Ava Monroe
Growing long, strong nails can be a challenging task, especially if your nails are prone to breaking. While there are no scientifically proven methods to make nails grow faster, there are several ways to increase nail health and prevent breakage. This includes maintaining a healthy diet, using cuticle oil, and avoiding glue-on nails and toxic nail polishes. Read on to learn more about how you can grow your nails without breakage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet | Eat a well-balanced diet with fresh fruits and vegetables, lean sources of protein, adequate carbohydrates, and plenty of healthy fats. |
| Vitamins | Ensure proper intake of vitamins including zinc, biotin, folate, and protein. |
| Hydration | Stay hydrated and use cuticle oil to avoid breakage and keep nails flexible. |
| Nail Care | Keep nails dry and clean, trim straight across and file into a soft curve, and moisturize with lotion, especially at the cuticles. |
| Products | Use non-toxic, water-based nail polishes, and avoid glue-on nails. |
| Trauma | Avoid trauma to the nails, such as catching your nail on something or hitting it. |
| Age | Younger people tend to have faster-growing nails. |
| Sex | Men and pregnant women tend to experience faster nail growth. |
| Season | Nails grow faster in the summertime. |
| Handedness | Nails on the dominant hand grow faster. |
| Finger Length | Nails on longer fingers grow faster. |
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What You'll Learn
Eat a well-balanced diet with vitamins and minerals
Eating a well-balanced diet with vitamins and minerals is crucial for maintaining nail health and promoting stronger nail growth. Nails that are fragile and refuse to grow could be a result of an unbalanced diet.
To support nail growth, ensure your diet includes vitamins such as zinc, biotin, and folate. Biotin, in particular, has been found to reduce breakage and increase overall nail health. In addition to vitamins, include lean sources of protein in your diet, such as beans, fish, and nuts. An adequate amount of carbohydrates and healthy fats are also important for overall health and can contribute to stronger nails.
It is worth noting that the rate of nail growth can vary depending on factors such as your dominant hand, age, and hormone levels. For example, nails on your dominant hand tend to grow faster due to increased usage, and younger people generally experience faster nail growth than older individuals.
While diet plays a crucial role in nail health, other factors include proper nail grooming, hydration, and avoiding nail-biting or using your nails for tasks like opening parcels. By combining a well-balanced diet with proper nail care, you can create an optimal environment for your nails to grow stronger and longer without breaking.
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Take biotin supplements
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, is an essential nutrient that supports your metabolism by helping to convert food into energy. It is also believed to promote healthy skin, nails, and hair. While most people get their recommended daily intake of biotin through their diet, some opt for supplements to boost their biotin levels.
Biotin supplements are popular among those who wish to improve the health of their hair and nails. While there is limited data on the benefits of biotin for healthy individuals, studies have shown that biotin supplementation can improve nail strength and growth in patients with underlying pathologies for poor nail growth. For example, a 2007 study found that taking 2.5 milligrams of biotin daily reduced nail breakage and improved overall nail health.
Additionally, biotin supplementation has been shown to be effective in treating brittle nail syndrome. Three reported cases demonstrated improved nail strength and growth in patients with this condition when treated with 2,500 or 3,000 micrograms of biotin per day.
It is important to note that there are no clear guidelines for how much biotin one should take for nail growth, and supplementation may not be necessary for those who obtain adequate biotin through their diet. Biotin is water-soluble, and any excess is excreted through urine. While biotin is generally considered safe and non-toxic, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before taking any new supplement.
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Keep nails dry and clean
Keeping your nails dry and clean is one of the most important ways to prevent breakage and maintain nail health. Nails, especially when long, can be a breeding ground for bacteria, especially if they are constantly exposed to moisture. This is why it is important to keep your nails dry.
When doing the dishes or any other activity that involves getting your hands wet, it is a good idea to wear gloves. This will not only keep your nails dry but also protect them from harmful chemicals in cleaning products. If your nails do come into contact with water, make sure to dry them thoroughly, paying special attention to the areas under and around the nails, as these are the spots most prone to bacteria build-up.
In addition to keeping your nails dry, it is also important to keep them clean. Regularly washing your hands and nails with soap and water is a simple way to achieve this. You can also use a soft-bristled nail brush to gently scrub your nails and remove any dirt or bacteria that may be lurking underneath. Be sure to dry your hands and nails thoroughly after washing.
Maintaining the health of your nails is also about what you avoid. Avoid biting your nails or using them to pick at things, as this can lead to breakage. Similarly, avoid using your nails as tools, such as to open packages or bottles, as this can cause chipping and weakening of the nail. Keeping your nails trimmed and filed can also help prevent breakage, as shorter nails are less likely to get caught or snagged on things.
By keeping your nails dry, clean, and well-maintained, you'll be well on your way to having strong and healthy nails that are less prone to breakage.
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Avoid glue-on nails and toxic polishes
While it may be tempting to cover up fragile nails with glue-ons, these artificial nails can weaken your real nails, making them more prone to breaking. The glue-on application can also damage the nail bed, which can cause issues for natural nail growth.
Instead of covering up your nails, it is better to focus on their health and strength. One way to do this is to avoid toxic nail polishes. These polishes can contain chemicals that can weaken the nails and increase the risk of breakage. Opt for nontoxic or water-based polishes, which are free from toxins and are less likely to cause damage. Some popular non-toxic nail polish brands include Acquarella and Suncoat.
It is also important to keep your nails well-maintained. Regular nail grooming can boost the strength of your nails, encouraging growth and reducing breakage. Keep your nails clean and dry to prevent bacteria from growing beneath them. Trim your nails straight across with sharp manicure scissors or clippers, and then use them to gently round off the tips into a soft curve.
Another way to keep your nails strong and healthy is to moisturize them regularly with lotion or cuticle oil. This will help to keep them flexible and less prone to breakage.
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Moisturise hands and nails with lotion or cuticle oil
Keeping your hands and nails moisturised is an important step in maintaining nail health and preventing breakage. Moisture loss is a major cause of nail brittleness and breakage, so it's important to keep your nails and hands well-hydrated. This is especially important if your hands and nails are frequently exposed to drying elements, such as dishwashing, sunlight, or paperwork, or cold, dry air.
Hand lotions can help to keep moisture loss to a minimum. When choosing a hand lotion, look for products that are designed to nourish and hydrate the skin, such as those containing natural oils or glycerin. Apply the lotion generously throughout the day, paying special attention to your fingernails and the cuticle area.
Cuticle oils are also excellent for nail health. Cuticles that are exposed to excessive cold, sun, chlorine, or salty or soapy water can become chapped, cracked, and dry. Cuticle oil can help to moisturise and nourish the nail and cuticle, restoring them to health. It can also increase circulation around the nails, stimulating nail growth and protecting against trauma. Cuticle oils are usually made from vegetable oils and may contain vitamins and citric acid. You only need to use a few drops, and you can apply them with a cotton ball or brush.
There are many cuticle oil products available, such as Chanel L'Huile Camélia Oil, which comes in an easy-to-use leak-free oil pen. Olive & June's Cuticle Serum is another highly-regarded product, known for its mess-free application and fast-drying formula. For a more affordable option, try a cuticle balm, such as Sally Hansen's Cuticle Rehab Oil Balm or Butter London's Quickfix Moisturizing Cuticle Balm, which also received a Best of Beauty Award in 2018.
In addition to using hand lotion and cuticle oil, remember to maintain a healthy diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. This will promote overall nail health and strength, reducing breakage and allowing your nails to grow longer and stronger.
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Frequently asked questions
You can take several steps to grow your nails without them breaking, including:
- Maintaining a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
- Keeping your nails moisturized and avoiding nail biting or cutting them too short.
- Using nail hardeners sparingly and avoiding prolonged use, as they can break down the nail over time.
- Opting for non-toxic or water-based nail polishes instead of glue-on artificial nails, which can weaken real nails.
Here are some additional tips to maintain healthy nails and prevent breakage:
- Use cuticle oil regularly to keep your nails hydrated, flexible, and less prone to breakage.
- Use a glass nail file instead of clippers to avoid potential damage caused by clipping.
- Avoid using your nails for tasks like opening parcels, as this can increase the risk of breakage.
Yes, there are a few supplements and products that can support nail growth and strength:
- Biotin: A daily intake of 2.5 milligrams of biotin has been found to reduce breakage and improve overall nail health.
- Cuticle oils: Applying oil to the cuticles and nails can help strengthen them and prevent breakage.
- Nail treatments: Products like OPI Nail Envy can aid in growing out your nails, but prolonged use may lead to hardening and brittleness.
