Sophia Delgado
Natural nails are having a moment, with many people embracing the clean girl aesthetic and minimalist manicures. However, years of gel and acrylic manicures can leave your nails damaged and in need of some serious TLC. To achieve strong and healthy natural nails, it's important to address any underlying nutritional deficiencies, stay hydrated, and maintain a well-balanced diet. In addition, keeping your nails and the surrounding skin hydrated with natural oils, such as coconut oil or almond oil, can work wonders. Letting your nails breathe by taking a break from polish and choosing organic nail care products can also contribute to their overall health. With consistent care and the right natural solutions, you can restore and strengthen your nails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nail Care | Keep nails short and trim them straight across with manicure scissors or clippers. Then, round the tips into a soft curve. |
| Moisturising | Keep nails and the surrounding skin hydrated with natural oils like jojoba, coconut, almond, argan, emu, or olive oil. |
| Diet | Eat a nutrient-dense, well-balanced diet with plenty of protein, fresh fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats. |
| Vitamins | Take a biotin supplement, B vitamins, or a multivitamin with minerals. |
| Water | Drink enough water to keep nails hydrated and prevent brittleness. |
| Protection | Wear gloves when washing dishes or doing other activities that involve submerging your hands in water for long periods. |
| Nail Polish | Avoid constant use of nail polish, especially gel polish, which requires UV light exposure. Use acetone-free nail polish removers. |
| Sun Protection | Apply sunscreen to your hands before UV light exposure. |
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What You'll Learn
Keep nails and skin hydrated
Keeping your nails and the surrounding skin hydrated is key to growing and healing natural nails. Just like a healthy, moisturized scalp is essential for hair growth, keeping your nail matrix and cuticles well-hydrated is crucial for strong nails.
One way to keep your nails and skin hydrated is to use natural oils. You can apply coconut oil, almond oil, or olive oil to your nails and cuticles to maintain hydration and softness. Jojoba oil is also an excellent choice, as its composition is very similar to the skin's natural oil. To make your own nail oil, you can combine three tablespoons of dried herbs with half a cup of jojoba, sweet almond, argan, coconut, emu, or olive oil.
Another way to keep your nails and skin hydrated is to use nail lotions and creams. Look for organic and natural products that are free from sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances. These can include cuticle creams and hand lotions, which you should rub into your fingernails, especially at the base where the cuticles are located.
In addition to external hydration, it is important to stay hydrated from within. Drinking enough water throughout the day is essential for nail health. Water helps your nails retain moisture, stay strong, and prevents them from becoming brittle, breaking, and peeling easily.
Excessive exposure to water can also weaken your nails, so it is important to find a balance. Wear gloves when washing dishes or doing other activities that require your hands to be submerged in water for extended periods. Try to keep your hands out of the water while taking a bath, and avoid soaking your nails for too long.
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Take a break from manicures
Taking a break from manicures can be a great way to heal and grow your natural nails. Manicures, especially those involving gel or acrylic nails, can damage your nails and the surrounding skin. The removal process for these types of manicures often involves harsh chemicals or physical filing, which can leave your nails thin, brittle, and weak. By taking a break from manicures, you allow your nails time to repair and restore themselves.
During this break, it is important to keep your nails and the surrounding skin hydrated. Cuticles, in particular, play a crucial role in protecting the nail matrix, where nail growth begins. Therefore, keeping your cuticles and nail matrix well-moisturized is essential for promoting nail growth. You can use any type of cuticle oil, but jojoba oil is an excellent choice due to its similarity to the skin's natural oil, providing smoothing and softening effects without feeling greasy.
Additionally, while taking a break from manicures, be mindful of your nail care practices. Avoid frequent nail polishing, as constant use of nail polish, even nontoxic varieties, can weaken your nails. Allow your nails to breathe and recover by removing polish with an acetone-free remover and going polish-free for a week or so.
It is also recommended to wear gloves when washing dishes or performing other tasks that involve submerging your hands in water. Excessive water exposure can cause your nails to become weak and brittle.
Taking a break from manicures and following these nail care tips will help you achieve healthy, strong, and natural nails. This approach allows your nails to recover from the potential damage caused by manicure procedures and products, promoting their growth and healing.
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Eat a nutrient-dense diet
Eating a nutrient-dense diet is crucial for maintaining nail health. Nails that are brittle, cracked, or discoloured may be a sign of nutritional deficiencies. Ensuring that you are consuming a variety of nutrient-rich foods can help promote strong and healthy nails.
Firstly, it is important to include sufficient protein in your diet. Lean meats, such as chicken and turkey, are good sources of protein and collagen, which are crucial for nail health. For those following a plant-based diet, quinoa, nuts, and hemp seed protein are excellent alternatives. Additionally, dark, leafy greens like spinach, broccoli, kale, and collard greens provide not only protein but also essential vitamins and minerals like calcium, iron, and antioxidants, which can boost nail health.
Fatty acids, particularly omega-3 fatty acids, are another important component of a nutrient-dense diet for nail health. Fatty fish, such as salmon, are rich in omega-3s and healthy fats, which contribute to shiny and strong nails. For those avoiding animal products, seeds, nuts, and avocados are plant-based sources of healthy fats that can help supply the body with magnesium, an essential mineral for nail health.
Vitamins and minerals play a vital role in nail health as well. Beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, can be found in orange and yellow vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and squash. Vitamin A is essential for strong and accelerated nail growth. Additionally, vitamin B12 and folate (vitamin B9) are critical for nail health due to their roles in red blood cell formation and iron metabolism. Dark, leafy greens and nuts are good sources of these vitamins.
Lastly, staying properly hydrated is essential for nail health. Drinking enough water throughout the day helps your nails retain moisture and stay strong. Including water-rich foods like cucumbers, celery, tomatoes, and watermelon in your diet can also contribute to hydration.
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Use natural nail oils
Natural oils are an excellent way to heal and grow your nails. They provide essential nutrients and promote healthy cuticles and nail growth.
Firstly, it is important to keep your nails and the surrounding skin well-hydrated. Cuticles protect the nail matrix, where nail growth starts, so keeping them healthy is key. Natural oils such as coconut, olive, or almond oil are great for nail health. These oils can also be used to effortlessly remove semi-cured gel nail stickers without damaging your nails. To do this, warm the oil slightly and apply it directly to the nail sticker with a cuticle stick. Allow the oil to soak for a minute or two, and then gently lift the edges of the sticker.
Jojoba oil is a fantastic choice for nail care. Its composition is very similar to the natural oils produced by our skin, so it is excellent for smoothing and softening. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, helping to strengthen nails and soften cuticles. Massage a few drops of jojoba oil into your nails and cuticles regularly to keep them hydrated and nourished.
Sweet almond oil is another excellent choice, as it is rich in vitamins E and B, as well as essential minerals like zinc and magnesium. Soak your nails in a bowl of warm sweet almond oil for 10-15 minutes to fully absorb its benefits.
Argan oil, known as "liquid gold", is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It helps repair damaged nails and cuticles and improves blood circulation for stronger, healthier nails. Apply a drop of argan oil to each nail and gently massage it in.
Tea tree oil is another natural oil with well-known antibacterial and antifungal properties.
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Avoid nail biting
Growing and healing natural nails can be a challenging process, especially if you have a habit of nail-biting. Here are some detailed tips to help you avoid nail-biting and achieve your desired nail health:
Identify the triggers
Nail-biting is classified as a body-focused repetitive disorder (BFRD), which is often triggered by sensory experiences, thoughts, beliefs, motor actions, or specific settings. Understanding your personal triggers can help you develop strategies to avoid or manage them effectively.
Keep your nails groomed
Maintaining well-groomed nails can reduce the temptation to bite them. Keep your nails trimmed and short and shaped neatly. Apply cuticle oil and lotion regularly to moisturize and nourish the skin around your nails. This will help you avoid dry skin, hangnails, and thin, peeling nails, making them less tempting to bite.
Distract and substitute
When you feel the urge to bite your nails, distract yourself with alternative activities or objects. For example, you can try fidget toys, knitting, or chewing gum. You can also apply bitter-tasting nail polish to deter nail-biting.
Address the underlying causes
Nail-biting can sometimes be a coping mechanism for stress, anxiety, or boredom. If you identify these as triggers, consider addressing the underlying causes. This may include stress management techniques, anxiety treatment, or finding alternative ways to channel nervous energy.
Protect your nails
If you're unable to stop biting your nails, you can protect them by wearing gloves when doing tasks that might trigger biting, such as washing dishes. You can also carry a nail file and clippers to address any nail injuries or hangnails without using your teeth.
Remember, breaking any habit takes time and persistence. Be patient with yourself and don't be afraid to seek professional help if you feel you need additional support to overcome nail-biting.
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Frequently asked questions
While it is impossible to make your nails grow faster, taking good care of them will help them grow stronger and last longer. Keep your nails and the surrounding skin hydrated with natural oils like coconut oil or almond oil. You can also try a combination of lemon juice and olive oil—soak your nails in this mixture for 10-15 minutes once a week.
Make sure you're eating a well-balanced diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean sources of protein, adequate carbohydrates, and plenty of healthy fats. You can also take a biotin supplement, which has been shown to improve nail strength and growth.
Constantly covering your nails with product may not allow them to breathe, restore, and heal. Take a break from manicures, pedicures, and polishes for a few months to give your nails a chance to get stronger. Avoid nail biting and cutting your nails too short. When filing, always go in one direction to prevent splitting.
