Isla Bennett
Having healthy and strong nails is a reflection of your overall health. While there are many products and treatments available to help grow nails, there are also natural ways to achieve this. Taking good care of your body and maintaining a healthy diet that includes vitamins, iron, zinc, calcium, and protein can help promote nail growth. In addition, keeping nails clean, dry, and moisturized, as well as avoiding nail biting and cutting them too short, are simple yet effective ways to support nail growth. Natural remedies such as olive oil, coconut oil, and lemon juice can also be used to strengthen and nourish nails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet | A well-balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, lean sources of protein, adequate carbohydrates, and healthy fats |
| Water | Avoid soaking nails in water |
| Moisturizing | Use cuticle oil or nourishing oils like coconut oil, olive oil, argan oil, or almond oil |
| Vitamins and minerals | Take supplements with vitamins, iron, zinc, calcium, and protein |
| Grooming | Keep nails clean and dry, trim them straight across, and avoid biting them or cutting them too short |
| Home remedies | Use a honey and lemon nail mask, or soak nails in warm olive oil |
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What You'll Learn
Consume vitamins, iron, zinc, calcium, and protein
Consuming a variety of vitamins, iron, zinc, calcium, and protein is essential for nail growth and strength.
Firstly, vitamins are crucial for nail health. Specifically, vitamin C contributes to collagen synthesis, which provides strength and structure to nails. Vitamin E, an antioxidant, helps protect nail cells from damage and maintains their moisture and flexibility. Biotin, a B-complex vitamin, promotes healthy cell growth and aids in the metabolism of protein-building amino acids, which are essential for nail growth. While vitamin A is necessary for cell growth and differentiation, including nail cells.
Iron is another critical component for nail growth. It is responsible for transporting oxygen to the cells that promote nail growth. An iron deficiency can lead to brittle nails and slow growth.
Zinc is also vital for nail health, as it is involved in the synthesis of proteins, including those in the nails. Inadequate zinc intake can cause the degeneration of the nail plate, leading to white spots on the nails and slow nail growth.
Although its direct impact on nails is not fully understood, calcium is essential for overall bone health, which indirectly supports strong nails.
Lastly, consuming adequate protein is crucial for nail growth. Animal proteins such as beef, poultry, fish, and eggs are rich sources of zinc and protein, both of which are essential for nail health.
In summary, a well-balanced diet that includes these key nutrients is vital for promoting nail growth and maintaining strong, healthy nails.
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Moisturise with oils like coconut, olive, or argan
Oils such as coconut, olive, and argan are excellent moisturisers for your nails. These oils help to prevent brittleness and repair damage, softening the nails and cuticles, which contributes to nail strength.
Coconut oil is naturally antibacterial, packed with antioxidants like vitamin E, and loaded with moisturising fatty acids. It contains saturated fats that help retain moisture and lauric acid, which has antibacterial properties to keep nail infections at bay. You can use coconut oil straight from the jar, applying a small amount once or twice a day to your nails and around the nail bed to hydrate.
Olive oil can be used to soak your fingertips for 15 to 20 minutes to promote moisturisation. This helps to repair brittle nails and restore moisture. For the best effects, this can be done twice a week, leaving your hands to dry naturally without wiping and then covering them with gloves overnight.
Argan oil, often dubbed 'liquid gold', is rich in oleic and linoleic acid, which are essential fatty acids that maintain the skin's natural barrier and hydration levels. It is quickly absorbed and provides deep hydration, helping to prevent brittleness and breakage. Argan oil also contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that strengthens nails and promotes healthy nail growth by neutralising free radicals that can weaken nail cells.
By moisturising your nails with these natural oils, you can improve nail health and support stronger nail growth.
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Avoid water and harsh chemicals like acetone
Water is the worst chemical for your nails. Avoid soaking your hands or nails in water for long periods. Wear gloves when cleaning or washing dishes to protect your nails from harsh chemicals and water. You can even wear gloves when showering to keep your nails dry.
When it comes to manicures, it's important to be mindful of the products you use and the techniques you employ. Improper removal of gels, for instance, can damage the nail plate and cuticle. Electric files, which are often used to remove gel manicures, can be particularly harmful. If you wish to remove a gel manicure, it is best to visit a salon that follows safe practices and uses less toxic products.
In addition, certain nail polishes and treatments contain harsh chemicals that can weaken and damage your nails. Acetone, a common ingredient in nail polish removers, can be extremely drying and damaging to your nails. To minimise the negative effects of acetone, reduce the contact time by quickly removing the polish. You can also add glycerin or an additive to the acetone to counteract its drying effect. Alternatively, apply a thick, inexpensive oil, such as coconut or olive oil, around your nails before removing the polish.
It is recommended to take breaks between manicures and to keep your nails and cuticles well-moisturised. Always remove nail polish before visiting your dermatologist, as it can interfere with their examination. Additionally, be cautious of using your nails as tools, such as opening soda cans or picking at stickers. Treat your nails gently and avoid picking or biting at them.
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Eat a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and nuts
Eating a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and nuts is essential for nail growth and strength. Nails that are weak, brittle, slow-growing, or lacklustre may indicate a deficiency in your diet.
Firstly, vitamin C is essential for collagen production, which helps provide strength and integrity to your nails. Citrus fruits such as oranges, strawberries, and kiwis are great sources of vitamin C, but if you're not a fan of fruit, green vegetables, tomatoes, and red bell peppers are also high in this nutrient.
Secondly, zinc is required for the healthy growth of your nails. A steady supply of zinc is needed to promote healthy nail growth, and a lack of zinc can cause white spots to appear on your nails. Nuts, seeds, and soy products are great plant-based sources of zinc, but animal proteins such as beef, poultry, fish, and eggs are also rich in zinc.
Thirdly, vitamin B12 plays a role in iron absorption and red blood cell development, and both iron and B12 are necessary to keep nails strong and healthy. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can result in blue nails with bluish-black pigments and brownish pigmentation. Vitamin B12 is primarily found in animal-based foods, so vegans and vegetarians should consider taking supplements.
Finally, biotin is crucial for nail health, and a biotin deficiency can cause brittle nails. Biotin is most concentrated in organ meats, but it can also be found in egg yolks, dairy products, yeast, salmon, avocado, sweet potato, nuts, seeds, and even cauliflower.
In addition to these specific vitamins and minerals, it's important to eat a well-balanced diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean sources of protein, adequate carbohydrates, and plenty of healthy fats.
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Treat nails gently and avoid using them as tools
To grow your nails at home naturally, it's important to treat your nails gently and avoid using them as tools. This means being mindful of how you use your hands in daily tasks. For example, instead of using your nails to open a can of soda, use a spoon or a cuticle stick. You can also use your knuckles for tasks such as opening pop cans, flicking light switches, or unbuckling your seatbelt.
It's also important to keep your nails dry and clean. Water is one of the worst chemicals for your nails, so it's recommended to wear gloves when doing dishes or other activities that involve soaking your hands in water. However, washing your hands is important for hygiene, so make sure to dry your hands and nails thoroughly afterward.
Another way to treat your nails gently is to be careful when filing and trimming them. Avoid filing your nails in a back-and-forth motion, as this can weaken them. Instead, file them in one direction and be gentle on the sides. When trimming your nails, use sharp manicure scissors or clippers to cut them straight across, then round the tips into a soft curve.
Additionally, it's important to moisturize your nails and cuticles to keep them healthy and strong. Cuticle oils and ointments can help nourish and protect your nails, while lotion or nail oil can be used to moisturize your hands and nails, paying special attention to the cuticle area.
By treating your nails gently, avoiding using them as tools, and keeping them well-maintained and moisturized, you can support their natural growth and strength.
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