Sophia Delgado
Growing long and healthy nails is a goal for many people. While there is no scientifically proven method for making nails grow faster, there are several things you can do to improve nail strength and growth. This includes maintaining a healthy diet rich in vitamins A, E, and D, vitamin B9, or folic acid, protein, iron, and healthy fats. You can also try taking biotin supplements, using nail lacquers, and nail slugging. Additionally, regular nail grooming, keeping your nails dry and clean, and using the right tools to trim your nails can also help encourage growth and reduce breakage.
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What You'll Learn
Use nail/cuticle oils
Using nail and cuticle oils is a great way to improve nail health and stimulate growth. Cuticle oils are moisturising products, typically made from vegetable oils, such as sunflower oil, olive oil, and jojoba oil. They can also contain vitamins, citric acid, and antioxidants.
Oils can help to increase circulation around the nails, which encourages growth. They also help to prevent nail breakage by keeping the layers of keratin bonded together. This is especially important if you are trying to grow your nails, as it can be frustrating to have them break or split. Cuticle oils can also help to protect your nails from trauma and strengthen them, so they are less likely to break.
To apply, simply use a few drops of your chosen oil and massage it into your cuticles and nails for a few minutes. You can use a cotton ball, brush, or your fingers to apply the oil. It is best to do this at night, so the oil has time to absorb into your skin and nails. Regular application is key, and you will likely see the best results if you use cuticle oil every night.
There are many cuticle oils available to purchase, and it is easy to find one that suits your preferences and budget. Some popular options include Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream, which contains Vitamin E and antioxidants, and Opi Avoplex Nail & Cuticle Replenishing Oil, which also contains Vitamin E and has a brush applicator. If you are looking for a more affordable option, you can try a pure jojoba oil, which is available from many brands on Amazon.
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Avoid water exposure
Water is the worst possible chemical for your nails. Nails are highly porous and can absorb water, which contributes to the weakening of the bonds in your nails over time. Prolonged exposure to water can dry out your nails, making them prone to peeling, splitting, and breakage. Therefore, it is essential to keep your nails as dry as possible.
If you're going swimming, it's a good idea to apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, to your nails before taking the plunge. This creates a protective barrier between your nails and the water. You can also use a natural oil, such as avocado, jojoba, or coconut oil, to nourish and protect your nails.
If you're wearing nail polish, opt for a protective base coat and a non-breathable nail polish to shield your nails from water exposure. Glitter nail polish is thicker than regular lacquer and provides added protection against pool chemicals. If you're going for longevity, gel polish is a good option, but be aware that frequent exposure to chlorine may cause discolouration.
In your daily life, wear gloves when washing dishes or cleaning to minimize water exposure to your nails. Even when taking hot showers, consider wearing gloves to keep your nails dry. While it is important to keep your nails dry, don't forget to moisturize your hands and nails regularly with lotion or cream to maintain nail health.
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File, don't clip
Filing your nails is a great way to keep them healthy and at a uniform length and shape. However, it is easy to file your nails incorrectly, which can lead to jagged, frayed nails and even nail bed or cuticle damage.
When filing your nails, it is important to use the right file. For natural nails, a higher grit number is recommended to prevent tearing. A 180 grit is a good option, but if you are new to filing, a 240 grit may be better. Glass files are often recommended because they are gentle on the nails and easier to clean. It is important to clean your nail file to prevent the spread of bacteria.
To file your nails, start by trimming them to the desired length with a cutting tool like clippers or manicure scissors. Then, use a nail file to shape them. File in one direction only: from the side to the centre of the nail at a 45-degree angle, then the other side to the tip, and finally, the top of the nail. Be careful not to file too much of the sides, as this can encourage tears. Use a light stroke and soften the corners of your nails.
It is best to keep your nails dry when filing, as filing soft, wet nails may cause them to bend in unwanted ways. Nails are also easier to shape when they are dry. If you have just had a shower or bath, wait until your nails are dry before filing.
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Take vitamins and supplements
Taking care of your body is essential for nail health. Nutrient deficiencies may affect your nails' appearance, and a poor diet can cause your nails to grow abnormally. Consuming a variety of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients through food is the best way to improve and maintain nail health.
Biotin is a vitamin that may help strengthen brittle nails and improve their growth. It can be found in organ meats, egg yolk, dairy products, yeast, salmon, avocado, sweet potato, nuts, seeds, and cauliflower. Other B vitamins are also important for nail health, such as vitamin B12, which plays a role in iron absorption and the development of red blood cells. Both iron and B12 are necessary for keeping nails strong and healthy.
Zinc is another essential mineral for nail growth. Animal proteins are a great way to consume adequate zinc, though certain plant foods also contain this mineral.
If you are unable to get enough of these vitamins and minerals through your diet, taking a supplement may be beneficial. However, scientific research on the effectiveness of supplements for nail health is currently lacking, except in the case of biotin supplements. These have been shown to possibly be effective in restoring brittle nails.
Collagen-boosting capsules are another supplement that has been found to improve nail strength and growth in some individuals.
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Moisturise your hands and nails
Keeping your hands and nails moisturised is an important step in growing your nails. Dry skin around the nail bed or nail matrix can damage the nails as they grow, so it's important to keep the skin moisturised. This can be done by applying lotion after washing your hands, especially during the winter months when the air is drier. People who have eczema should opt for eczema-friendly creams that are highly moisturising.
Water can weaken nails, making them soft and brittle, so it's a good idea to wear gloves when washing dishes, clothes, and surfaces. This prevents water or harsh cleaning products from sitting on top of the nails. Remember to always dry your nails thoroughly after swimming or showering.
To keep your nails strong and healthy, it's important to stick to a healthy diet. This involves eating a well-balanced diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean sources of protein, adequate carbohydrates, and plenty of healthy fats. Nails are made of a hard protein called keratin, so it's important to ensure you're consuming enough protein.
In addition to a healthy diet, you can also try taking supplements to support nail growth. Biotin is a type of B vitamin that allows the body to turn food into energy, and it is highly recommended as a supplement to boost the strength of nails. Several human studies suggest that taking a biotin supplement daily can help strengthen nails.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no scientifically proven method for making nails grow faster. However, maintaining a healthy diet and keeping your nails moisturised can help them grow strong and long over time.
Vitamins such as biotin, folic acid, prenatal vitamins, and multivitamins are all said to help nails grow.
Oils such as cuticle oil, jojoba oil, coconut oil, olive oil, and argan oil are all good for nail growth.
Regularly reshape your nails with a nail file, keep your nails clean and dry, and avoid biting your nails or using them to pick at things.
