Nail Growth System

You may notice early changes within 2 to 4 weeks. The serum hydrates and strengthens the existing nail plate, while the oil conditions the nail and cuticle and helps reduce water loss. This can make nails feel firmer, better conditioned and less bendy before a full nail has grown out.

The longer-term difference builds as healthier-looking nail grows in from the base. Fingernails grow around 3mm a month, so a full nail takes 4 to 6 months to grow from root to tip. Give the system 4 to 6 weeks of consistent daily use before assessing your results, then continue as the remaining weaker nail grows out.

It's made for nails that are soft, weak, bendy or prone to breaking and splitting, and for anyone who just wants to grow their nails longer and stronger. If that sounds like yours, it's a good fit.

If your main concern is peeling, flaking or damage from gels and acetone, the Ultimate Nail Rescue will be a better fit. For yellow, cloudy or discoloured nails, choose the Nail Reset System. Matching the system to your primary nail concern will give you the best chance of seeing an improvement.

Both contain Hexanal, but they suit different routines.

The Nail Growth System is a serum and oil applied daily to bare nails. The serum absorbs into the nail plate, while the oil conditions the nail and helps lock in hydration. It is the more focused option if strengthening is your priority and you are happy to leave your nails bare for 4 to 6 weeks.

Growth Nail Polish supports weak nails while giving them a polished finish. Apply one thin coat, wear it for up to four days, then remove it with the Remover Serum. Choose the System for a dedicated bare-nail routine, or the polish when you would rather wear something on your nails.

Some traditional hardeners use formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing ingredients to make the nail feel very rigid. When overused, that rigidity can contribute to brittleness and snapping.

The Nail Growth Serum uses Hexanal, a plant-derived hardener, with no formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing ingredients. It's designed to add strength while keeping some natural flex, and the oil that follows keeps the nail conditioned so it doesn't dry out. If a previous hardener left your nails worse, the formaldehyde route is usually why, and it's the part we've deliberately left out.

Yes, they do two different jobs within the routine. The serum is water-based, so it absorbs into the nail plate and delivers the Hexanal that strengthens it. The oil goes on after, conditioning the nail and cuticle and forming a protective layer that holds moisture in and resists washing away through the day. The serum does the strengthening, the oil protects the work while it happens, and you'll get the most from the routine by using them together.

Yes. It works the same way on toenails, and plenty of people use it on both. Toenails grow more slowly than fingernails, so a full toenail can take around 12 months to grow out. Be patient with them and keep the routine consistent.

For the treatment itself, no. The serum and oil need clean, bare nails so the serum can absorb, so it's best to pause polish, gel and remover while you're doing the routine. If you'd rather have something on your nails, the Growth Nail Polish & Remover is built for exactly that: it carries the same strengthening active and is made to be worn, then taken off with a nourishing remover instead of acetone. Some people alternate, a bare-nail routine on some nights and polish on for special events, but they can’t be layered at the same time.

Anything that dries out or weakens the nail works against the routine. While you're using the system, try to limit nail polish, remover and hand sanitiser, and cut back on long soaks and harsh cleaning products. Wear gloves for washing up and cleaning where you can. You don't need to baby your hands, but water and chemicals are a big part of what leaves nails soft and bendy, so easing off them gives the serum and oil the best chance to work.

Weak nails can be influenced by repeated water or chemical exposure, nail habits and salon removal. They can also be linked to general health, medication or nutritional deficiencies. A topical nail care system cannot address an internal cause.

If you see no improvement after 4 to 6 weeks of consistent daily use, speak with your GP, dermatologist or podiatrist. You should also seek advice if a nail becomes painful, starts lifting, thickens or changes colour unexpectedly.

The Nail Growth System is designed for soft, weak, bendy and breakage-prone nails. It is less suited to concerns that need a different kind of support.

Choose the Ultimate Nail Rescue if your main concern is peeling, flaking or damage following gels, acrylics or acetone. Choose the Nail Reset System for cosmetic staining or yellow, cloudy-looking nails that could indicate a fungal infection. Persistent or unexplained discolouration should be assessed by a GP, dermatologist or podiatrist.

If weakness is linked to a health concern or medication, the system can condition the nail but cannot change the underlying cause.

Stop using it and email us. It's not common, but it can happen, sometimes when nails are already well cared for and don't need the extra treatment. It's the kind of thing we'd rather catch early, so please don't push through it. Get in touch and we'll help you work out what's going on.

Yes. Every Kester Black product is vegan and cruelty-free.