Isla Bennett
Growing long nails can be a challenging task, especially for those with brittle nails. While there is no scientifically proven method to speed up nail growth, certain tips and products can help strengthen nails, reduce breakage, and encourage growth. This includes regular use of nail/cuticle oil, switching to a glass nail file, and maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins.
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What You'll Learn
Consume protein, biotin, iron, and vitamins B, C, D, and E
Consuming a variety of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients through food is the best way to improve and maintain nail health. A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins can contribute to healthier nail growth.
Protein is an essential nutrient for nail health. Keratin, a protein that makes up your nails, can be ingested as a supplement or applied topically as an oil to help build strength and resiliency. It is also important to eat protein-rich foods such as eggs, lean meats, fish, beans, nuts, and leafy greens.
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is 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. Biotin-rich foods include organ meats (such as liver), egg yolk, dairy products, yeast, salmon, avocado, sweet potato, nuts, seeds, and cauliflower. Biotin supplements are also available and have been shown to possibly be effective in improving nail health.
Iron is another important nutrient for nail health. Vitamin B12 plays a role in iron absorption and is necessary for keeping nails strong and healthy. Iron can be found in lean meats, beans, and nuts.
In addition to protein, biotin, and iron, consuming vitamins B, C, D, and E can also support nail health. Vitamin C, for example, is important for the production of collagen, which provides structure to the nails. Vitamin D plays a role in calcium absorption, which is necessary for nail strength. Vitamins B and E contribute to overall nail health and strength.
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Use cuticle oil to avoid breakage and strengthen nails
Cuticle oil is a specialised product designed to nourish and moisturise the cuticles, which are the thin strips of skin at the base of your nails. It is typically made with a blend of natural oils, such as jojoba, almond, avocado, or argan oil, enriched with vitamins and antioxidants. Cuticle oil helps to soften and hydrate the cuticles, preventing them from becoming dry, cracked, or damaged.
By regularly applying cuticle oil, you can promote healthy nail growth, improve the overall appearance of your nails, and protect them from breakage and infection. Cuticle oil provides essential hydration to the cuticles, preventing them from becoming dry and brittle. This helps to maintain the overall health and flexibility of the nails. The vitamins and nutrients present in cuticle oil nourish the nails, promoting their strength and resilience. This can help prevent breakage and splitting, allowing your nails to grow longer and healthier.
When applying cuticle oil, start by removing any nail polish or residue from your nails using a gentle nail polish remover. Wash your hands with warm water and mild soap to clean your nails and soften the cuticles. Take a drop or two of cuticle oil onto a brush, cotton ball, or applicator. Gently dab the oil onto each cuticle, starting from the base of the nail and working towards the tip. Use a small amount to avoid excess oiliness. Massage the oil into the cuticles using your fingertips in circular motions. This helps stimulate blood circulation and aids in the absorption of the oil. Allow the oil to absorb for a few minutes to provide maximum hydration and nourishment.
For best results, apply cuticle oil to your nails at least once a day or as needed. Consistency is key to maintaining healthy and nourished cuticles. Cuticle oil can be purchased for relatively affordable prices, with many options available for under $20.
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File nails gently and sparingly to reduce the risk of breakage
Filing your nails is an important step in achieving long, strong nails. Nails are made of keratin, a protein that is also found in hair. Keratin is quite strong, but it also needs some TLC. Filing your nails helps to keep them smooth and reduces the risk of breakage. However, it's important to be gentle and sparing when filing to avoid thinning out your nails.
Dr. Shokeen, a board-certified dermatologist, recommends opting for a gentle nail file and using it sparingly. An emery board or a glass nail file is a good choice for natural nails, as they are gentle and less likely to cause thinning. If you have brittle nails, a crystal nail file is a gentler alternative to a traditional emery board. You can also find gentle files at your local pharmacy. Look for a file with a grit of 180 or 240, which is perfect for natural nails.
When filing your nails, it's important to work in one direction. Sawing back and forth can cause your nails to split and shorten. Filing in one direction blends the layers and promotes nail growth. Imagine you're playing a tiny violin at the tip of your finger, gently shaping your nail with the hand file. This technique will help you achieve strong, long nails.
In addition to using a gentle file and filing in one direction, it's important to keep your nails hydrated. Cuticle oil or nail oil can help repair frayed nails and prevent future breakage. Oils such as coconut oil, olive oil, or argan oil can promote growth and strengthen your nails. By using these techniques, you can effectively file your nails while reducing the risk of breakage, bringing you one step closer to achieving long and healthy nails.
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Avoid using nails to open things
Using your nails as tools is a surefire way to cause breakage. Nails are delicate, and using them to open things can cause them to chip, crack, or break. This can be painful and can cause a wound if the nail tears on the nail bed.
To avoid this, try to be mindful of what you're doing with your hands. For example, when opening cans, jars, or boxes, use scissors or another tool instead of your nails. You can also use your knuckles for tasks such as opening pop cans, flicking light switches, or unbuckling seat belts.
If you're trying to grow your nails, it's important to keep them strong and healthy. This can be achieved by using cuticle oil regularly, which helps to hydrate the cuticle and nail bed, preventing breakage and keeping nails flexible. Nails are made of a protein called keratin, so taking a keratin supplement or applying it topically as an oil can also help build strength and resilience.
In addition to using oils and supplements, maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins can contribute to healthier nail growth. Foods such as eggs, lean meats, fish, beans, nuts, and leafy greens provide essential nutrients for nail health. By taking care of your nails and avoiding using them to open things, you can achieve and maintain the long, healthy nails you desire.
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Moisturise hands and nails with lotion
Keeping your hands and nails moisturised is an important step in achieving long nails. Dry nails are more prone to breakage and chipping, so it's important to keep them well-hydrated and flexible.
There are many products on the market designed to hydrate your hands and nails, from hand creams to cuticle oils. When choosing a hand cream, opt for one that is non-greasy and quick-absorbing. These creams often contain ingredients like peptides, B vitamins, vitamin C, and glycolic acid, which can help keep the skin on your hands smooth and protect it from sun damage. If you're prone to eczema or dry skin, be sure to moisturise your hands and nails daily to prevent cracks and fissures.
For your cuticles, you can use cuticle oil or cream, or even natural oils like coconut oil, olive oil, or argan oil. These oils will help to hydrate your cuticles and nail beds, promoting nail growth and strengthening your nails. Apply the oil or cream once or twice a day to keep your cuticles and nails moisturised. You can also use coconut oil to moisturise your hands, which can help your manicure last longer.
In addition to using moisturising products, you can also buff your nails gently to boost circulation to your nail beds. This will help keep the skin around your nails healthy and prevent it from cracking or peeling. Just be sure not to overdo it, as excessive buffing can thin out your nails.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no scientifically proven method for making nails grow faster. However, taking good care of your nails and body can help them grow strong and long over time. Here are some tips:
- Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins.
- Take biotin supplements to help boost nail strength.
- Stay hydrated and use cuticle oil to avoid breakage and keep nails flexible.
- Keep your nails smooth and filed to prevent breakage.
- Use a glass nail file instead of clippers.
- Avoid using your nails to open things.
Here are some tips to take care of your nails:
- Keep your nails dry and clean to prevent bacteria from growing beneath them.
- Trim your nails straight across and then round the tips into a soft curve.
- Moisturize your hands and nails with lotion, paying special attention to the cuticles.
- Avoid nail biting and cutting your nails too short.
To strengthen your nails, you can try:
- Using nail strengtheners or hardeners to reduce the chances of breakage.
- Taking keratin supplements or applying it topically as an oil to build strength and resiliency.
- Using nourishing oils like coconut oil, olive oil, or argan oil to promote growth and strengthen nails.
When filing and trimming your nails:
- Use sharp manicure scissors or clippers.
- Keep your nails trimmed to prevent snagging and breakage.
- Avoid excessive buffing or filing as it can thin out your nails.
- Opt for a gentle nail file, such as a crystal nail file, and use it sparingly.
Some people recommend OPI Nail Envy to help grow out their nails. However, it is suggested to take a break from using it after a week or two to prevent the nails from becoming too hard and brittle. It is also important to use nontoxic nail polishes to promote nail health. Some popular nontoxic nail polish brands include Acquarella and Suncoat.
