Ava Monroe
Growing your nails can be a tricky business, especially if you're prone to breakage or splitting. But there are plenty of ways to get your nails into tip-top shape. From a nutritional perspective, it's important to eat a healthy, balanced diet that includes vitamins A, E, and D, as well as fats, iron, and protein. Some specific vitamins, like folic acid (vitamin B9) and biotin, can also help with nail growth and strength. But it's not just about what you eat—you also have to consider how you treat your nails. Using cuticle oil regularly, wearing gloves when cleaning, and limiting your use of nail polish and nail polish remover can all help to improve the health and appearance of your nails.
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What You'll Learn
Consume nail-strengthening vitamins and supplements
Consuming vitamins and supplements can be a great way to strengthen your nails and promote growth. Biotin is a popular supplement for nail growth and can be found in many nail-strengthening products. Biotin can also be consumed through food; it is most concentrated in organ meats such as liver, but it can also be found in egg yolks, dairy products, yeast, salmon, avocado, sweet potato, nuts, seeds, and cauliflower.
Vitamin B9, also known as folic acid, is another supplement that can aid nail growth. This vitamin repairs and multiplies the cells that make up nails, which speeds up growth and promotes overall nail health. Folic acid can be found in beans and whole grains, or it can be purchased over the counter as a supplement.
Vitamin B12 is crucial for maintaining nail health. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to darkened nails, ridges, and curvature. Vitamin B12 can be found in animal proteins, such as red meat, poultry, and seafood.
Zinc is another important mineral required for the healthy growth of nails. A lack of zinc can cause white spots on nails and slow nail growth. Zinc can be found in animal proteins and certain plant foods, such as whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
Other vitamins and supplements that can aid nail growth and strength include vitamin C, vitamin E, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids. Vitamin C is necessary for collagen production, which contributes to nail strength. Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that helps improve blood circulation and promotes healthy nail growth, while also moisturizing and nourishing the nails. Iron is essential for oxygen transportation to the cells responsible for nail growth, and omega-3 fatty acids help keep nails moisturized from the inside out, preventing dryness and brittleness.
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Use cuticle oil
Using cuticle oil is an important step in growing and maintaining healthy nails. Cuticle oil is a moisturising product typically derived from vegetable oils, such as sunflower oil, olive oil, and sweet almond oil. It can also contain vitamins and citric acid.
Cuticle oil works by hydrating the cuticle and nail bed, increasing circulation around the nails, and stimulating nail growth. It can help to protect your nails and cuticles from trauma and prevent bacterial and fungal growth. The oil can also improve the health and appearance of your nails, making them stronger and healthier.
To use cuticle oil, simply apply a few drops to each cuticle and massage it in for a few minutes. It is recommended to use cuticle oil regularly, especially if your nails and cuticles are feeling dry. Cuticle oil can also be applied after manicures to protect your nails from chipping or fading and to prolong the life of your nail polish.
When choosing a cuticle oil, look for one that contains natural oils and is free from synthetic preservatives, scents, and colouring. Jojoba-based cuticle oils are particularly effective as their molecules are similar to the sebum produced by our bodies, allowing them to be absorbed more easily.
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Wear gloves when cleaning
Water is the worst possible chemical for your nails, so it's important to protect them when cleaning. Wearing gloves when cleaning and doing the dishes is a simple yet effective way to shield your nails from water damage. It takes seconds to put on gloves, but the payoff is strong, healthy nails.
Disposable nitrile gloves are a popular choice for nail technicians and are also useful for household cleaning tasks. They are designed for short-term use and should be discarded after use. This helps to prevent cross-contamination and protects your nails from the damp atmosphere created by wearing gloves for extended periods, which can cause nail problems.
When wearing gloves, refrain from touching surfaces to maintain hygiene. Always disinfect all areas before putting on a new pair of gloves, and ensure your hands are washed and completely dry.
If you're gardening, you might prefer to use blue medical gloves, which are like a second skin and make it easier to grip tools and plants. You can also try scraping your fingernails along a bar of soap to create a barrier that keeps dirt from getting trapped under your nails.
By wearing gloves when cleaning, you can protect your nails from water damage and keep them strong and healthy.
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Moisturise your hands
Moisturising your hands and nails is essential for nail growth and health. According to session manicurist Ama Quashie, "To have strong nails, they need to be healthy – and to be healthy, they need to be hydrated."
Water exposure can weaken the structure of your nails, so it's important to protect your hands and nails by wearing gloves when washing dishes or cleaning. You should also apply moisturiser immediately after your nails are exposed to water. Look for hand creams or moisturisers with ingredients like urea, phospholipids, or lactic acid to help prevent cracking. Vitamin E and petroleum jelly are also good options to rub into your cuticles at night.
Oils tend to absorb better into the nail than creams, so consider using products with sunflower oil or Brazil nut oil, which are phospholipids that increase nail flexibility and combat dryness. Cuticle oils, such as jojoba-based oils, are also excellent for nail hydration as their molecules are similar to our own sebum. Applying cuticle oil regularly can help strengthen your nails and prevent breakage.
Exfoliation is another important step in nail care. Just like the skin on your body, your nail cells can become separated and peel, so exfoliation can help remove dead skin and improve the appearance of your nails. When exfoliating and moisturising, make sure to massage the product into your nails to stimulate blood circulation and encourage healthy nail growth.
In addition to external care, your diet can also impact the moisture levels in your nails. According to skincare expert Wang, "To prevent dry and brittle nails, eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, walnuts, soy, eggs, and seeds."
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File your nails with a glass nail file
Glass nail files are a great way to keep your nails healthy and strong. They are made from tempered glass and have a slightly gritty texture, which is used for filing. The fine, smooth surface of the glass gently seals the keratin layers at the edge of the nail, helping to prevent splitting and peeling. This style of filing is precise and effective, resulting in a quicker, easier, and less damaging filing process.
To use a glass nail file, start by washing your hands thoroughly to remove any dirt or oils that could get in the way of a close file. Dry your hands and nails completely with a clean towel. Then, select a high-quality glass nail file that's clean and free from any cracks or chips. Hold the file at a slight angle to your nail, gripping it firmly but comfortably to maintain control. Decide on the shape you want your nails to take, then gently sculpt your nails' edges with the file. After achieving the desired shape, use the file to smooth out any rough edges and lightly file the tips to ensure they are even and snag-free.
Glass nail files are durable, easy to clean, and more sustainable than traditional emery boards. They are suitable for natural, acrylic, and gel nails, and can be used in both directions without causing damage. With proper care, a high-quality glass nail file can last for years. To clean your glass nail file, rinse it under warm water and use a soft brush with mild soap or 70% isopropyl alcohol for deeper cleaning. Allow the file to air dry or pat it dry with a clean towel before storing it away.
Using a glass nail file is a great way to maintain healthy nails and achieve salon-quality results at home. It is a durable, eco-friendly, and effective tool that can help you grow and maintain strong, healthy nails.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many ways to help your nails grow faster and stronger. Firstly, you can use a nail/cuticle oil regularly, especially one that is jojoba-based as it can be absorbed better. You can also try to improve your diet by eating nutritious foods such as beans and whole grains, which are rich in folic acid (vitamin B9).
You can try using a builder gel (BIAB) which lends strength and structure to your natural nails. It also has a forgiving, less damaging removal process.
You should try to treat your nails kindly. Wear gloves when cleaning and avoid soaking your hands or nails for too long. You should also try to limit your use of nail polish and nail polish remover.
