Noah Sinclair
Growing thicker nails requires a combination of patience, proper nutrition, and nail care. While nails typically take 4 to 6 months to grow out completely, you can expedite the process and improve their thickness by adopting healthy habits. This includes maintaining a nutritious diet with adequate protein, calcium, and biotin, either through food or supplements. Additionally, protecting your nails from water damage, avoiding harsh chemicals, and using nail-strengthening products can contribute to thicker and stronger nails over time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken to grow thicker nails | 4-9 months |
| Vitamins | Biotin, B vitamins, folic acid |
| Food sources | Whole grains, mushrooms, bananas, salmon, avocado, almonds, peanuts, Swiss chard, eggs, red meat, cheese |
| Supplements | Calcium, multivitamins, biotin |
| Lotions | Cuticle oil, non-acetone nail polish remover, chemical-free lotions |
| Nail products | Base coat, top coat, clear nail strengthening product, nail strengthening cream or polish, nail file |
| Other tips | Nails are jewels, not tools; avoid gel manicures, use a dry manicure |
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What You'll Learn
Consume nail-strengthening vitamins and supplements
Consuming nail-strengthening vitamins and supplements is a great way to improve nail health. Biotin supplements are the only type shown to have a possible effect on nail health. They are known to help strengthen brittle nails and improve their growth. Vitamin B12 and folate (vitamin B9) are also important for nail health, as they contribute to red blood cell formation and new cell development. A deficiency in these vitamins can lead to pigment changes and brittle nails.
In addition to biotin, vitamin B, and folate supplements, consuming a balanced diet with a variety of nutrients is essential for nail health. This includes incorporating healthy fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals into your daily meals. Nails are primarily made of protein, so consuming adequate amounts of protein is crucial for nail growth and strength.
Calcium supplements are another option to consider, as they are natural, inexpensive, and easily available. However, it is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your individual needs.
While taking supplements can be beneficial, it is important to be mindful of potential interactions and side effects. For example, consuming too much of one vitamin or taking unnecessary supplements can lead to the depletion of other important nutrients. Therefore, it is generally recommended to prioritise obtaining nutrients from a well-rounded diet, and use supplements to fill in any gaps in your nutrition as needed.
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Use nail strengthening products
Using nail-strengthening products can be an effective way to promote nail growth and durability. These products typically contain ingredients that reinforce the nail's natural keratin structure, making them stronger and more resistant to breakage.
One option is to use a nail-strengthening treatment or polish, which can be applied directly to the nails. Look for products containing ingredients like keratin, wheat protein, or calcium. For example, ORLY Nailtrition Nail Growth Treatment is a popular choice that strengthens nails and supports growth while adding a subtle shimmery finish. For a high-shine finish, keratin-enriched Lights Lacquer Magic Strengthener is another option that can be applied once a week.
If you're looking for a more intensive treatment, consider Duri's growth treatment, which contains hydrolyzed wheat protein, hydrolyzed soy protein, and calcium. This formula is designed for daily application over seven days and creates a protective coat to seal in moisture, promoting nail flexibility and reducing brittleness.
In addition to these treatments, you can also use nail lotions and oils to moisturize and nourish your nails, which is essential for maintaining nail health. Cuticle oils, in particular, can help repair and strengthen weak nails.
While over-the-counter nail hardeners can provide short-term results, prescription strengtheners are recommended for long-term use. These contain chemicals that increase nail strength and prevent future brittleness by trapping moisture. Consult with your doctor or dermatologist to determine the best option for your specific needs.
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Protect nails from water and chemicals
Protecting your nails from water and chemicals is essential for nail health. Nails can absorb water, which weakens the bonds in your nails over time. Chlorinated water can be even more damaging because chlorine strips nails of their natural oils, leading to dehydrated cuticles and soft nails that split and peel easily.
To protect your nails from water damage, you can:
- Wear gloves when performing tasks that involve water, such as washing dishes or swimming.
- Apply a layer of topcoat to your nails before swimming to harden and strengthen them and block water from penetrating.
- Use a base coat and a top coat when painting your nails to create multiple cured layers between the nail and the water. Look for a base coat formulated with plant extracts (like aloe, coconut water, prickly pear), glycerin, hyaluronic acid, beeswax, and nourishing oils like castor and coconut oil.
- Avoid further drying out your nails with acetone-based nail polish removers.
Additionally, chemicals in nail products, such as harsh ingredients like toluene, formaldehyde, and DBP in nail polishes, and the use of curing lights and acetone in acrylic nail applications, can damage your nails. To protect your nails from chemical damage, you can:
- Opt for gentler alternatives, such as non-damaging press-on nails instead of acrylics.
- Choose long-wearing nail polish formulas that are "7-free," meaning they don't contain many of the harsh chemicals typically found in nail polishes.
- Take nail supplements that contain vitamins and biotin to support nail growth and strengthen your nails from within.
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Maintain a nutritional diet
Maintaining a nutritional diet is key to growing thicker nails. This involves eating foods that contain essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that promote nail growth and strength. Here are some dietary tips to help you achieve thicker and healthier nails:
Firstly, ensure your diet includes adequate protein and calcium. These nutrients are fundamental for stronger nails. Calcium can be easily incorporated as a supplement or through dairy products, leafy greens, and calcium-fortified foods. Protein-rich foods such as lean meats, fish, eggs, and legumes will also contribute to nail strength.
Secondly, focus on consuming biotin, also known as Vitamin H. Biotin promotes nail growth and strength. It is recommended to consume between 2000 to 3000 micrograms of biotin daily, either through supplements or dietary sources. Biotin-rich foods include whole grains, mushrooms, bananas, salmon, avocados, almonds, peanuts, and eggs.
Additionally, include folic acid in your diet. Foods such as fish, red meat, and cheese are rich in folic acid, which is known to promote nail growth. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and certain plant sources like flaxseeds and walnuts, are also beneficial for overall nail health.
It is important to remember that results may vary depending on individual factors, and it can take several months to notice significant changes in nail thickness. Along with a nutritional diet, protect your nails from damage, avoid harsh chemicals, and consider using nail-strengthening products for optimal results.
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Keep nails short and file gently
Keeping nails short is a good way to prevent breakage. Long nails are more susceptible to damage, and are more likely to get "traumatized". Nails can take anywhere from 4 to 6 months to grow out completely, so it is important to be patient and careful with your nails during this time.
If your nails are weak, it is best to keep them short and allow them to get into better shape before growing them out. This can be achieved by using a nail file. Filing your nails will help to prevent cracks and tears that can be caused by nail clippers. It is recommended to file your nails a little bit every week or two to keep them from breaking.
When filing, use a gentle nail file and rub it against the finer, gentler side of your nail. Using the abrasive side of the file on thin nails will cause them to tear or peel. Never file your nails when they are wet, as this can also cause damage. Filing your nails in a basic, round shape will help to prevent breakage.
It is also important to note that the health of your nails is influenced by the products you use on your hands. Opt for chemical-free lotions and acetone-free nail polish removers to protect your nails' natural barrier.
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Frequently asked questions
Growing thicker nails requires a lot of patience and care. Firstly, it is important to protect your nails from damage by avoiding harsh chemicals and keeping them dry. You should also apply a strengthening cream or polish, or brush a clear nail-strengthening product on your nails every day.
Avoid using your nails to open, peel, or scrape things. You should also avoid using nail clippers as they can create tiny cracks and tears in your nails. Instead, use a gentle nail file to shape your nails.
You can find supplements designed to strengthen and thicken nails at most grocery stores, pharmacies, and online. These supplements usually contain biotin, vitamins A, D, E, and iron. You can also apply nail polish to add temporary thickness and strength.
