If, like us, you've spent the past year indulging your nail biting habit every time you scroll the news, your talons are probably in need of a bit of TLC. The good news is that it’s never been easier to take matters into your own hands, as there are plenty of at-home nail treatments available to buy, with nail growth polish starting from as little as £4.50.
We put a variety of formulas to the test, each targeting a specific area of concern. Whether you’re looking for a quick-drying solution for sensitive cuticles or are keen to coax gel-damaged nails back to peak health, these nail growth polishes will help you get stronger, longer and healthier nails, pronto.
10 Best Nail Growth Polishes
- Best nail growth polish: Duri Rejuvacote Heal and Cures Split Cracked Nails
- Best for anti-peeling: Nail HQ All-In-One
- Best cream nail treatment: Leighton Denny Renovate Intensive Nail Cream
- Best nail oil: Mavala Switzerland Mavaderma
- Best for fast nail growth: Sally Hansen Nail Treatment Growth Miracle
- Best budget buy: Rimmel London Nail Nurse Base & Top Coat 5 in 1
- Best for post-acrylic nails: China Glaze Nail Strengthener & Growth Formula
- Best for dry nails: Nails Inc Overnight Detox Mask Strengthening Nail Treatment
- Best nail tint: Cutex Brittle Nail Fix
- Best for easy application: Orly Nailtrition
What will make your nails grow faster?
Nail treatments will help – but what you eat also plays a key role. A varied diet rich in whole foods, alongside getting your recommended six to eight glasses of water a day, will help your body get all the nutrients it needs to encourage growth. You could try adding a nutritionally approved multivitamin, too
How regularly should you use a nail growth polish?
Use these polishes in the same way as a regular nail polish. Apply alone for a more natural look (or if your nails are in serious recovery mode!), or use as a base coat before you put your colour on top. They'll also help to extend the wear of any colour polish. Some nail growth treatments can be rubbed into the cuticles when needed too, giving them an extra hit of hydration.
How we test
We asked 270 women to try a range of nail growth treatments, assessing each one on ease of use and whether there was a visible difference in nail length at the end of the trial.
Our panel also took into consideration whether they prevented peeling, and if their nails looked healthier and felt more hydrated after use.
It can be tempting to pick at acrylic or gel nail varnish rather than have it removed professionally, but your nails won’t thank you for it! This polish will help those who regularly use the DIY removal method though, as the formula is designed to transform split and cracked nails into healthy ones.
We saw improvements in nail strength and growth, and will be recommending this one to all our friends.
Key specs
Type: Polish
Volume: 14ml
Apply: As a base coat and/or top coat.
Finding your nails don’t grow past a stub? This nourishing formula is the solution. We found it helped prevent peeling and breakages, to leave nails looking healthier and smoother. It was so effective that we’ll be using this polish on the reg.
Key specs
Type: Polish
Volume: 10ml
Apply: As a base coat.
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If a cream is your formula of choice, this was a hit with us for how well it nourished cuticles. Plus, it absorbs quickly, which means no greasy fingers if you’re about to start a HITT session. Boosting hydration, it left us with stronger nails.
Key specs
Type: Cream
Volume: 10ml
Apply: Brush a thin layer onto clean, dry nails.
Reach for this luxe oil when nails are screaming out for some TLC. The well-sized brush makes application a doddle, leaving tips feeling hydrated. It’s oil-based, which while deeply nourishing means it takes a tad longer to dry, but once it does, it’s the perfect restoring treatment for dry cuticles.
Key specs
Type: Oil
Volume: 10ml
Apply: A thin layer to clean, dry nails.
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This polish aims to promote nail growth by avoiding splits and tears. We found it did just that, and sped up the growing process. It dried quickly too, avoiding smudging, and left nails looking as smooth as marble. There was some slight chipping over time but no peeling, which makes it a winner in our books.
Key specs
Type: Polish
Volume: 13.3ml
Apply: Brush onto nails and cuticles.
You might splurge on a manicure from time to time, but keep nails intact in-between visits with this budget-friendly polish. It wasn’t the most powerful when it came to growth but it did help avoid breakages. At under £5, we can’t complain.
Key specs
Type: Polish
Volume: 12ml
Apply: As a base coat and/or top coat.
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It’s hard to give up flawless acrylic nails but it’s important to have a break every now and then to allow your nails to recover. And this is the ideal treatment to use in between. We saw much stronger nails after use - although it didn’t have such a drastic difference when it came to growth - nails were left feeling more hydrated.
Key specs
Type: Polish
Volume: 14ml
Apply: A thin layer to clean, dry nails.
Think of this treatment as a refreshing nap for your nails, as it claims to repair damage in just 30 minutes. We found it did the trick when it came to hydration, and smoothed uneven texture and rough patches. The final result? Silky-smooth nails.
Key specs
Type: Polish
Volume: 14ml
Apply: A thin layer to clean, dry nails.
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Sometimes there’s just not enough time to faff about with nail pens and polishes to get that classic french manicure look, but this provides a healthy tint in just one stroke. It leaves nails feeling protected and reduces breakages.
Key specs
Type: Polish
Volume: 13.6ml
Apply: As a base coat.
Complete with an ergonomic silicone cap and wide brush for greater precision, you’ll feel like a pro applying this treatment. Nails are fully covered in one simple stroke and the formula has a hint of colour too, saving you from following up with additional layers of polish.We had healthier, stronger nails after repeated use, with noticeable growth and little to no chipping.
Key specs
Type: Polish
Volume: 18ml
Apply: A thin layer to clean, dry nails.