Liam Carter
While there is no scientifically proven method to make your nails grow faster, there are several ways to encourage healthy nail growth and prevent breakage. Maintaining nail hygiene, keeping your nails dry and clean, and consuming a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins can help improve nail health and growth. Additionally, using nail strengtheners, cuticle oils, and moisturizers can enhance nail flexibility and reduce breakage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time taken to grow nails | Nails grow at an average rate of 1.62 mm per month and it takes about 12 weeks for a nail to fully grow out from cuticle to tip. |
| Factors affecting nail growth | Age, nutritional deficiencies, medication, physical activity, trauma, hormones, and underlying conditions. |
| Ways to encourage nail growth | Regular clipping, maintaining nail hygiene, moisturising nails, massaging cuticles, using nail hardeners, wearing gloves, maintaining a balanced diet, taking supplements like biotin, keratin, and prenatal vitamins, and regular manicures. |
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What You'll Learn
Consume vitamins and supplements
Consuming vitamins and supplements is an important part of maintaining healthy nails. While there is no miracle cure, certain vitamins and minerals can help to strengthen nails, making them less prone to breakage and supporting their growth.
Biotin, a B vitamin, is widely recommended for nail growth. It aids the body in processing glucose, fats, and proteins, and those with biotin deficiencies often experience brittle nails. Several studies have shown that taking a biotin supplement can improve nail thickness and hardness. Biotin is most concentrated in organ meats, egg yolk, dairy products, yeast, salmon, avocado, sweet potato, nuts, seeds, and cauliflower. The recommended daily allowance is 30 mcg for adults.
Zinc is another important mineral for nail health, as it is required for the healthy growth and replication of cells. Animal proteins are a great source of zinc, but it can also be found in certain plant foods.
Folate, another B vitamin, helps create healthy red blood cells, which increases the ability to get oxygen and nutrients to the nail beds. A folate deficiency can lead to nail discolouration or ridges in the nails. Foods rich in folate include beef liver, spinach, black-eyed peas, fortified breakfast cereals, asparagus, and Brussels sprouts.
Vitamin C is also essential for nail health, as it is needed to produce collagen, a building block for nails that lends them strength, shape, and resistance to breakage. The recommended daily allowance is 90mg for males and 75mg for females, with an additional 35mg if you are a smoker. Vitamin C can be found in red and green bell peppers, orange juice, oranges, grapefruit juice, kiwi, and broccoli.
In addition to these specific vitamins and minerals, consuming a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins, and omega-3 fatty acids is key to supporting nail health. Foods such as eggs, lean meats, fish, beans, nuts, and leafy greens provide essential nutrients for nail growth.
While consuming these nutrients through food is ideal, taking a supplement can help when you are unable to meet your nutritional needs through diet alone. In addition to biotin, there are hair, skin, and nail supplements available that can help fill nutritional gaps and support the health of your nails.
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Maintain good nail hygiene
Maintaining good nail hygiene is essential for keeping your nails healthy and strong. Here are some tips to help you maintain good nail hygiene:
Keep your nails clean and dry: Wash your hands regularly and ensure that your nails are clean and free of dirt and germs. Bacteria and fungi thrive in moist environments, so it's important to keep your nails dry to prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms. Scrub the underside of your nails with soap and water or use a nail brush each time you wash your hands.
Trim and file your nails regularly: Use sharp manicure scissors or clippers to trim your nails straight across. Then, gently round the tips of your nails into a soft curve. Filing your nails with a glass nail file or an emery board helps to smooth out any rough edges and keep your nails shaped and free of snags. Avoid biting your nails or picking at hangnails, as this can damage the nail bed and lead to infections.
Moisturize and nourish your nails: Apply cuticle oil or nourishing oils like coconut oil, olive oil, or argan oil regularly to keep your nails and cuticles hydrated. This helps to promote nail growth, strengthen your nails, and prevent breakage. Moisturize your hands and nails with lotion, paying special attention to the cuticle area.
Protect your nails: Avoid using your nails as tools, such as opening cans or reaching into tight spaces. Wear gloves when doing household chores like cleaning or washing dishes to protect your nails from harsh chemicals and excessive water exposure, which can weaken and damage your nails.
Maintain a healthy diet: 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 in your diet to provide the necessary nutrients for strong and healthy nail growth. Consider taking supplements like biotin, which is known to improve nail strength and thickness.
By following these nail hygiene tips, you can promote healthy nail growth and maintain the overall health and appearance of your nails.
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Use nail hardeners and strengtheners
Using nail hardeners and strengtheners is an effective way to grow your nails longer. Nail hardeners are short-term treatments that work to harden your nail plate—the visible part of the nail—to prevent them from splitting and breaking. They create a protective barrier on the nail, allowing your nails to grow strong and healthy. Hardeners are ideal for those who are having extreme difficulty growing their nails and are experiencing painful breakage.
Nail strengtheners, on the other hand, are great for someone who already has nails that are in good shape and wants to prevent their nails from becoming brittle or unhealthy. They contain ingredients like keratin, which penetrates between the nail layers to help strengthen the nail plate over time.
There are various nail hardeners and strengtheners available in the market, and here are some of the best ones:
- Londontown's Nail Hardener and Base Coat is a hardening polish made with rapeseed oil, vitamin A, vitamin E, and biotin. It leaves nails hydrated and nourished and serves as a protective barrier between the nail and typical nail polish.
- ONYX Professional's Hard As Hoof Nail Strengthening Cream is a lotion with a creamy texture that absorbs into the nails easily. It is formulated with moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and jojoba seed oil, leaving nails stronger and healthier-looking.
- Olive and June's Nail Strengthener helps make weak, brittle, and peeling nails feel stronger. It contains celery seed extract, which helps heal and condition the nail surface, preventing peeling, improving white spots, and diminishing ridges.
When using nail hardeners and strengtheners, it is important to start with clean nails. You can use a nail hardener as a base coat underneath your nail polish or alone. For long-term results, consistency is key. It may take a few weeks of regular use to see improvements in nail strength and resilience.
In addition to using nail hardeners and strengtheners, it is recommended to take care of your nails by keeping them clean, dry, and well-moisturized. Regular nail grooming, such as trimming and filing, can also help boost nail strength and encourage growth.
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Keep nails moisturised and well-maintained
Keeping your nails moisturised and well-maintained is essential for healthy nail growth. Here are some tips to achieve this:
Moisturise your nails regularly
Apply a moisturiser or nourishing oils to your nails and cuticles to prevent them from becoming brittle and promote healthy growth. You can use coconut oil, olive oil, argan oil, or cuticle oil. Cuticle oil helps to hydrate the nail bed and cuticle, reducing breakage and picking. Regularly massaging your nails and cuticles with these oils can strengthen your nails and promote growth.
Soak your nails in oil
In addition to moisturising with creams or ointments, you can also soak your nails in oil, such as bath oil or olive oil. This helps to deeply hydrate your nails and protect them from damage caused by air and water.
Combine oil soaking and moisturiser application
For an intensive treatment, combine oil soaking and moisturiser application. First, soak your nails in oil, then wipe off any excess oil, and finally, apply a moisturising cream. This ensures that your nails are thoroughly hydrated and protected.
Use gloves when cleaning or doing dishes
When cleaning or doing dishes, wear gloves to protect your nails from the drying effects of soap and water. Washing your hands frequently and using soap is important for hygiene, but it can also dry out your nails. Gloves act as a barrier, helping to retain moisture in your nails.
Avoid long, hot baths or showers
Hot water can be especially drying to your skin and nails, so it is advisable to avoid long exposure to it. Opt for shorter, lukewarm showers or baths to maintain your nail's moisture levels.
Take care when painting your nails
If you choose to paint your nails, be mindful of the products you use and the techniques you apply. Avoid nail polishes that contain formaldehyde, as this chemical can be harsh on your nails. Also, steer clear of nail polish removers with acetone, as it can strip your nails of their natural oils. Instead, opt for nail polishes and removers that are gentle and nourishing. Always use a base coat to prevent staining and a top coat to reduce chipping.
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Protect nails from water
Protecting your nails from water is essential for nail health. Nails absorb water, and prolonged exposure to water can weaken them, making them susceptible to peeling, splitting, and breaking. Here are some tips to protect your nails from water damage:
Firstly, keeping your nails trimmed and maintained is a good way to prevent water damage. Shorter nails have less surface area to absorb water, reducing the risk of water damage. Regularly trim your nails and file them gently to avoid splintering. Glass nail files are recommended as they are gentle on the nails and do not cause damage.
Secondly, always wear gloves when doing chores involving water, such as washing dishes or cleaning. This simple step will keep your nails dry and protected. Remember to wear gloves when swimming to shield your nails from chlorinated water or saltwater, which can be damaging.
Additionally, you can apply a protective base coat and non-breathable nail polish to create a barrier between your nails and water. A base coat is especially important if you plan to swim, as it will help prevent your nails from peeling and staining. Glitter nail polish is a good option as it is thicker and provides more protection against water and chemicals.
Nail care products can also help protect your nails. Cuticle oils, such as jojoba oil, and nourishing oils like coconut oil, olive oil, or argan oil can be massaged into the nail beds and cuticles to promote nail health and prevent breakage. Regular moisturization is key, so consider using a non-greasy hand cream with protective ingredients like shea butter to shield your nails from water damage.
Finally, be mindful of your daily activities. Using your knuckles instead of your fingertips for tasks like opening cans or flicking light switches can help reduce direct water exposure to your nails.
By following these tips, you can effectively protect your nails from water damage and promote healthy nail growth.
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Frequently asked questions
Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Foods like eggs, lean meats, fish, beans, nuts, and leafy greens can provide essential nutrients for nail health.
Keep your nails dry and clean, trim them straight across, moisturize your hands and nails with lotion, and avoid biting or cutting your nails too short.
Apply a nail hardener or nail-strengthening treatment to help strengthen and protect your nails. You can also try massaging your cuticles to maintain healthy blood flow and stimulate growth.
Yes, taking a biotin supplement can help strengthen nails and improve thickness. Keratin supplements may also help build strength and resiliency.
