Sophia Delgado
Long, strong, and healthy nails are desired by many, but achieving this can be challenging. There are many factors that can contribute to nails that refuse to grow, such as improper gel removal, certain medications, and an unbalanced diet. However, there are three simple steps that can help you grow your nails:
1. Moisturize your nails and cuticles: Applying a thick, creamy lotion or natural oils such as coconut oil, olive oil, or argan oil can promote nail growth and strengthen your nails.
2. Take care of your cuticles: The cuticle protects your nails from infection, so it is important not to cut them. Instead, soften them by soaking your fingertips in warm water and gently pushing them back.
3. Strengthen your nails: Apply a nail hardener to prevent chips and breaks, allowing your nails to grow longer. You can also incorporate biotin-rich foods such as sardines, nuts, and leafy greens into your diet to strengthen your nails.
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What You'll Learn
Consume vitamins and minerals
Consuming vitamins and minerals is key to achieving healthy and strong nails. Nutritional deficiencies can lead to thin and brittle nails, discomfort or pain, and an increased risk of infection.
To promote nail growth, ensure you are consuming enough vitamin C, as this is essential for collagen production, which helps provide strength and integrity to your nails. Vitamin C can be found in oranges, strawberries, and spinach. Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant, helps improve blood circulation and promotes healthy nail growth, while also moisturizing and nourishing the nails to prevent breakage.
Zinc is another essential mineral for nail growth, as it is required for the growth and division of cells, including the cells that make up your nails. A lack of zinc can cause white spots on nails and slow nail growth. Animal proteins such as beef, poultry, fish, and eggs are rich sources of zinc, but it can also be found in plant foods like soy, chickpeas, black beans, nuts, and seeds.
Iron is another critical mineral for nail health, as it is needed to provide your cells with adequate oxygen, which is necessary for nail growth. An iron deficiency can lead to brittle nails or ridges. You can increase your iron intake by consuming red meat, poultry, seafood, and leafy green vegetables.
Biotin, a type of B vitamin, is also important for nail health, as it allows the body to convert food into energy. Biotin-rich foods include sardines, nuts and nut butters, soy, beans, cauliflower, and mushrooms.
While supplements are available to support nail health, scientific evidence is lacking, and it is generally recommended to obtain your vitamins and minerals from food sources.
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Moisturise and use oils
Moisturising your nails and cuticles is a crucial step in achieving healthy, longer nails. Moisturised nails are less prone to breakage and chipping, which means they can grow longer and stronger.
It is recommended to moisturise your hands and nails a few times a day, especially after washing your hands, as soap can strip away natural oils, making nails more vulnerable to breakage. When applying lotion, pay special attention to your nails and cuticles, massaging them gently. A thick, creamy lotion is ideal for this purpose.
Cuticle oils are also an excellent way to moisturise and nourish your nails. They hydrate the cuticle and nail bed, promoting nail health and flexibility. You can use specific cuticle oils or natural oils like coconut oil, olive oil, or argan oil. Massaging these oils into your nails and cuticles can strengthen them and promote growth.
Additionally, you can create a nourishing nail soak by mixing a tablespoon of lemon juice and three tablespoons of olive oil. Heat the mixture for about 15-20 seconds and soak your nails in it for around 10 minutes. Lemon juice contains vitamin C, which promotes healthy nail growth, and it can also help remove any yellow stains.
Remember, a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins is essential for nail health. Include foods like eggs, lean meats, fish, beans, nuts, and leafy greens to provide essential nutrients for stronger and healthier nails.
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File instead of cutting
Filing your nails is generally considered a better option than cutting them with nail clippers or scissors. Filing keeps the shape of your nails without sacrificing length. This is because filing softens the edges of your nails, reducing the risk of breakage, splitting, or snagging.
When filing your nails, it is important to remember to file in one direction, rather than in a sawing motion. This is because sawing back and forth can weaken and damage your nails, creating uneven grooves. It is also recommended to hold the file at a slight angle to the edge of your nail.
If you are looking to shorten very long nails, it is best to use a file to trim them, as it is much gentler than using a cutting tool. A glass file is the best option, as it leaves a smoother edge and is easier to clean. However, any type of nail file should work. Metal nail files, for example, are very abrasive and can be useful for thicker nails. However, they should not be used on natural nails as they can easily tear and damage them.
If you do choose to cut your nails, it is important to use a high-quality tool that is specifically designed for cutting fingernails. It is also crucial to sanitise your tools regularly by wiping them with disinfectant or soap and warm water.
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Avoid bad habits
Bad habits can hinder your nail growth journey. Here are some tips to avoid them:
- Biting your nails: Nail biting is a common habit that can be detrimental to nail health. It can lead to uneven nail shapes and hinder the growth process. To prevent nail biting, consider using a bitter-tasting polish or liquid as a deterrent. The unpleasant taste will discourage you from putting your fingers in your mouth.
- Picking at your manicure: It can be tempting to pick at an old manicure, but this can damage your nails. Instead, use a gentle nail polish remover and avoid those with high concentrations of acetone, as they can be harsh and drying.
- Gel manicures: While gel manicures can provide a long-lasting finish, they can also damage the nail bed. Opt for regular or shellac polish to give your nails a break and promote healthier growth.
- Excessive buffing or filing: While gentle filing can help maintain nail shape, excessive buffing or filing can thin out your nails. Use a gentle nail file sparingly, and avoid overdoing it to prevent weakening your nails.
- Cutting cuticles: The cuticle protects your nails from infection. Cutting or pushing back your cuticles without softening them first can lead to bleeding and increase the risk of infection. Instead, soften your cuticles by soaking your fingertips in warm water and soap, then gently push them back with an orange-tipped cuticle pusher.
- Nutritional deficiencies: A diet lacking essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins can impact nail health and growth. Ensure you consume a balanced diet rich in nutrients to support nail health. Include foods such as eggs, lean meats, fish, beans, nuts, and leafy greens.
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Use nail hardener
Using a nail hardener is a great way to strengthen and protect your nails while they grow. Nail hardeners are a specific nail care solution used to fortify weak, brittle nails. They typically build a protective barrier on the nails, shielding them from potentially damaging external elements like water, chemicals, and general wear and tear. This protective coating also helps prevent the loss of moisture, a key cause of nail weakness.
To effectively use a nail hardener, start by removing any existing nail polish or residue from your nails using a gentle nail polish remover. This ensures that the nail hardener can properly adhere to the nail surface. Next, use a nail clipper or file to trim your nails to your desired length, shaping them with a nail file by gently rounding the edges or creating your desired shape.
Once your nails are clean and shaped, you can apply the nail hardener. Nail hardeners are usually transparent or translucent and are applied just like nail polish. You can use a nail hardener as a base coat underneath your nail polish, or you can use it alone. Typically, you apply nail hardener once a week to encourage healthy nail growth. Remember to always follow the instructions provided by the specific nail hardener product you are using, as different products may have slightly different application techniques and drying times.
While nail hardeners can be a great tool to help strengthen your nails, they are not a perfect solution and may not be suitable for everyone. Consistent or excessive use can have the opposite of the intended effect, potentially damaging your nails or causing dryness. It is important to use nail hardeners as directed and to rule out any serious health concerns that may be contributing to nail weakness.
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