
Cosmetic Nail Restoration
Cosmetic Nail Restoration gives you the appearance of a normal nail whilst successfully undertaking active fungal nail treatment.
It is a painless, cosmetic nail treatment that restores the appearance of natural nails. Using Cosmetic Nail Restoration, Foot Foundation clinicians can remodel an individual’s damaged nails affected by fungus, defects or trauma, all without needing to step foot outside the clinic.
The composite resin creates a flexible, yet durable, non-porous nail, allowing the remaining natural nail to grow.
Why Cosmetic Nail Restoration?
Cosmetic Nail Restoration is suitable for mild to moderate impairment caused by:
Nail fungus
Nail shape changes due to injury
Spoon-shaped nails
Brittle and splitting nails
Horizontal ridges
Discoloured nails
It is a cosmetic procedure and not intended to cure a disease.


What are the benefits of Cosmetic Nail Restoration?
Offers another option for patients with damaged toenails
Delivers immediate and significant cosmetic enhancement after one visit
Looks and feels completely natural
Provides attractive nails during most antifungal treatment regimens
Unlike rigid acrylic nails, restored nails can bend with the natural movement of toes and feet
Doesn’t irritate or cause further damage to the underlying nail or skin
Allows for the remaining nail to grow out naturally
Non-porous, doesn’t allow moisture to penetrate between the natural and prosthetic nail
Sanitary application
Unaffected by acetone, nail polishes or detergents
What is involved in the Cosmetic Nail Restoration process?
Once you and your Foot Foundation clinician have determined Cosmetic Nail Restoration is right for you, the damaged nail is trimmed and filed down as much as possible with a nail clipper and/or electronic file. Once the nail is prepared, your clinician will apply a bonding agent, followed by resin, which is hardened under ultraviolet light.
Once hard, the nail is moulded, shaped and filed smooth. A sealant is applied which is cured with the UV light one final time.
In most cases, the entire procedure can be completed in 30 minutes or less. This is dependent on the condition of your nail and number of nail restorations required.

Cosmetic Nail Restoration – FAQs
Cosmetic Nail Restoration is a medical-grade system designed to improve the appearance of damaged or unsightly toenails. It creates a durable, flexible, and natural-looking nail that bonds to the existing nail, restoring a healthy cosmetic appearance.
A special resin is applied to the prepared toenail, shaped to match the natural nail, and then cured with ultraviolet light. The result is a realistic, flexible nail that allows the underlying natural nail to grow out normally.
- Fungal-damaged nails
- Thickened or brittle nails
- Discoloured nails
- Trauma-damaged nails
- Nails with mild deformities
It is especially helpful for patients seeking a cosmetic improvement while undergoing treatment for fungal infections.
No. The application is painless and non-invasive. The procedure is carried out by a podiatrist in the clinic and typically takes less than 30 minutes per nail.
A restored nail typically lasts 6–8 weeks, depending on nail growth rate and lifestyle factors. It can be re-applied as the natural nail grows out to maintain appearance.
Yes. Cosmetic Nail Restoration is a medical-grade, podiatrist-applied system. Unlike salon acrylic nails, it is flexible, non-damaging to the underlying nail, and permeable to allow topical antifungal treatments to work underneath.
Yes. Restored nails can be polished, filed, and treated just like a natural toenail. Normal nail polish can be applied and removed without damaging the restored nail.
Yes. Cosmetic Nail Restoration is often used alongside treatments such as Lunula Cold Laser, Clearanail, or Photodisinfection Therapy. While those therapies target the infection, Cosmetic Nail Restoration improves the nail’s appearance during the healing process.
Costs vary depending on the number of nails treated. At Foot Foundation, we provide clear pricing before treatment begins. Please contact our reception team for current fees.
Cosmetic Nail Restoration is available at selected Foot Foundation clinics. Please contact our reception team to confirm availability and book an appointment.
Book Your Cosmetic Nail Restoration Appointment Today
Foot Foundation provides specialist Cosmetic Nail Restoration — a medical-grade, podiatrist-applied system that uses UV-cured resin to create a durable, flexible, natural-looking nail while your real nail grows out. It’s painless, non-invasive, polish-friendly, and permeable to topical antifungals, and can be combined with fungal nail treatments for the best cosmetic result.
Available at selected Foot Foundation clinics.
Please contact our team for availability in Botany, Remuera, Smales Farm, Rosedale, Hamilton, and Tauranga.