex Technology which works to strengthen and protect nails against chipping, peeling, and splitting for longer nails in a week.
Customer Review: "I have struggled getting my natural nails to grow without splitting and breaking. I've been using it for a little over a week and am pleased with the results. So far so good. Now to get a manicure to help with the process. Yes, I would recommend!"
Key Ingredients: Biotin, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, OPI Tri-Flex Technology
Pros: Shields nails against chipping, peeling, and splitting
Cons: Moderate price point
Product Details: 0.5-ounce bottle with brush applicator
2. Cel Stem Cell Nail Formula
Admit it—Sometimes stopping in your tracks and treating your nails to much-needed TLC is easier said than done. That's why this nail formula pen is a must for anyone on the go! Not only is it easy to use, store, and carry, but its length-boosting formula is also infused with jojoba seed oil, active panax ginseng, safflower, and chrysanthemum.
Customer Review: "This product hydrates your nails nicely. Provides quick relief to your dry cuticles and your overall nails. With repetitive usage, I’m eager to continue to watch the re-growth of my nails being restored after having acrylics."
Key Ingredients: Active panax ginseng, jojoba seed oil, safflower, chrysanthemum
Pros: Cutting-edge nail formula pen design is easy to use, store, and carry
Cons: None
Product Details: 0.1-ounce nail formula pen
3. Londontown Get Strong Nail Hardener
When it comes to nail hardeners, it's important to seek out clean formulas for the best results. This one promotes nail growth using multipolymer technology for a shield-like barrier over the nails while helping strengthen the keratin matrix. Its formula also features the brand's Florium Complex (a proprietary botanical blend).
Customer Review: "Miracle worker! My weak nails that constantly split are hardening more and more every day. I'm doing the every other day routine and am incredibly pleased with the outcome so far."
Key Ingredients: Multipolymer, Londontown's Nourishing Florium Complex (rapeseed flower oil, cucumber extract, garlic extract, evening primrose oil, chamomile extract, and vitamin E)
Pros: Multipolymer technology fortifies and hardens the nail plate
Cons: Moderate price point
Product Details: 0.5-ounce bottle with brush applicator
4. Ella + Mila First Aid Kiss Nail Strengthener
Ella + Mila is known for its versatile polish offerings, but don't miss an opportunity to try the brand's transformative nail care. The First Aid Kiss Nail Strengthener, for example, encourages growth by addressing thin, brittle, and split ends with a vitamin E–enriched formula. To use, simply apply one coat to bare nails and remove after seven days.
Customer Review: "This nail strengthener actually works! If it's your first time using, I suggest you follow the directions exactly. I have very weak nails and this is the only thing that helps."
Key Ingredients: Vitamin E
Pros: Doesn't contain acetone, formaldehyde, Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP), or other harmful ingredients
Cons: The strong formula that can be drying if used too frequently
Product Details: 0.5-ounce bottle with brush applicator
5. Duri Rejuvacote 1 Nail Growth System
Several manicurists we've tapped for nailcare advice have touted this serum as one of the best on the market. The Rejuvacote 1 Nail Growth System uses a formula powered with hydrolyzed wheat protein, soy protein, and calcium to protect the nails from breakage, brittleness, and chipping. It's especially helpful to use after acrylics and gels.
Customer Review: "I’ve always had weak nails. I got gel and dip polish for the last three years. I felt the process was making them weaker. I got this and crossed my fingers. My nails are growing and look good naturally. I love this product."
Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed wheat protein, hydrolyzed soy protein, and calcium
Pros: Product can be applied as a top coat, base coat, or on its own
Cons: None
Product Details: 0.5-ounce bottle with brush applicator
6. Regenerum Regenerating Nail Serum
Restoring your nails to their healthiest state can be challenging without the right length-boosting products. The reason the Regenerating Nail Serum stands out to experts and beauty editors alike is because it treats the nails to nourishing oils, as well as vitamins A and E, to keep them strong and healthy.
Customer Review: "It is a very good product. I use nail gel and take a weekend off every second week to restore nail damage. This product really works!"
Key Ingredients: Oils, vitamin A, vitamin E
Pros: Serum reduces discolorations and evens out nail color
Cons: Moderate price point
Product Details: 0.3-ounce tube
7. Sally Hansen Advanced Hard as Nails Strengthener
Another helpful serum worth snagging is the Advanced Hard as Nails Strengthener by Sally Hansen. This classic product works overtime to reinforce your nails so they can grow longer and stronger with omega 3, soy, and retinol. A single coat of it will leave your nails with a shiny, crystal-clear finish that combats breakage, chipping, and more.
Customer Review: "One of the things I enjoy most about this product is that it dries very quickly. This makes it very convenient to use since you could apply it when you just want to add a quick shine to your nails. It works great on its own as a nice clear nail polish, but it also works very well underneath a color nail polish. This product also does a great job of strengthening the nails and it’s very affordable."
Key Ingredients: Retinol, omega 3, soy
Pros: Provides a protective crystal-clear shield with a high shine finish
Cons: None
Product Details: 2.0-ounce bottle with brush applicator
8. Ellie Chase Horsetail Strengthener
If you've never heard of horsetail, just know you're missing out on one of the best natural ingredients to promote nail growth. Ellie Chase's multipurpose treatment is infused with horsetail (which is rich in nutrients and high in silica), meaning your nails will grow faster and longer in mere days. It can be used on its own or as prep for perfectly polished manicures.
Customer Review: "I love this product! I start by applying two coats and then one coat every day, or if I’m busy, I’ll do it every other day. I only take it off and start fresh every couple of weeks. They feel harder with it on and I can clean/scrub without gloves and it doesn’t chip. I have damaged nails from gel and this has been amazing for repairing them."
Key Ingredients: Horsetail
Pros: Contains a 3-in-1 treatment that can be used as a base coat, topcoat, and strengthener
Cons: None
Product Details: 0.5-ounce bottle with brush applicator
9. OPI Repair Mode Bond Building Nail Serum
Okay, so the price on this serum is a bit steeper than the others on this list, but for a good reason! OPI's Repair Mode Bond Building Nail Serum uses the brand's cutting edge Ulti-Plex technology to reinforce the nail surface, building new strong keratin bonds from within. It's also gentle enough to be used morning and night for six days.
Customer Review: "Never thought I could find something like this that would actually work! Wow, I've seen a difference in my nails, they would always split or just never grow I'm starting to see results within a week! I've had it longer then that and still using it. Amazing product definitely buy, also has a nice smell."
Key Ingredients: OPI Ulti-Plex Technology
Pros: Penetrates the nail surface to build strong bonds from within
Cons: Moderate price point
Product Details: 0.3-ounce bottle with brush applicator
10. Onsen Nail & Cuticle Conditioner Serum
An effective nail and cuticle conditioner in a gentle, multipurpose treatment? Say less. Infused with a nourishing blend of Japanese tsubaki, vitamin E, aloe vera, jojoba oil, and more, this serum promotes strong, healthy nails (and cuticles) in a single step. It also provides long-lasting, and fast-absorbing hydration.
Customer Review: "This cream seems to be working, my nails have always been weak and brittle but with a simple regimen of nail care and applying this cream morning and night, apply a small amount to each cuticle and rub in well ensure keep cuticles trimmed my nails look great."
Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, vitamin E, aloe vera, shea butter, wakame seaweed, white pagoda extract
Pros: Multipurpose formula is fast-absorbing and long-lasting
Cons: Moderate price point
Product Details: 0.5-ounce tube
11. Londontown Get Well Nail Recovery
The Get Well Nail Recovery is one of those treatments that works so well that you'll wonder why you ever defaulted to acrylics to create your dream nail length. Crafted with nail-loving ingredients, this serum restores damaged, thin nails to their healthiest state in a week. Use by applying a single coat to your natural nails alone, or as a base coat.
Customer Review: "My nails did not handle removal of gel manicure well. As they grew, they kept cracking. Using the Get Well Nail Recovery for a week as directed, then adding a layer of Perfecting Nail Veil has made my nails look like new! Good stuff."
Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, malic acid, biotin, vitamin B5, vitamin C, Londontown's Florium Complex
Pros: Infused with two types of alpha hydroxy acids for effective resurfacing and brightening benefits
Cons: Moderate price point
Product Details: 0.4-ounce bottle
12. Sally Hansen Nailgrowth Miracle Growth Treatment
If you're looking for fast results, you'll want to try Sally Hansen's Nailgrowth Miracle Growth Treatment. In addition to being one of the most affordable buys, its growth-boosting formula contains a concentrated peptide serum that's enriched with biotin for longer nails in as little as two weeks.
Customer Review: "I've used this nail growth treatment for years and I can tell you it definitely works! Even if your nails are slow to grow this product will change that. Be patient. You'll see improvement in one to two weeks. Nails will and be stronger than ever with no peeling, splitting, or cracking. Even the ladies at the nail salon comment on how strong my nails are."
Key Ingredients: Soy protein, keratin, collagen, multi-vitamins
Pros: Uses an exclusive Soy Protein formula that helps strengthen and lengthen
Cons: None
Product Details: 0.5-ounce bottle with brush applicator
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