Caleb Foster
Growing out your nails can be a challenging task, especially if you're prone to nail biting or have weak nails that tend to break and chip easily. However, with proper care and patience, it is possible to achieve longer and stronger nails. This involves a combination of nail care practices, lifestyle changes, and even dietary adjustments to promote nail growth and enhance the health of your nails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use of cuticle oil | Jojoba-based oil is recommended, but any oil will help to strengthen nails |
| Nail filing | Use a gentle nail file sparingly and avoid cutting the cuticles |
| Avoid water | Wear gloves when washing dishes or showering to avoid excessive exposure to water, which can dry out nails |
| Diet | Eat a nutritious diet including fruit and vegetables, leafy greens, oily fish, nuts, seeds, avocado, eggs, lean meat, whole grains and sweet potato |
| Avoid nail biting | Biting nails can cause frequent injury and slow down nail growth |
| Use of acetone | Avoid acetone when removing nail polish as it can dry out nails |
| Use of Vaseline | Apply Vaseline Healing Jelly or a petroleum jelly-based ointment nightly to help strengthen nails |
| Use of builder gel | Apply a builder gel (BIAB) to add a protective layer and prevent chipping and breaking |
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What You'll Learn
- Consume a diet rich in variety, including colourful fruit and vegetables, leafy greens, oily fish, nuts, seeds, avocado, eggs, lean meat, whole grains and sweet potato
- Avoid using your nails as tools to open things
- Wear gloves when washing dishes to prevent exposure to harsh soaps and water
- Use a glass nail file instead of clippers
- Apply nail/cuticle oil regularly
Consume a diet rich in variety, including colourful fruit and vegetables, leafy greens, oily fish, nuts, seeds, avocado, eggs, lean meat, whole grains and sweet potato
Consuming a variety of colourful fruits and vegetables is a great way to boost your nail health. Citrus fruits, such as oranges, strawberries, and kiwis, are rich in vitamin C, which is essential for collagen production. Collagen is a protein that gives shape and strength to nails, hair, and teeth. Other vitamin C-rich foods include bell peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, and potatoes.
Leafy greens are another important component of a nail-friendly diet. They are rich in iron, which helps transport oxygen to the nail matrix, promoting growth. A lack of iron can lead to brittle or concave-shaped nails. Dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, are also a good source of vitamin E, which helps with moisture retention, and magnesium, which plays a role in protein synthesis and the formation of new nails.
Nuts and seeds are excellent sources of vitamin E, which helps prevent nails from becoming dry and brittle. They are also a good source of biotin, a B-complex vitamin that promotes healthy cell growth and aids in the metabolism of protein-building amino acids, which are essential for nail growth. Pumpkin seeds, in particular, are rich in zinc, which supports nail growth and repair.
Oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines, are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and help maintain healthy cell membranes. Omega-3 fatty acids can help keep your nails moisturized and prevent dryness and brittleness.
Avocados are a good source of biotin and healthy fats. Avocado oil can be applied directly to the nails to strengthen them and improve their appearance.
Eggs are another great source of biotin and protein, which is essential for boosting keratin production and creating strong nails. Lean meat is also a good source of protein, which helps produce keratin, keeping your nails strong and resilient.
Sweet potatoes are a source of biotin, a vitamin that may help strengthen brittle nails and improve their growth.
Whole grains are a rich source of magnesium, which helps prevent vertical ridges in your nails. They also provide protein, which is necessary for nail health.
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Avoid using your nails as tools to open things
Using your nails as tools to open things can cause them to break, which is obviously counterproductive if you're trying to grow them out. To avoid this, try to be mindful of how you're using your hands. For example, when opening a can of soda, flicking a light switch, or unbuckling a seatbelt, use your knuckles instead of your nails. This will help prevent your nails from breaking and allow them to grow longer.
It's also important to keep your nails smooth and filed to reduce the risk of breakage. Dr. Garshick recommends keeping your nails trimmed so they don't snag on things, but be careful not to over-file or buff your nails as this can thin them out. Instead, use a gentle nail file sparingly and avoid cutting your cuticles when you can.
If you're having trouble breaking the habit of using your nails as tools, try investing in a good pair of gloves. This will not only protect your nails from the harsh chemicals and water that can dry them out but also serve as a physical reminder to be gentler with your hands.
Lastly, make sure you're regularly grooming your nails. This includes removing dead skin and replenishing nutrients with oils and moisture. By taking care of your nails and being mindful of how you use your hands, you'll be well on your way to growing out your nails successfully.
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Wear gloves when washing dishes to prevent exposure to harsh soaps and water
Water is one of the worst chemicals for your nails. When nails absorb too much water, they weaken and become dry, leading to breakage and cracks that stunt growth. To prevent this, it is recommended to wear gloves when washing dishes to minimise exposure to harsh soaps and water that can dry out your nails.
It is also suggested to avoid using acetone-based nail polish removers, as acetone is extremely harsh on fragile nails and can cause instant drying, peeling, flaking, and splitting. Instead, opt for acetone-free removers or use natural oils like coconut or olive oil around your nails before removing polish.
Additionally, maintaining a nutritious diet rich in colourful fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, oily fish, nuts, seeds, avocado, eggs, lean meat, whole grains, and sweet potatoes can promote nail growth and strength. It is also important to keep your nails groomed and filed smoothly to reduce the risk of breakage.
Wearing gloves while washing dishes is a simple yet effective way to protect your nails from the damaging effects of harsh soaps and water. By creating a barrier, the gloves help to lock in moisture and prevent your nails from drying out. This is especially important if you are aiming for longer, stronger nails, as dry nails are more prone to breakage and cracks, hindering their growth.
You can also apply Vaseline Healing Jelly or a similar petroleum jelly-based ointment to your nails and the surrounding skin nightly. This helps to trap moisture, strengthen the nail, and minimise inflammation and trauma, all of which contribute to healthy nail growth. Remember, growing nails is a gradual process that requires patience and a consistent nail care routine.
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Use a glass nail file instead of clippers
Using a glass nail file instead of clippers is a great way to help your nails grow and maintain their health. Glass nail files are much gentler on your nails than clippers and will help prevent breakage. They create a smooth finish on the nail edge, reducing the risk of snagging, which can lead to breakage.
Glass nail files are also more hygienic than clippers. They can be washed and sanitised easily, reducing the risk of bacterial transfer and infections. This is especially important if you are using the same tool to trim all your nails.
When using a glass nail file, be sure to use a light touch and file in one direction only. Avoid using a back-and-forth sawing motion, as this can weaken the nail and cause it to break more easily. It is also important to avoid over-filing your nails, as this can thin them out and make them more prone to breakage.
Glass nail files come in various coarseness levels, so choose one that is suitable for your nail type. If you have thin or brittle nails, opt for a finer grit to avoid putting too much pressure on your nails. Thicker nails can withstand a coarser grit, which will help shape and smooth them more quickly.
By switching to a glass nail file, you will be able to gently shape and maintain your nails without causing any unnecessary trauma, giving them the best chance to grow strong and healthy.
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Apply nail/cuticle oil regularly
Applying nail and cuticle oil regularly is an important step in achieving healthy and strong nails. Oiling your nails and cuticles helps to strengthen them, preventing breakage and cracks that can stunt nail growth.
It is recommended to use a jojoba-based cuticle oil, as the molecules are similar to the sebum our bodies produce, allowing for better absorption. However, you can also use a thicker, cheaper oil such as coconut oil or olive oil. Applying these oils to your cuticles and under your nails every night can help to nourish and strengthen them.
Additionally, it is important to be mindful of your daily activities and how they may impact your nails. Try to avoid using your nails as tools to open things or pick at old manicures. Instead, use your knuckles or other tools to reduce the risk of breakage.
Frequent nail grooming and clipping can also help stimulate circulation in the nail bed and promote growth. However, it is important to be gentle and avoid excessive buffing or filing, as this can thin out your nails. Using a gentle nail file sparingly and avoiding cuticle cutting can help maintain the health of your nails.
By incorporating regular nail and cuticle oiling into your nail care routine, along with mindful habits and gentle grooming, you can create an optimal environment for strong and healthy nail growth.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no scientifically proven method to make your nails grow faster. However, maintaining a healthy diet and taking care of your nails can help them grow stronger and longer over time.
A well-balanced diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein sources, carbohydrates, and healthy fats can help promote nail growth.
Regular nail grooming, keeping your nails dry and clean, using sharp manicure tools, moisturising your hands and nails, and avoiding nail biting can all help strengthen your nails.
Over-the-counter nail growth serums and treatments are available that claim to promote faster nail growth. Nail/cuticle oil is also recommended to help hydrate and strengthen nails.
Protect your nails from harsh chemicals and wear gloves when doing tasks like cleaning or washing dishes. You can also use a UV-cured polish, which acts as a suit of armour for your nails against daily stressors.
