Rest & Repair Nail Serum

Name: Rest & Repair Nail Serum
Rating: 4.75 (2400 reviews)

(2400)

Give weak, peeling nails the chance to grow back stronger.

A hydrating nail treatment that’s proven to reduce dry, flaking and splitting nails. It harnesses 15 active ingredients to leave your natural nails looking renewed, healthy and stronger than ever.

Works best as a system. Rest & Repair Serum delivers the hydration. Self Love Oil locks it in. For the results in our trials, you need both. The easiest way to get them is the Ultimate Nail Rescue, which bundles the two together.

Why people love it

It is a completely different approach to nail care, and over 2,300 reviewers will tell you it is the one that finally worked.

95% saw a visible improvement within 2 weeks (our own product trial)
Hydrates and strengthens weak or damaged nails
Improves the appearance of nails, leaving them shinier and smoother
Reduces dryness, cracking and peeling
Supports healthier natural growth

Want the best results? Upgrade to the Ultimate Nail Rescue Set and save everything you need for healthy, strong, nourished nails.

Use this as your nightly routine. It takes a few minutes before bed, and the results build with consistency.

Apply Rest & Repair Serum to clean, bare nails.
Follow with Self Love Oil and massage into nails and cuticles.
Repeat every night for 4 to 6 weeks, or until nails look smooth and uniform.

For the best results, pause nail polish, remover and hand sanitiser while you use the system, and wear gloves for washing up and cleaning to limit water and chemical exposure.

What to expect

Healthy nails take time. Your fingernails grow around 3.5mm a month, so a full nail takes 4 to 6 months to grow out from root to tip (toenails take 12 to 18 months). Any improvement you see is a healthier new nail growing in to replace the damaged nail above it.

Week 2 to 4: Less visible peeling and splitting. New growth near the cuticle looks healthier than the older nail above it. Most of our trial users noticed a visible difference in this window.
Week 4 to 6: With daily use, the difference between new and older nail becomes clearer.
Month 2 to 6: Continued improvement as healthy nail grows out and damaged nail is trimmed away.

This is a commitment, not a quick fix. Two weeks will not undo months of damage. If you see no improvement after 4 to 6 weeks of consistent daily use, the cause may be internal rather than surface-level, and we would recommend seeing your GP or podiatrist.

(2400)

(557)

(14)

Orders ship from our Melbourne warehouse within 1–2 business days (excluding sale periods) via Australia Post. New Zealand orders ship from our Auckland warehouse.

AU Standard: $5.00. Estimated 2–8 business days.
AU Express: $10.00. Estimated 1–4 business days.
New Zealand: NZD $6. Estimated 1-2 business days.
USA: USD $8.50, or free on orders USD $85+. Estimated 6–9 business days.
Everywhere else: AUD $16 on all orders. Estimated 6–9 business days.

Returns: You can return eligible full-priced products within 60 days of receiving your order for a refund. Read more here.

Free SHIPPING on orders over $75 dispatched in 24 hours 60 day returns Over 22,000+ 5-star reviews

1 Nourished

95%

of people said their nails were nourished

2 Regenrated

80%

of people said their nails were regenerated

*Based on a 2 week consumer study of 100 participants.

Tricholoma Matsutake Extract

A natural ingredient rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can help promote healthy nail growth, reduce inflammation, and prevent nail damage. It contains polysaccharides, triterpenoids, and amino acids that work together to strengthen the nail bed, increase blood circulation, and promote overall nail health. Additionally, its natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties can help prevent nail infections and soothe any irritation or inflammation around the nail area.

FAQs

In our own product trials, 95% of users noticed a visible improvement within 2 weeks of consistent daily use. How quickly you see results depends on the severity and cause of your nail damage.

That early improvement comes from smoothing the rough keratin cells on the surface of the nail. The system strengthens the nail layers you still have, but it cannot rebuild layers that have already been lost. Full strength only returns once the damaged nail has grown out completely.

Nails grow slowly. At roughly 3.5mm a month, a fingernail takes 4 to 6 months to grow from root to tip, and toenails take 12 to 18 months.

So you should see early results in the first 2 to 4 weeks. For the best outcome, commit to a routine for at least 4 to 6 weeks before judging it, then keep going through the full growth cycle for best results.

This product is designed to improve the appearance of nails that are dry, dehydrated, peeling, splitting or damaged by external causes. That includes damage from gel, SNS or acrylic removal, frequent handwashing, and exposure to cleaning products, hand sanitiser or acetone. If your nail concerns come from dehydration or external exposure, this system is formulated to help. It is not designed to address nail concerns caused by internal health issues (see below).

A useful general indicator: if your fingernails are peeling but your toenails are fine, the cause is more likely external (dehydration, chemical exposure, salon damage), and this product is designed to help. If both your fingernails and toenails are peeling or brittle, it may point to an internal cause. Common internal causes include iron or biotin deficiency, thyroid concerns, medication side effects, kidney concerns, and skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema. In these cases, we recommend seeing your GP or podiatrist.

This product is a topical hydration and nourishment system. It works on the nail you already have, hydrating the nail plate and building a protective barrier to improve the appearance of dry, damaged nails. If your nails are growing in already compromised at the matrix (the root, where new nail cells form), a surface product cannot change that. Internal causes such as nutrient deficiencies, hormonal changes or medication side effects affect the nail at the source. If you have used the product consistently for 4 to 6 weeks with no improvement, we recommend seeing a healthcare professional.

Yes. This product works on both fingernails and toenails. Toenails grow at roughly 1.6mm a month, about half the rate of fingernails, so the full results take longer. Full toenail renewal takes around 12 to 18 months.

For the best results, pause nail polish, remover, hand sanitiser and other drying/solvent-based products. Wear gloves for washing up and cleaning, and avoid picking or peeling at your nails.

Stop using this product and get in touch with us. Occasionally, nails that are already well hydrated do not need extra water. Too much can tip the balance, leaving nails softer and more flexible than usual, which makes them more prone to bending, tearing and peeling. The nail plate needs a balance of water and oil: too little and nails turn dry and brittle, too much and they turn soft and weak. This reaction is uncommon, but catching it early prevents further damage.

HOW TO USE

Your nail care system

Wash and dry hands.

Apply a thin coat of your water-based nail serum and allow it to soak into your nail for 2-3 minutes.

Apply a drop of nail oil to each finger. Don't worry if the nail serum hasn't completely absorbed.

Massage the nail oil into your nails and surrounding skin. This stimulates blood flow, supporting healthy growth.

Continue this nightly routine for 8-12 weeks. Most people noticed a difference in two weeks, but building a routine is essential for long term nail health.

Nail anatomy 101

Your nail plate is roughly 0.5mm thick. It is made up of tightly compacted layers of keratin cells.

Those layers need two things to stay strong: water and oil. Water keeps each cell plump and flexible. Natural oils bind the layers together and stop that water escaping.

When the balance is right, the cells sit tightly together. That tight structure is what gives your nails their strength.

A healthy nail is around 18% water. Below roughly 16%, nails become brittle and prone to cracking, splitting and peeling.

Water is the main culprit

Your nails need water. But wet nails are not hydrated nails.

When you wash your hands, bathe or shower, your nails soak up excess water and swell. As that water evaporates, they shrink back and lose some of their own moisture with it.

Repeat that cycle a few times a day and the bonds between the keratin layers start to loosen. This is where peeling and splitting begin.

Everyday products speed this up. Acetone, traditional and gel polish removers, and alcohol-based hand sanitisers all strip nails of their water and natural oils.

The cost of salon damage

Gel, SNS and acrylic manicures bond directly to the nail plate. That bond is strong by design.

When it comes off, whether by soaking, filing or peeling, layers of your natural nail come with it. Each removal takes a little more of that 0.5mm.

After several rounds, the remaining nail plate is thinner, weaker and more prone to splitting and peeling. The acetone used for removal adds to this by stripping the natural oils that hold the layers together.

Why most products don’t work

Most nail care takes a one-step approach. That means it can only address one half of the damage cycle.

Standard nail oils sit on the surface. They feel nourishing, but most oil molecules are too large to pass through the tightly packed keratin. They can’t replace the water your nails have lost.

Water-based products have the opposite gap. They hydrate the nail, but without a protective layer on top, that hydration and nourishment quickly evaporates again.

How our approach is different

Every one of our nail care systems uses two steps, because your nails need both water and oil.

Step 1: A water-based nail serum absorbs into the nail plate to restore hydration. It delivers vitamins and minerals that support strong, flexible nails.

Step 2: The nail oil blends small and large oil molecules, and each has a job. Smaller molecules, like jojoba, absorb into the nail plate and replenish its natural oils. Larger molecules stay on the surface and form a thin protective barrier.

That barrier locks in the serum’s hydration. It also slows excess water getting in and shields nails from drying products like polish remover and hand sanitiser.

Together, the two steps condition the nail you have now and support stronger, healthier new growth.

THE DIFFERENCE

Our proven nail care systems are designed to improve the health of nails, not cover them up.

	KESTER BLACK	OTHER BRANDS
Two-step approach
Active ingredients
Non-drying
Penetrates the nail

DISCOVER YOUR ROUTINE

Not sure where to start?

Find the right Kester Black routine for your nails.

5 stars: 2058 (86%)
4 stars: 201 (8%)
3 stars: 67 (3%)
2 stars: 35 (1%)
1 star: 39 (2%)

Some of the reviews shown are from related products the merchant grouped with this one.

5 Star , this product is a miracle.
My nails were in a bad shape after having acrylic glues into my nails . They look pretty but I suffered after taking them off. This product had rescue my nails and now looking so much better again . Highly recommended to All. No regrets.

My nails are severely damaged from years of biting, neglect, and then all types of nail extensions and decorations. Since using this serum and the cuticle oil, they are visibly healthier and stronger. I’m very happy with this product.

My nails were brittle, dry and always breaking. In the short time I have been using Kester Black I have noticed a huge improvement, my cuticles and nails are looking much healthier. I am very HAPPY.

It really works

This repair mask for nails really, really works!

I bit my nails my whole life, then used gel nails and eventually Builder in a Bottle nails. Then I was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis which came with terrible nails - pitting, dents, grooves and crumbling ☹️

Using this every night has given me strong, long healthy nails. Unbelievable 🩷

Restored my faith!!!!

I cannot believe the difference in my nails, I had acrylics for 21 years, recently had them
Removed and purchased your product. They were weak and would split or break. It’s been over a month and my nails look like they never have before, thank you x

Yes, it’s true.

My nails have always been terrible. Split, peeling and full of ridges.

I can definitely see an improvement after using the rescue pack. I’m actually having to trim my nails instead of them just tearing or snapping off. Time will tell if it reduces the ridges. Too many nail bed injuries over my rough and tumble life, so I’m not expecting miracles.

Soooo Good!

I've been using this product for 6 weeks now after my nails were destroyed by nail tech filing my nails to nothing. They are still recovering from it but can already tell they are stronger. My thumb has always split half way down the nail bed. Since I've been using Kester Black this hasn't happened. Can't wait till the damage is completely grown out and I can have strong nails 💗

Absolutely Amazing!

I went through a phase of getting a gel manicure every three weeks. Then I got one and was really sick of the colour after about a week, so I picked it off! Bad move! I had seriously damaged my natural nails. They looked so bad that I stopped wearing jewellery in case it drew attention to them! I tried a number of store-bought products, but things did not improve. Then my two little bottles of magic arrived. Within days, I could see my nails showing signs of recovery, with the ridges beginning to smooth out and the overall look of my nails improving. The bonus was that the Miracle Oil seriously helped my dry cuticles and the skin around my nails. After 4 weeks, I am happy to show my nails in public again, and it feels so good!! Thank you, Kester Black!

Ultimate Nail Rescue - 5 stars *

Love these products. I’ve never had nice nails but the combo in the Nail Rescue kit has given my nails strength and a length I’ve never had. Would definitely recommend

Rest & Repair is THE BEST

I had very damaged nails after having shellac and not removing properly. I’m 3 weeks in to using rest and repair and my nails have never been so healthy and strong, I’m not seeing much of a result from the oil unfortunately. However, I can’t recommend rest and repair enough! I thought Kester was just a hype but it’s truly amazing.

Healthier looking nails

I’ve been using this combo every night for the past month on my fingernails. Though the ridges are not completely gone, they have reduced and the nails generally look brighter and feel more moisturised. The cuticles have been better too. They still break after growing to a certain length though.

Nails seem to be worse after two weeks

Started off with dry ridged cracking and splitting. Now the cracks are more visible. I added this combo to my normal routine. I Will keep trying for another two weeks but so far this combo is no better than just using my normal hand cream by itself. It's also more time-consuming to apply another two products in addition to my usual hand cream.

Hi melinda,

Thank you for taking the time for a review, I am sorry to hear that this isn't helping!

Can I please ask how this is going now?
Also how are you applying this, and are you using your hand cream after this?

We'd love to know more information about this so we can help you get the results you'd like

Great rescue remedy

I purchased the nail rescue duo after removing my builder gel as my nails were so thin, brittle, dry and constantly splitting. I have been really pleased with the results so far. My nails look so much healthier and now have a smooth appearance minus the ridges and splits. They are now starting to get some length and are much stronger. Ive been using the products for approx 6 weeks now.

It works

I have been using this consistently for 3 months, and I'm half way through the bottle now. My nails wouldn't grow past my fingertips without breaking or peeling off before, and now they're strong, hard and growing!

They really work

I was super hesitant that I didn’t need a top coat hardener after taking off my sns which I’ve had continuously for 4 years. This system works really well and I would buy them again and recommend. The wonder mask really hydrate’s and the oil is lovey. Great customer service too, thanks for answering all my emails!

Saved my nails

My nails were so bad, splitting and weak. Purchased Kester Black dual kit and my nails are finally looking normal and starting to grow well again. Still have some way to go but this has been the only thing in months of taking vitamins and other nail products that have actually worked.

Damaged nails

Love it. My nails so damaged from gel and this has really helped so far with the damage.

Already Recommended

I finally let go of my 25+ year nail biting habit. But when trying to grow my nails, they were soft and peeling. After just a few weeks of using this, I'm shocked at how long my nails are. Never have I ever had nails this long. Already recommended to friends.

Great product

The repair mask and cuticle oil really work well. I have been using it every night and I can see a difference in the way my nails look

Nail repair

Have been using this for a couple of weeks now and nails are definitely not as dry/flaky. Still got those nasty ridges though so hoping for an improved there too!
Highly recommend!!

Awesome Couple

These 2 products together make an awesome team. My nails have never looked better.

NAIL RESCUE

Our ultimate pairing

Rescue damaged nails. Restore natural strength.

STEP 1