Isla Bennett
The time it takes for nails to heal depends on the type and severity of the injury. For instance, if the bone in your toe or finger is broken, it will take about four weeks to heal. In the case of a subungual hematoma, where blood is trapped between the nail and the nail bed, it takes two to three months for fingernails and nine months for toenails to heal completely. Minor nail injuries that don't require medical attention, where the nail remains attached to the nail bed, can heal within a few days. However, if the nail falls off or the nail bed is damaged, it will take significantly longer—around seven to ten days for the nail bed to heal, and three to six months for a new fingernail to grow back. Toenails can take up to 12 to 18 months to regrow.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken for nail injuries to heal | Depends on the severity of the injury. Minor nail injuries that don't require medical attention can take a few days to heal. If the nail falls off or is partially separated from the nail bed, it can take 7-10 days for the nail bed to heal and 3-6 months for the fingernail to grow back. Toenails can take 12-18 months to grow back. |
| Time taken for broken fingers or toes to heal | About 4 weeks |
| Treatment for nail injuries | For minor injuries, stop the bleeding, gently wash any cuts or scrapes, and apply a bandage. For more serious injuries, go to an urgent care center or emergency room. Keep the wound clean and dry, and follow the doctor's instructions. |
| Preventing nail damage | Keep nails trimmed short, moisturize regularly, and avoid biting or picking at nails. |
| Vitamins for nail health | Biotin, carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, milk, strawberries, broccoli, and seafood. |
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What You'll Learn
Healing times for nail injuries
Nail injuries can take anywhere from a few days to several months to heal, depending on the severity of the injury and the treatment required. Here are some common nail injuries and their respective healing times:
Minor Nail Injuries
Minor nail injuries that do not require medical attention, where the nail is still attached to the nail bed and the nail bed is undamaged, typically heal within a few days. This includes minor nail bruises or small cuts that can be managed with at-home care.
Nail Bed Injuries
If the nail falls off or is partially separated from the nail bed, it will take longer to heal. It usually takes about 7 to 10 days for the nail bed to heal after a nail has fallen off. During this time, it is important to keep the wound clean and dry and follow any specific instructions provided by a healthcare professional. Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection.
Fingernail Regrowth
After the nail bed has healed, it can take approximately 3 to 6 months for a new fingernail to grow back completely. The regrown nail may have grooves, ridges, or misshapen areas. To promote nail health during this time, it is recommended to keep nails trimmed short and moisturize them regularly.
Toenail Regrowth
Toenails typically take longer to regrow than fingernails, with an average regrowth time of about 12 to 18 months. As with fingernails, it is important to keep the area clean and protected during the healing process.
Broken Bones
If there is an associated broken bone in the finger or toe, the healing time will be longer. Broken fingers or toes usually heal within about 4 weeks. It is important to seek medical attention for such injuries to ensure proper alignment and healing of the bone.
It is worth noting that certain factors, such as underlying health conditions or poor circulation, can affect healing times and increase the risk of infection. In more severe cases, it is always best to seek medical attention to ensure proper care and management of the nail injury.
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Healing nails after gel manicures
Gel manicures are long-lasting, don't chip, and stay glossy. However, they can damage your nails, especially if they aren't removed properly. The good news is that this damage is often reversible. Here are some tips to heal your nails after a gel manicure:
Don't pick or peel
It can be tempting to pick or peel off your gel manicure when it starts to crack or peel, but this can cause more damage to your nails. When you peel off your polish, you can peel away the top layer of your nails, too, which can cause them to become dry and brittle. Instead, carefully remove the manicure yourself using acetone, or make a new appointment with your manicurist.
Moisturise
Moisture loss is a common symptom of gel nail damage. To combat this, you can use a cuticle oil to soften and hydrate your cuticles. Spend a full minute massaging the oil into the cuticle and then wait 20 minutes before washing your hands to allow for absorption. You can also soak your nails in olive oil for 10 to 15 minutes daily.
Buff
After a gel manicure, your nails may have ridges and other uneven edges. Use a nail buffer to smooth out your nails, focusing on the ridges. Do this every other day until your nails have healed. Buffing also promotes blood circulation, which can strengthen nails.
Take a break from polish
If you want to build healthier nails, it's recommended to minimise the use of nail polish. Take a break from polish for a few weeks to prevent bacteria and fungus from building up. This will also give your nails a chance to recover from chronic chemical exposure, which can dry your nails out over time.
Eat a healthy diet
Your eating habits can affect nail strength, so it's important to eat healthily to promote nail growth and recovery. Make sure to get sufficient amounts of protein, biotin, and calcium. Dairy foods are a great source of protein and calcium, while leafy greens like spinach and kale are also calcium-rich.
Protect your nails
If your nails are not recovering as fast as you would like, you can get another manicure to protect them from further damage. Tell the manicurist that you are looking to protect your nails, and they will be able to give you the right treatment.
Other tips:
- Wear gloves when performing tasks that might be rough on your skin and nails, such as doing the dishes or other housework.
- Avoid using your nails as tools, such as prying open lids, as this can cause damage to the nail bed and surrounding areas.
- Keep your nails trimmed short to help them grow stronger.
- Take a keratin supplement or multivitamin, as these nutrients are important for nail health.
- Use a nail strengthener or ridge filler to smooth the appearance of your nails while they heal.
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Healing nails with vitamins and diet
Healthy nails can be achieved by consuming a nutrient-rich diet. Deficiencies in certain vitamins, minerals, and nutrients can negatively affect nail health. It is recommended to address these deficiencies through diet before trying supplements. A well-balanced diet that includes a variety of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients is the best way to improve and maintain nail health.
Biotin is one such vitamin that is essential for the production of keratin, the protein that makes up nails. A deficiency in biotin may lead to brittle, weak nails. Foods rich in biotin include organ meats, egg yolk, dairy products, yeast, salmon, avocado, sweet potato, nuts, seeds, and cauliflower. The recommended intake of biotin for adults is 30 mcg per day, and one egg contains 10 mcg.
Vitamin B12 also plays an important role in nail health by aiding in red blood cell production, which carries oxygen to the nails. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can cause nail discolouration and brittleness. Foods rich in vitamin B12 include meat, fish, dairy, nutritional yeast, and fortified plant-based alternatives. The recommended dietary allowance for B12 is 2.4 micrograms for individuals 14 and older, with slightly higher amounts for pregnant and lactating women.
Vitamin C is another crucial nutrient for nail health as it is essential for collagen production, which provides strength and integrity to nails. Citrus fruits, tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, broccoli, and strawberries are good sources of vitamin C.
Zinc is also required for the healthy growth of nails, as it is involved in the growth and division of nail cells. A zinc deficiency can cause white spots, slowed growth, and nail thinning. Animal proteins such as beef, poultry, fish, and eggs are rich sources of zinc, but it can also be found in plant-based sources like soy, chickpeas, black beans, nuts, and seeds.
In addition to these specific vitamins and minerals, it is important to include a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds in your diet, as well as adequate protein and omega-3 fatty acids, to promote overall nail health.
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Healing nails with home remedies
The time it takes for nails to heal varies depending on the extent of the damage. However, it typically takes between four to six months for nails to heal completely. During this time, you can aid the healing process by following these home remedies:
Take a break from nail polish
Give your nails a two- to three-week break between nail polish applications. This will help your nails heal and become stronger on their own. Chronic chemical exposure from nail polish can dry your nails out over time. When removing nail polish, opt for an acetone-free nail polish remover to help preserve the integrity of your natural nails.
Moisturize your nails regularly
Moisturizing your nails with oil, serum, or hand cream can help heal damaged nails and improve their overall health. This is especially important if you wash your hands frequently, as washing your hands can dry out your nails. Apply moisturizer every time you wash your hands and after removing nail polish. For the best results, add cuticle cream or oil to your moisturizing routine, as healthy cuticles lead to healthy nails.
Protect your nails
Keep your nails trimmed short to help them grow stronger. Avoid biting, picking, or tearing your nails, as this can cause damage. If you struggle with nail biting, coat your nails in lemon juice or use a nail-biting reducer nail polish. You can also wear socks or mittens to bed to prevent unconscious nail biting. Additionally, avoid using your nails to scratch or open things, and wear gloves when working with harmful substances or cleaning products to protect your nails from irritation and chemicals.
Strengthen your nails
Use nail-strengthening products, such as nail hardeners, to improve overall nail health. These products come in oils and polishes and give your nails an extra layer of protection. Follow the instructions on the product carefully. You can also try "nail slugging" by applying a thick layer of petroleum jelly over your hands, preferably layered over a cuticle oil.
Improve your diet
Consume foods rich in nail-healthy vitamins, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, milk, strawberries, broccoli, and seafood. Consider taking a biotin supplement, as biotin is known to promote nail health. Drinking enough water and eating a nutrient-dense diet high in protein can also contribute to stronger, healthier nails.
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Healing nails with medication
It takes around three to six months for nails to heal and grow out fully from root to tip. During this time, you can take several steps and use various medications to promote nail health and speed up the healing process.
Firstly, it is important to identify the cause of the nail damage. If you suspect an underlying health condition is causing your nails to be in bad shape, consult your doctor for advice. They may recommend specific treatments or medications to address the underlying issue.
One way to heal and strengthen damaged nails is to use nail-strengthening treatments. These treatments often contain ingredients like keratin or wheat protein, which can help make your nails more durable. For example, you could try the ORLY nail growth treatment, which is enriched with strengthening calcium, antioxidant green tea extract, and hydrating cannabis seed oil. Apply it consistently every day, and you should see results within two weeks.
Another way to promote nail health is by nourishing your nails with oils or serums. Moisturizing your nails regularly, especially after washing your hands, can help to keep them healthy and aid in the healing process. You can also try "nail slugging," which involves applying a generous amount of an occlusive product like petroleum jelly to your hands, preferably over a cuticle oil.
Additionally, consuming certain vitamins and nutrients can support nail health. Aim to include foods rich in biotin, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, milk, strawberries, broccoli, and seafood. Taking a daily multivitamin can also help ensure you're getting enough nail-healthy vitamins and minerals.
Finally, it's important to protect your nails from further damage. Try to keep your nails trimmed short, and avoid biting, picking, or tearing at them. Give your nails a break from nail polish for a few weeks to prevent bacteria and fungus from building up. When removing nail polish, use an acetone-free nail polish remover to be gentler on your nails.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes between 4 and 6 months for nails to heal and grow back completely after a gel manicure. To help your nails heal faster, moisturize them with an oil or serum daily and try to keep your nails trimmed short.
If you break a nail, it will take about 7 to 10 days for the nail bed to heal. If the nail falls off, it will take about 3 to 6 months for a new fingernail to grow back, and 12 to 18 months for a toenail. In the meantime, keep the wound clean and dry, and follow any specific wound care instructions given by your doctor.
Yes, consuming vitamins and nutrients such as biotin, carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, milk, strawberries, broccoli, and seafood can help improve nail health over time.
