Before diving into any setup steps, it's worth knowing that 'LA Colors Mega Grow' is actually a nail treatment product, not a plant grow kit. LA Colors is a cosmetics brand, and Mega Grow is their nail growth and strengthening base coat (SKU LA-0419), sold for around $1.55 at beauty retailers. If you picked this up expecting a hydroponic system, mushroom kit, or seed-starting setup, you've got a different product than you might think. That said, if you're specifically using the nail treatment and want to know how to apply it correctly for best results, this guide walks you through exactly that, step by step.
How to Use LA Colors Mega Grow Kit Step by Step
First, confirm which LA Colors Mega Grow product you actually have

The LA Colors Mega Grow line is a nail care product, not a grow kit in the gardening sense. Here's how to confirm what's in your hands before you do anything else.
- Look at the packaging: if it has a brush applicator cap and a small glass or plastic bottle, it's a nail treatment.
- Check the label for 'nail treatment,' 'strengthening,' or 'base coat' language.
- The SKU is LA-0419. If that matches your bottle, you have the nail treatment version.
- The product is sold at beauty supply retailers and discount cosmetics stores, not garden centers or hydroponics shops.
- If you bought something labeled 'Mega Grow' from a garden or grow kit retailer, double-check the brand name carefully. LA Colors is strictly a beauty brand.
If you were searching for a plant-based grow kit and ended up here, you may be thinking of a different brand or product line. Grow kits from brands like Click and Grow or nutrient systems like Maxsea have their own specific setup instructions and are a completely different category. The rest of this guide focuses on using the LA Colors Mega Grow nail treatment correctly, since that's the actual product behind this product name.
What comes in the box (or bottle)
The LA Colors Mega Grow Nail Treatment comes as a single bottle with an integrated brush applicator. There are no secondary components, no mixing packets, and no separate instructions booklet in most retail versions. What you have is a ready-to-use formula. Here's what to check when you first get it:
- One bottle of Mega Grow treatment, typically 0.44 fl oz (13 mL) in size.
- A thin, flat brush applicator built into the cap.
- A sealed bottle with no separation or cloudiness in the formula (if you see clumping, the formula may be old or compromised).
- No mixing required and no additional tools needed beyond a clean, dry nail surface.
How to apply LA Colors Mega Grow correctly

Getting the most out of this nail treatment comes down to prep and consistency. If you’re instead trying to use spray-n-grow, you can apply it in the same general way by following the product label for prep, coating thickness, and timing. Rushing the application or skipping prep steps is the number one reason people don't see results.
- Start with completely clean, dry nails. Remove any old polish using a non-acetone remover if possible, as acetone can dry out the nail bed and reduce how well the treatment absorbs.
- Wash your hands and let your nails dry fully. Any moisture or oil on the nail surface will prevent the product from bonding correctly.
- Open the bottle and wipe off any excess formula from the brush on the inside rim of the bottle. You want a thin, even coat, not a heavy glob.
- Apply one thin layer to each nail, starting at the base and sweeping to the tip. Include the tip of the nail for edge protection.
- Let the first coat dry completely, which takes roughly 60 to 90 seconds under normal room conditions.
- Apply a second thin coat for stronger results. Most users see better nail strength and growth support when they layer two coats.
- Allow the final coat to dry fully before touching anything, at least 2 to 3 minutes.
- Repeat the application every 2 to 3 days, or as directed on your specific bottle, for ongoing nail support.
Application schedule and how long to stick with it
Nail treatments like Mega Grow work on a cumulative basis. You're not going to see dramatic change after one application. Most users need to commit to 3 to 4 weeks of consistent use before noticing meaningful strengthening or visible nail growth improvement. Here's a simple routine that works:
| Frequency | What to do | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Every 2 to 3 days | Apply 1 to 2 coats to clean, dry nails | Product builds up a strengthening layer |
| Weekly | Remove old product with non-acetone remover, then reapply fresh coats | Keeps the formula fresh and prevents buildup that can cause peeling |
| After 3 to 4 weeks | Assess nail condition: thickness, breakage rate, length retention | Most users see reduced breakage and some new length by this point |
| Ongoing | Continue the every-2-to-3-day routine as a maintenance habit | Maintains nail strength over time |
Placement and conditions that affect how well it works
Unlike a grow kit that needs the right light spectrum and temperature, this product's 'environment' is your nail care routine and the conditions your hands are in day to day. A few things genuinely affect how well Mega Grow performs:
- Avoid applying right before washing dishes or swimming. Water exposure within the first hour of application reduces how well the treatment sets.
- Cold, dry environments make nails more brittle regardless of treatment. If you're in a dry climate or it's winter, pair this product with a hand moisturizer (applied to the skin, not over the nail treatment).
- Gloves during heavy housework or cleaning protect the treatment layer and your nails, extending how long each application holds.
- If you're also applying a top coat or colored polish, apply Mega Grow first as the base coat layer, let it dry fully, then add color on top.
Troubleshooting: when it's not working the way you expected
No visible nail growth after weeks of use
Nail growth is largely driven by nutrition, hydration, and genetics. A topical treatment like Mega Grow can support the nail's structural integrity and reduce breakage (which means nails retain length better), but it can't accelerate biological growth on its own. If you're not seeing improvement, check whether nails are breaking before they can get long. If breakage is the issue, the product is likely helping but you need more consistent application. If nails are simply slow to grow, consider adding biotin or a nail-specific supplement and keep up hydration.
Formula has gone thick, stringy, or clumpy

This happens when the bottle has been opened frequently or stored in a warm location. Nail treatments thicken over time as the solvents evaporate slightly. You can thin the formula with a drop or two of nail polish thinner (not remover, which strips the formula). Store the bottle upright in a cool, dark drawer away from bathroom steam and direct sunlight to slow this down.
Product is peeling off in sheets
Peeling almost always means the nail surface had moisture or oil on it when you applied the product, or you applied too thick a coat. Going forward, make sure nails are fully dry and clean before application, and use thinner coats. Letting each coat dry completely before adding the next one also makes a big difference.
Yellowing or discoloration of nails
If you're applying colored polish directly over Mega Grow without a dedicated top coat, pigments from the color can leach into the nail surface over time. Always use a clear top coat over your color if you're wearing polish on top of the treatment. If yellowing was there before you started using the product, it may be a fungal or dietary issue unrelated to Mega Grow.
Ongoing maintenance and keeping the bottle in good shape
Nail treatments are straightforward to maintain, but a few habits keep the product working well for its full shelf life.
- Wipe the brush clean on the rim each time you use it so dried formula doesn't build up in the bristles.
- Tighten the cap securely after every use. Air exposure is the main reason nail formulas degrade quickly.
- Store the bottle upright, not on its side, to prevent formula from settling unevenly.
- Most nail treatments have a shelf life of 12 to 24 months once opened. If the formula smells different from when you first opened it or has separated and won't mix back together with a gentle shake, it's time to replace it.
- At roughly $1.55 per bottle, replacement is low-cost. Don't try to stretch a bad bottle.
What if you actually wanted a plant grow kit?
If you landed here because you were genuinely searching for a grow kit and not a nail product, the good news is there are well-documented consumer options out there with clear setup instructions. Hydroponic systems, Click and Grow pod-based kits, and nutrient-driven approaches like Maxsea Grow each have their own specific workflows for mixing nutrients, managing water levels, and dialing in light conditions. The process of identifying your exact kit model, checking what components you have, and following a step-by-step assembly guide is the right starting point for any of those, similar to what this guide does for the Mega Grow nail product. The key with any grow kit is confirming exactly what version and components you have before doing anything else, since instructions vary significantly between kit types.
FAQ
How do I know if Mega Grow is the nail base coat I should be using, not a different product?
Look for a nail treatment base coat in the bottle format with an attached brush, and confirm it is labeled as a nail growth or strengthening product. If your item includes pumps, nozzles, nutrient packets, or a light and reservoir, it is not Mega Grow (and you should not try to treat it like a nail product).
Can I use Mega Grow under gel or acrylic nails?
You generally can, but avoid putting it under anything that traps uncured solvents against the nail (it can increase lifting). If you use it as an under-layer, let it fully dry per the label timing, and consider patch-testing on one nail for a week before committing to a full set.
Should I remove the Mega Grow layer before reapplying the next day or week?
Usually you reapply without fully stripping it, as long as it still looks like a thin, intact film. If it peels, becomes rough, or you see residue build-up, gently remove only the top layer you applied and start with a clean, dry nail for the next application.
What coat thickness gives the best results, and what should I do if I accidentally apply too much?
Use a thin, even layer, like a base coat, rather than a thick seal. If you applied too heavily and it starts to peel or feels bulky, remove the excess before it fully cures and reapply a thinner coat on clean, fully dry nails.
How long should I wait before washing hands, doing dishes, or applying nail polish over it?
Wait until the product has fully set to a dry, non-tacky finish. Then you can apply your colored polish, and if you are doing wet work, wear gloves when possible to reduce softening or lifting during the first couple of hours after application.
Is Mega Grow safe to use if my nails are damaged or peeling from other products?
If nails are actively peeling or severely split, focus on improving surface condition first, because a treatment can only help prevent further breakage, not glue layers back together. Let the nail recover, keep layers thin, and avoid harsh buffing that can worsen splitting.
What if my nails yellow while using Mega Grow, and I never had this before?
Yellowing can come from nail staining, chemical exposure, or buildup. Try switching to thinner coats and make sure you are not applying colored polish too soon over the treatment. If yellowing persists even when you use it without color, stop and consider other causes such as irritation or fungal concerns.
Can I speed up results by doubling the frequency?
More is not better. The most common mistake is increasing application too often or using thick layers, which can lead to peeling and reduced performance. Stick to the routine on the bottle, and give it the full 3 to 4 weeks of consistent use before changing frequency.
How do I store Mega Grow so it stays effective?
Keep it upright in a cool, dark place, away from bathroom steam and direct light. If it thickens noticeably, thin it using a drop or two of nail polish thinner (not remover), then cap tightly to reduce further solvent loss.
Can Mega Grow be used on toenails, and does it require a different routine?
Yes, but toenails often grow and hydrate more slowly and are exposed to more friction. Expect longer timelines, use thin coats, and consider reducing polish disruption if you frequently wear closed shoes. Be extra consistent because breakage tends to be the limiting factor.
Citations
The item commonly sold as “LA Colors Mega Grow Nail Treatment” is a nail growth/strengthening product (nail polish/base coat), not a consumer plant-growing kit; the product page lists SKU “LA-0419” and price $1.55 (U.S. shipping note).
https://www.shopmissa.com/products/nail-polish-mega-grow
The “LA Colors Mega Grow” listing describes benefits for nails (helps with nail growth and strengthening) and includes a U.S.-only shipping limitation for nail polish, indicating it is not a hydroponics/growkit instruction product.
https://www.shopmissa.com/products/nail-polish-mega-grow

