Caleb Foster
While there is no proven method to make your nails grow faster, there are ways to ensure they grow strong and long. One way to do this is by filing your nails into a rounded shape, which makes them less likely to snag and tear. To achieve this, file the sides of your nails toward the centre, then round out the point. The sharper the point, the more prone your nails will be to breakage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average growth rate | 3.47-3.5 millimeters per month |
| Growth rate affected by | Which hand it is, your age, hormone levels, overall health, season, etc. |
| Nutrition | A balanced diet with colourful fruit and vegetables, leafy greens, oily fish, nuts, seeds, avocado, eggs, lean meat, whole grains, and sweet potato |
| Other tips | Keep nails dry and clean, trim nails straight across and round the tips, moisturize hands and nails, avoid nail biting, wear gloves, massage cuticles, file nails into a rounded shape, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
File nails into a rounded shape
Rounded nails are a popular choice for those who want to elongate the look of their hands and fingers. This shape is also recommended for people with thin and weak nails as it is the easiest to create and the most natural-looking.
To file your nails into a rounded shape, start by trimming your nails straight across to your desired length. Make sure that you don't trim too much and cause the file to touch the skin under your nail, as this can be irritating.
Next, hold your nail file at a 45-degree angle to the nail bed and gently file the corners, gradually rounding them until the edges are smooth and even. As you work, alternate filing either side of the nail to ensure a smooth and symmetrical curve. For example, file 10 strokes on one side, then 10 strokes on the other.
Finally, use your nail file to shape the tips of your nails into a rounded shape. Hold the file at a 90-degree angle to the nail bed and gently file the tip of each nail, rounding it off to create a smooth, even curve.
It is recommended that you only file your nails once every couple of weeks to prevent weakening or damaging them. Glass nail files are more hygienic than emery boards, and their fine grit allows for more precise filing.
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Keep nails dry and clean
Keeping your nails clean and dry is essential for maintaining good nail hygiene. Nails are a breeding ground for dirt, bacteria, dead skin cells, and other unwanted materials. Here are some tips to keep your nails clean and dry:
Wash your hands and nails regularly
Use soap and lukewarm water to wash your hands and nails. Avoid extremely hot or cold water as it can be drying for your hands and nails. Pay attention to your nails when you wash your hands and use a loofah, sponge, or washcloth to properly clean around your fingernails and toenails. If you don't shower daily, consider soaking your feet in lukewarm water and soap to dislodge dirt from underneath your toenails.
Dry your hands and nails thoroughly
After washing your hands and nails, dry them thoroughly. This minimizes the likelihood of a nail infection and prevents water from softening your nails too much.
Moisturize your nails and cuticles
Apply moisturizer to your hands, nails, and cuticles. This will keep your nails flexible and healthy. Look for products that contain lanolin, or use oils such as almond, vitamin E, or coconut oil.
Wear gloves and socks
When performing household tasks, wear cotton-lined rubber gloves to protect your nails from damage. After moisturizing your feet, allow the lotion to dry and spread evenly before putting on socks.
Trim your nails regularly
Trim your fingernails and toenails regularly to maintain steady and strong nail growth. Toenails are harder to reach and keep clean, so trim them after a bath or foot soak when they are softer and easier to cut.
Avoid harmful chemicals and practices
Avoid using your teeth as nail clippers, as this can introduce bacteria to your nails and damage your teeth. Avoid nail polishes with toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate, and toluene, as they can make your nails brittle and cause splitting. Choose an acetone-free nail polish remover, and avoid shaking nail polish bottles before use, as this can cause bubbles to form on your nails when you paint them.
By following these tips, you can keep your nails clean, dry, and healthy.
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Eat a balanced diet
Eating a balanced diet is essential for healthy nail growth. Nails are made of a protein called keratin, which is also found in our skin and hair. When our bodies receive the right nutrients, our nails, skin, and hair grow stronger and healthier.
A well-balanced diet should include protein, water, fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals. Protein-rich foods are necessary for maintaining strong and healthy nails. Good plant-based sources of protein include tofu, lentils, quinoa, soya, raw nuts, and seeds. Good animal sources include organic chicken, eggs, lean red meat, and fish.
In addition to protein, vitamins and minerals are crucial for nail health. B vitamins, including biotin, folate, vitamin B12, and B6, are vital for cell function and promote healthy nail growth. Vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with nail dryness, curved nail ends, and darkening of the fingernails. Antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, and E are also important for nail health. Vitamin C helps build collagen and acts as an antioxidant, while vitamin E boosts collagen production and enhances the body's anti-inflammatory response.
Iron is another essential mineral for nail growth. Low iron levels can lead to brittle, dry, and fragile nails. Ensuring sufficient iron intake, along with vitamin C to aid absorption, can boost nail growth and prevent hangnails. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are also beneficial, providing moisture and nourishment to nails, making them appear shinier and healthier.
Overall, a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrients is key to supporting nail health and promoting strong, healthy nail growth.
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Massage cuticles
Massaging your cuticles is an important step in maintaining nail health. Cuticles are the skin that borders the bottom of your nail, keeping the nail in place and protecting it as it grows.
To massage your cuticles, start by softening them by soaking them in warm, soapy water. You can then use a cotton ball or brush to apply a few drops of cuticle oil to each cuticle. Cuticle oil is a moisturising product that can increase circulation around your nails, stimulating nail growth and protecting your nail and cuticle against trauma. It can also help to improve the health and appearance of your nails and protect your nail polish. Cuticle oils are commonly made from vegetable oils and sometimes contain vitamins and citric acid. Massage the oil into your cuticles for a few minutes.
Massaging your cuticles will improve blood flow to the nail bed, strengthening the nail and keeping it healthier and stronger for longer. This will help to prevent your nails from breaking and chipping. It is important to avoid cutting your cuticles, as this can lead to bleeding and infection. Instead, keep them moisturised and push them back after softening them.
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Wear gloves when washing dishes or in harsh weather
To grow your nails round and maintain their shape, it is important to wear gloves when washing dishes or in harsh weather. This is because wearing gloves can protect your nails and hands from harsh chemicals, hot water, and cold weather, all of which can cause your nails to become brittle and break more easily.
When washing dishes, the hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving your hands and nails dry, rough, and grimy. Wearing gloves can act as a barrier, preventing the water from coming into direct contact with your skin and nails. Gloves can also protect your nails from the harsh chemicals found in cleaning products, which can be especially important if you have sensitive skin. Even if you wash your hands after cleaning, the germs and bacteria from the dishes and cleaning products can still affect your nails and skin if you don't use gloves.
In harsh weather, wearing gloves can help to keep your nails and hands warm and protected from the cold, dry air. Cold weather can cause your nails to become dry and brittle, making them more prone to breakage. Gloves create a physical barrier that helps to retain moisture and prevent your nails from drying out.
It is recommended to have separate pairs of gloves for different tasks, such as dishwashing and other household chores. This helps to maintain good hygiene and prevent the spread of germs. When choosing gloves, opt for ones that are durable, waterproof, and comfortable. Gloves with a gentle cotton or fabric lining are ideal for those with sensitive skin.
By wearing gloves when washing dishes or in harsh weather, you can help protect your nails from damage and keep them strong and healthy, which is essential for maintaining their round shape as they grow.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no scientifically proven method to make your nails grow faster. However, you can ensure that they grow as long as possible by taking good care of your body through proper nutrition and nail care.
A nutritious diet rich in a variety of colourful fruit and vegetables, leafy greens, oily fish, nuts, seeds, avocado, eggs, lean meat, whole grains and sweet potato will help your nails grow long and strong. Nails are made of a hard protein called keratin, so make sure you're getting enough protein in your diet.
File your nails into a rounded shape so they are less likely to snag and tear. Avoid the "square" look as this shape tends to catch more on surfaces, which can cause the nail to break more quickly.
Keep your nails moisturised and trim away tears and rough edges. Massage your cuticles to improve blood flow to the nail bed and always soften them by soaking in warm, soapy water before pushing them back. You can also apply a nail hardener to strengthen your nails and prevent them from chipping and breaking.
