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If there’s one thing I’m passionate about when it comes to my beauty routine, it’s the health of my nails. As someone who used to have back-to-back gel manicures, I constantly found myself Googling how to strengthen my nails. Not only that, but I was always looking into nail strengtheners, cuticle oils and more to try and bring them back to life. However, after testing some of the very best products on the market, and speaking to experts about what really works when it comes to caring for your nails, there’s one product that I trust more than anything else, and that’s a nail serum.
What Is a Nail Serum?
So, what is this product? “Think of a nail serum like a treatment in your skincare routine, but formulated specifically for the nail plate and cuticles,” explains expert manicurist Faye Louise Dennis. “Rather than just sitting on the surface, a good serum is designed to penetrate [the nail] and work from within.”
What Are the Benefits of a Nail Serum?
“Regular use of a nail serum can help reduce dryness, peeling and breakage while supporting healthier-looking nails over time,” Rebecca Crawforth, founder of the top nail brand Navy, explains. If you’re wondering whether this product could help weak, damaged nails, the answer is absolutely.
However, it’s important to note that it’s not necessarily a quick fix. “While a serum will not instantly repair damage, regular use can help support flexibility and reduce further breakage as the nail grows out,” Crawforth adds.
How Often to Apply a Nail Serum
With that in mind, you’re probably wondering how often to apply a nail serum for the best results. Dennis recommends twice a day, if possible. “It sounds like a lot, but once it becomes a habit, it takes seconds, and the difference is noticeable,” she adds. “The number one thing you can do between appointments is stay consistent with your nail care. It’s what keeps nails looking salon-fresh for longer.”
Sound good? I thought so. Below, you can find my tried-and-tested edit of the very best nail serums, alongside some expert recommendations. You are welcome…
The Best Nail Serums, Tried & Tested
1. OPI Repair Mode Bond Building Nail Treatment Serum
OPI
Repair Mode Bond Building Nail Treatment Serum
How to use: Apply to bare nails twice a day for six days, before using as a base underneath your favourite polish
Pros
- Really strengthens the nails
- Works quickly
Cons
- More expensive
- Have to keep nails bare to apply it for the first week
(Image credit: Who What Wear UK)
Team Who What Wear UK regards OPI Repair Mode as one of the best nail serums ever. In fact, beauty editor Eleanor Vousden said her nails stopped breaking when she started using this. “I’m totally sold on this nail growth serum,” she says. “At £30, it’s one of the most expensive nail serums I’ve tested, but trust me, this really works.” How, I hear you ask? Well, it uses the brand’s Patented Ulti-Plex Technology, which essentially penetrates the nail’s surface and builds new bonds, resulting in stronger, smoother nails. The only downside? You do have to apply it to bare nails twice a day for the first six days, but after that, you can use it underneath your go-to polish.
2. Margaret Dabbs Nourish Nail and Cuticle Serum Pen
Margaret Dabbs London
Nourishing Nail & Cuticle Serum Pen
How to use: Apply a thin layer twice a day
Pros
- More affordable than other options in this roundup
- Easy to apply on the go
Cons
- Strong scent
- Thicker consistency than other serums in this roundup
Margaret Dabbs London certainly knows what it’s doing when it comes to nail care, and this serum is no exception. Available in a handy, almost pen-like format, this hydrating formula features tea tree oil (which does give it a rather strong scent) to hydrate dry nails and help prevent infection. Whilst the actual serum is a little thicker than others I’ve tried, it sinks in instantly and adds beautiful shine to the nail, whilst nourishing over time.
3. Bio Sculpture Ethos Golden Nail Serum
Bio Sculpture
Ethos Golden Nail Serum
How to use: Apply to cuticles using the pipette
Pros
- Comes expert-approved
- Supports the health of the nail
Cons
- Contains shimmer, which not everyone will love
Dennis is a big fan of this Bio Sculpture nail serum. “It makes my nails look radiant while genuinely improving their health from within,” she tells me. “Urea penetrates deep into the nail structure to tackle dryness at the source rather than just sealing in moisture; green tea offers antioxidant protection and biotin supports keratin production for stronger, healthier nails. It absorbs without any stickiness too, which makes it a genuine non-negotiable step for me.”
4. Dior Huile Abricot
How to use: Apply a drop of the serum and massage it in
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Very nourishing
- Can be used on nails and cuticles
Cons
- Quite expensive for a small amount of product (but a little goes a long way)
Not only do Dior nail products look chic, but they actually work. This hydrating serum is one of my favourites from the brand, as it’s great to throw in my handbag for on-the-go application. Plus, the applicator itself is a little brush, making it so easy to apply straight to the nail or cuticle. Infused with apricot kernel oil, the formula nourishes and strengthens the nail and softens the cuticles. Sometimes I apply it to bare nails, and sometimes I use it after a manicure to keep my cuticles looking neat and fresh.
5. Navy Hand & Cuticle Serum
Navy
Hand & Cuticle Serum
How to use: Massage into clean hands and cuticles daily
Pros
- Super hydrating formula
- Smells amazing
Cons
- Application can be a little messy
If you’re looking for a nail serum that also hydrates the hands, then look no further. Navy’s multipurpose serum combines raspberry seed oil, jojoba oil and argan oil to condition the skin and cuticles and protect against dryness. Whilst I’ve not been testing it long enough to confirm whether it helps nails to grow, I have noticed an immediate difference in hydration. Oh, and it smells amazing.
6. Manucurist Complete Serum
Manucurist
Complete Serum
How to use: Apply a drop at the base of each nail and massage in
You probably know by now that Manucurist is one of our favourite nail brands. If you are struggling with weak nails this summer, you’re going to want to know about its Complete Serum. An intensive formula with chestnut extract, panthenol, and plant-based glycerine that penetrates the keratin layers within the nail to repair from within. Yes, you have to use it consistently, but in my experience, the results are always worth it.
Pros
- Repairing formula
- Chic packaging
Cons
- Application can be a little messy at times
7. Mylee Barrier Boost Nail Serum
Mylee
Barrier Boost Nail Serum
How to use: Apply one drop to each bare nail before bed and allow it to work overnight
Pros
- Easy to apply
- Lightweight, non-sticky formula
- Nourishes dry nails and cuticles
- Helps nails feel stronger
Cons
- Not the best scent
- Need to use consistently to see results
I’ve written a whole feature on the Mylee Barrier Boost Nail Serum as I’m such a fan. Not only is it easy to apply, but the serum is packed with a marine bioactive extract and probiotic ferment to nourish the nail, making it more flexible and helping it grow longer. One drop is all you need, and I like to apply it to each nail at night and let it work whilst I sleep. If you use this consistently, you will really notice a difference.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including some skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
