OPI Repair Mode Review
Updated 2024.12.03. This post contains affiliate links and Lots of Lacquer will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on these links.
The main active ingredient in Repair Mode is Maleic acid, which has previously been used in hair treatments to increase the diameter of the hair and repair bonds caused by chemical, thermal or mechanical damage.
Hair and nails are both made of keratin, so it makes sense that an active ingredient that works for hair will also work for nails.
It does not leave any noticeable residue, shiny overcoat or glossy seal, so you can wear it under a base coat.
The instructions to use OPI Repair Mode are:
Option 1: Apply one coat to clean, bare nails, twice per day for six days for maximum results.
Option 2: To use it on polished nails, apply two coats to bare nails before your base and color coat, then apply one coat daily over the color.
For both directions, give it 10 minutes to fully soak in before washing your hands or applying a base coat.
I tested this product by applying it to my nails using the first option, the twice daily treatment for six days. One of my nails had a nasty bruise that had been getting worse, so I was hoping the serum would repair that nail in particular.
Before we get to my results, let’s look at a few photos of the gorgeous packaging:
How pretty is that bottle! I love that the bottle is darkened on the outside to protect the active ingredients inside from any potential UV degradation.
Now, let’s discuss how my bruised nail is doing.
My results with OPI Repair Mode:
I specifically got this product to try on a nail that I had accidentally bruised. By the time I tried this product, blood was pooling under the nail, lifting the nail from the nail bed to the point where there was a visible gap separating the nail and the nail bed. I was concerned about two worst case scenarios: I would lose the nail completely or it would heal with a deformity.
By the morning of the third day, I began to see visible results. I noticed the bruised nail plate looked a little less angry; it was noticeably less red, swollen and inflamed.
By the morning of the fifth day, all the pooled blood from the bruised nail began to clot and lift away from between the damaged nail and the nail bed, leaving clearer, healthier skin under the nail and a normal, nail toned surface below.
In less than one week, this product effectively calmed down the irritation and completely lifted the clotted blood from a nail bruise that had been lingering. No more nasty black marks.
After the initial six day treatment period, I continued to use this product as a maintenance item, applying it under my color, as suggested in the second treatment option above.
Thankfully, I can report that OPI Repair Mode contributed to the swift recovery of my bruised nail - eureka! It works. Overall, I’m impressed. Bravo, OPI!
1 Year Update: I can successfully say I did not lose the nail! In spite of my worst fears, my nail healed in a best case scenario way - normally and with no deformities while using this product as a “treatment” under my manicures. I continue to use this product whenever my nails begin to show any signs of damage.
Where to get OPI Repair Mode:
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I am not a medical professional and the statements in this article have not been evaluated by a medical professional; all statements in this article reflect my real, honest user experience. As an Ulta Affiliate, this site earn from qualifying purchases. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.