Bitten Nails Over Lockdown? Here’s 10 Nail Growth Polishes to Get You Back on Track (2024)

Bitten Nails Over Lockdown? Here’s 10 Nail Growth Polishes to Get You Back on Track (1)

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

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.

1

Best nail growth polish

Duri Rejuvacote Heal and Cures Split Cracked Nails

Bitten Nails Over Lockdown? Here’s 10 Nail Growth Polishes to Get You Back on Track (2)

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.

2

Best for anti-peeling

Nail HQ All-In-One

Bitten Nails Over Lockdown? Here’s 10 Nail Growth Polishes to Get You Back on Track (3)

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.

3

Best cream nail treatment

Leighton Denny Renovate Intensive Nail Cream

Bitten Nails Over Lockdown? Here’s 10 Nail Growth Polishes to Get You Back on Track (4)

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.

4

Best nail oil

Mavala Switzerland Mavaderma

Bitten Nails Over Lockdown? Here’s 10 Nail Growth Polishes to Get You Back on Track (5)

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.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

5

Best for fast nail growth

Sally Hansen Nail Treatment Growth Miracle

Bitten Nails Over Lockdown? Here’s 10 Nail Growth Polishes to Get You Back on Track (6)

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.

6

Best budget buy

Rimmel London Nail Nurse Base & Top Coat 5 in 1

Bitten Nails Over Lockdown? Here’s 10 Nail Growth Polishes to Get You Back on Track (7)

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.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

7

Best for post-acrylic nails

China Glaze Nail Strengthener & Growth Formula

Bitten Nails Over Lockdown? Here’s 10 Nail Growth Polishes to Get You Back on Track (8)

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.

8

Best for dry nails

Nails Inc Overnight Detox Mask Strengthening Nail Treatment

Bitten Nails Over Lockdown? Here’s 10 Nail Growth Polishes to Get You Back on Track (9)

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.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

9

Best nail tint

Cutex Brittle Nail Fix

Bitten Nails Over Lockdown? Here’s 10 Nail Growth Polishes to Get You Back on Track (10)

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.

10

Best for easy application

Orly Nailtrition

Bitten Nails Over Lockdown? Here’s 10 Nail Growth Polishes to Get You Back on Track (11)

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.

Bitten Nails Over Lockdown? Here’s 10 Nail Growth Polishes to Get You Back on Track (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Jonah Leffler

Last Updated:

Views: 5875

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (45 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Jonah Leffler

Birthday: 1997-10-27

Address: 8987 Kieth Ports, Luettgenland, CT 54657-9808

Phone: +2611128251586

Job: Mining Supervisor

Hobby: Worldbuilding, Electronics, Amateur radio, Skiing, Cycling, Jogging, Taxidermy

Introduction: My name is Jonah Leffler, I am a determined, faithful, outstanding, inexpensive, cheerful, determined, smiling person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.