OPI Repair Mode Review

OPI Repair Mode box

Updated 2024.07.15. This post contains affiliate links and Lots of Lacquer will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on these links.

OPI Repair Mode is a new innovation to the world of nail technology, which is what makes it so exciting.

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.

Based on my research, though, OPI Repair Mode appears to be the first cross-over using this active ingredient for nails. There is no similar product that performs a related function with a comparable formula type using this active ingredient for nail repair. It’s unique. OPI Repair Mode is a watery, alcohol-based serum specifically designed for the nail matrix. It’s a light serum that soaks into and penetrates the nail immediately. After application, the nail is dry to the touch.

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 lingering for about three months, 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:

OPI Repair Mode box

OPI Repair Mode bottle

OPI Repair Mode serum

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:

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 clotted blood from the bruised nail completely lifted away from between the damaged nail and the nail bed, leaving clear, healthy skin and a normal, nail toned surface below. No more nasty black marks.

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 for nearly three months.

Thankfully, I can report that OPI Repair Mode did speed up the recovery of my bruised nail - eureka! It works.

Overall, I’m impressed. Bravo, OPI! 

After the initial six day treatment period, I plan to use this product as a maintenance item, applying it under my color, as suggested in the second treatment option above.

Where to get OPI Repair Mode:

I picked this bottle up at Sally Beauty while stocking up on other nail blog maintenance supplies like acetone and files.  You can also find OPI Repair Mode at Ulta and Amazon.

Other Articles You May Enjoy:

• Nail-Aid Keratin 3 Day Growth Review

• How To Stop Nails From Peeling And Chipping

• How To Fix A Broken Nail

• 3 Ways To Repair A Broken Natural Nail At Home

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 a Sally Beauty and Ulta Affiliate, this site earn from qualifying purchases. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.