Isla Bennett
Growing long and strong nails is a slow process that requires dedication and patience. While there is no proven method to speed up nail growth, there are several ways to strengthen nails and prevent breakage. This includes maintaining a healthy diet, regular nail grooming, and using certain products.
In the following paragraphs, we will discuss some of the most effective methods to achieve longer and stronger nails in just a month. From nutritional tips to strengthen nails to product recommendations, we will explore a range of approaches to help you achieve your desired nail goals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet | Colourful fruit and vegetables, leafy greens, oily fish, nuts, seeds, avocado, eggs, lean meat, whole grains, sweet potato, dairy products, calcium-rich foods, beans, peas, and foods containing cysteine, folate, biotin, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B7, vitamin B8, vitamin H, vitamin E, and protein |
| Supplements | Biotin, vitamin B7, vitamin B8, vitamin H, vitamin E, protein |
| Lotions and oils | Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Hand Cream, olive oil, coconut oil, apricot oil, sweet almond oil |
| Gels and polishes | Builder in a Bottle (BIAB), builder gel, bitter polish, lemon juice, acetone, Vaseline, CA glue |
| Other products | Keratin-infused base coats, nail treatments, Young LDN's Japanese Manicure, Nails & Brows Mayfair's IBX Nail Strengthening Manicure |
| Grooming techniques | Regular nail trimming, filing, manicures, avoiding nail biting, wearing gloves |
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What You'll Learn
Eat a nutritious diet
Eating a nutritious diet is essential for nail health. Nails are made of a hard protein called keratin, so it is important to eat enough protein to boost keratin production and create strong nails.
Protein-rich foods include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy, as well as plant-based sources such as soy, legumes, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. New York-based celebrity manicurist Jackie Saulsbery recommends eggs, which are full of protein and can boost nail strength and speed up growth.
Zinc is also required for the healthy growth of nails. Meat, seafood, and animal proteins are good sources of zinc. For those who follow a plant-based diet, zinc can be found in nuts, whole-grain cereals, and hemp seed protein.
Vitamin B7, or biotin, is another important nutrient for nail health. It promotes healthy cell growth and aids in the metabolism of protein-building amino acids that are essential for nail growth. Biotin can be found in organ meats, egg yolks, dairy products, yeast, salmon, avocado, sweet potatoes, nuts, seeds, and even cauliflower.
In addition to these specific nutrients, it is important to eat a well-balanced diet overall. This includes colourful fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, healthy oils, and plenty of water.
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Take supplements
While consuming a variety of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients through food is the best way to improve and maintain nail health, taking supplements can help you meet your nutritional needs and likely improve your nail health. Biotin supplements are the only type of supplement shown to have a possible effect on nail health. Several human studies suggest that taking a biotin supplement daily may help strengthen nails and improve their growth. Biotin is a type of B vitamin that allows the body to turn food into energy. Other B vitamins are also important for nail health, including vitamin B12, which plays a role in iron absorption and the development of red blood cells, and folate (vitamin B9), which contributes to red blood cell formation and the development of new cells. Deficiencies in vitamin B12 can result in discoloured nails, and a deficiency in folate can cause a pigment change in your nails and make them rigid and brittle.
Zinc is another important mineral required for the healthy growth of nails. Animal proteins are a great way to consume adequate zinc through your diet, though certain plant foods pack this mineral as well. Healthy gut supplements that contain biotic cultures, zinc, and selenium may also help strengthen nails, skin, and hair.
Collagen-boosting capsules are another supplement that has been shown to strengthen nails and increase growth rate, with less breakage. While consuming collagen-boosting supplements, almost all testers reported healthier nails that didn't break, chip, or peel after two months of continued use.
It is important to note that there is no scientifically proven method for making nails grow faster. However, taking good care of your body through proper nutrition and using grooming techniques to strengthen your nails can help them grow strong and long over time.
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Moisturise your hands and nails
Keeping your hands and nails moisturised is essential for maintaining nail health. Dry, cracked skin and cuticles can lead to infection or weak nail growth, so it is important to keep your hands and nails adequately hydrated throughout the day.
There are many products on the market designed to strengthen your nails and moisturise your hands and cuticles. You can use hand creams or hand balms, which often come in quick-absorbing formulations so your hands won't feel greasy. These creams can also act as a protective barrier against environmental stressors, such as cold weather. Moisturising products that contain urea, phospholipids, or lactic acid will help prevent your hands from cracking.
You can also use natural products such as coconut oil, which is a classic hydrating beauty staple that traps water in your skin. Olive & June's Hand Serum is another option, containing hyaluronic acid, cactus flower, and fruit extracts with AHAs that gently exfoliate and brighten skin. It is lightweight, non-greasy, and absorbs quickly into the skin.
In addition to these products, you can also try using petroleum jelly, vitamin E, or cuticle creams on your cuticles at night. Massaging your fingertips every day will increase circulation to the skin around your nails, keeping them healthy and preventing them from cracking and peeling away.
Remember, it is important to keep your nails clean and dry to prevent bacteria from growing beneath them.
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Use builder gel
If you're looking for a way to grow longer, stronger nails, builder gel may be the answer. Builder gel is a type of nail polish that strengthens your nails, allowing them to grow longer, thicker, and more durable. It can be applied directly to your natural nails or used with extension tips.
Builder gel has a thicker consistency than regular gel polish, creating a protective layer that prevents chipping and breaking. This added strength and structure can help your natural nails grow underneath without breaking, so you can finally achieve that long nail look. The flexibility of builder gel also means it's less likely to crack than traditional gels or acrylics, which can be too rigid and prone to breakage.
The application process for builder gel is a bit different from regular nail polish. First, your nails are cleaned, shaped, and buffed to help the base coat adhere. Then, the builder gel is applied in gentle beads to build up and strengthen the apex of your nail, which is the highest point on your nail bed. You can also use builder gel as an overlay on your natural nails, creating a protective barrier that allows your nails to grow without breaking.
To remove builder gel, simply soak it off with acetone. No lengthy removal process is needed! However, it's important to note that builder gel applied directly to the nail may cost more and require regular appointments to maintain its effectiveness. Additionally, applying builder gel incorrectly can result in thick, uneven, and bumpy nail polish, so it's best to visit a reputable nail technician who uses the correct type of lamp for the process.
Overall, builder gel is a great option for those seeking longer, stronger nails. It provides the strength and protection needed to grow out your natural nails while also offering the flexibility to avoid cracking and breakage. With proper application and aftercare, you can achieve the nail length and strength you desire!
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Avoid biting your nails
Growing longer and stronger nails in a month requires patience and dedication, and one of the biggest challenges for many people is avoiding the habit of nail-biting. Here are some detailed tips to help you stop biting your nails and improve your overall nail health:
Understand the triggers: Pay attention to the situations or emotions that trigger your nail-biting habit. Are you more likely to bite your nails when you're stressed, anxious, bored, or nervous? Identifying these triggers can help you develop strategies to avoid or manage them effectively.
Keep your hands busy: Find alternative activities to occupy your hands and distract yourself from the urge to bite your nails. Try squeezing a stress ball, playing with putty or clay, drawing, or typing. You can also try wearing a rubber band around your wrist and snapping it gently when you feel the urge to bite, which can help train your brain to associate nail-biting with an unpleasant sensation.
Practice mindfulness: Be mindful of the moment when you feel like biting your nails and consciously decide to stop. Remind yourself of your goal to grow longer and stronger nails, and visualize the negative consequences of nail-biting, such as damaged cuticles, uneven nails, or potential infections.
Use a bitter-tasting nail polish: Apply a bitter-tasting nail coating or polish to your nails, which can help deter nail-biting. These products are usually clear and dry quickly, but they have a very unpleasant taste that will discourage you from putting your fingers in your mouth. Reapply the product regularly, especially after washing your hands, to maintain its effectiveness.
Keep nails trimmed and well-maintained: Regularly trim and file your nails to keep them neat and reduce the temptation to bite. Well-maintained nails are less likely to snag or develop rough edges that might invite biting. Use a glass or crystal nail file, which is gentler on nails than metal files and helps prevent splitting and tearing.
Replace the habit: Instead of biting your nails, redirect the habit to something else, like touching a smooth stone or a soft fabric. Keep the object with you and touch or hold it whenever you feel the urge to bite your nails. Over time, you may be able to replace the nail-biting habit with this less destructive behavior.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no scientifically proven method for making nails grow faster. However, there are some things you can do to help your nails grow stronger and longer over time. These include:
- Maintaining a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
- Taking a biotin supplement to boost nail strength.
- Keeping your nails moisturised with lotions or oils such as apricot, coconut, or sweet almond oil.
- Getting regular manicures or using at-home nail treatments to create a protective layer and prevent chipping.
A nutritious rainbow diet that includes colourful fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, oily fish, nuts, seeds, avocado, eggs, lean meat, whole grains, and sweet potatoes is recommended for supporting nail growth. Nails are made of a hard protein called keratin, so be sure to include foods rich in protein in your diet.
To protect your nails from damage, avoid biting them or using your nails as tools. Keep your nails dry and clean to prevent bacteria from growing beneath them, and trim them regularly with sharp manicure scissors or clippers.
Yes, there are several treatments that can help your nails grow longer and stronger. Builder gel, also known as BIAB, can add a protective layer to your nails to prevent chipping and breaking. Keratin-infused base coats and nail treatments can also help repair damaged nails while adding a lustrous shine. Additionally, lemon juice can be used to stimulate stronger nail growth, and coconut oil can be used to moisturise, strengthen, and soften your nails and cuticles.
