Isla Bennett
While nails only grow about 3.5 millimetres per month, there are ways to help them reach their maximum growth potential in a week. To grow long nails, it's important to prevent damage and keep them strong and healthy. This can be done by eating a diet rich in calcium and protein, taking biotin supplements, and moisturising cuticles with oils such as apricot, coconut, or sweet almond. Additionally, avoiding nail biting and getting manicures while they're growing out can help. For those who regularly wear gel nails, proper removal is key, and it's best not to over-file them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet | Calcium-rich (dairy products and green vegetables), protein-rich (lean meats, eggs, beans, peas, nuts, and seeds) |
| Supplements | Biotin, collagen, or iron (if diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia) |
| Nail care | Moisturize cuticles with oil (apricot, coconut, or sweet almond), avoid manicures, don't bite nails |
| Medical advice | Consult a doctor for vitamin deficiency testing and advice on supplements |
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What You'll Learn
Consume vitamins and calcium-rich foods
Consuming vitamins and calcium-rich foods is essential for achieving long, strong, and healthy nails. While there are many nail-strengthening supplements on the market, scientific evidence is lacking. Thus, it is best to obtain these nutrients from nutrient-rich foods.
Biotin, a B-complex vitamin, is a well-known supplement for strengthening nails and promoting growth. However, you can also incorporate biotin-rich foods into your diet, such as liver, egg yolk, dairy, salmon, avocado, sweet potato, nuts, and seeds. Folate and other B vitamins like B-12 are also essential for optimal nail health. These vitamins encourage red blood cell development, which brings oxygen to your nails. Include green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, beans, lentils, avocado, nuts, and seeds in your diet to boost your folate and B-vitamin intake.
Vitamin C is another crucial vitamin for nail health. It is essential for collagen production, which helps provide strength and integrity to your nails. Citrus fruits, tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, broccoli, and strawberries are excellent sources of vitamin C. Additionally, pairing iron-rich foods with vitamin C can increase iron absorption and improve nail health.
Zinc is necessary for cell growth and division, which are critical for healthy nail growth. Animal proteins like beef, poultry, fish, and eggs are rich in zinc. However, you can also obtain zinc from plant sources like soy, chickpeas, black beans, nuts, and seeds.
Finally, calcium is essential for nail health. If your nails are brittle and weak, you may need more calcium in your diet. Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese are excellent sources of calcium. Additionally, leafy greens such as kale, collard greens, and broccoli can provide you with a good amount of calcium.
Incorporating these vitamins and calcium-rich foods into your diet will help promote nail growth and strength, contributing to your goal of achieving long nails in a week.
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Moisturise cuticles with oils
Moisturising your cuticles with oils is an important step in achieving long nails in a week. Cuticle oils are a great way to moisturise your nails and cuticles, keeping them healthy and promoting nail growth. They are typically made from vegetable oils and may contain vitamins and citric acid, which help nourish and strengthen your nails.
Cuticles can become dry, cracked, and chapped due to excessive exposure to cold temperatures, sunlight, chlorine, or salty and soapy water. In such cases, applying cuticle oil can help restore moisture and repair damage. It can also protect your nails and cuticles from trauma and improve their overall health and appearance.
There are various cuticle oils available in the market, each with its unique blend of ingredients. Some popular options include OPI's cuticle oil, which contains avocado, grapeseed, and sunflower oils, and Sally Hansen's cuticle oil, which has nourishing ingredients like vitamin E and aloe. You can also find cuticle oils with jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, and vitamin E, which provide intense hydration.
When choosing a cuticle oil, consider your specific needs. If you have extremely dry cuticles, look for oils with added vitamins or antioxidants, such as Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream or Dior Crème Abricot. For convenience and ease of application, opt for oils with brush or sponge applicators to ensure a mess-free experience.
To use cuticle oil, simply dab a small amount onto your cuticles and rub it in. You only need a few drops as a little goes a long way. Applying cuticle oil daily can help keep your nails and cuticles healthy, hydrated, and protected, contributing to their overall growth and strength.
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Avoid biting nails
Growing long nails can be frustrating as nails only grow about 3.5 millimetres per month. While there is not much you can do to speed up the natural growth of your nails, preventing nail damage is key to achieving long nails. One of the most common causes of nail damage is biting your nails. Here are some tips to help you stop biting your nails:
Identify your triggers
Nail biting is often a nervous habit, so finding out what triggers the habit can help you reduce the urge to bite your nails. Are you more likely to bite your nails when you are bored, anxious, or feeling down? Once you know your triggers, you can either avoid them or find other ways to cope with your feelings.
Keep your hands or mouth busy
If you are nervous, try keeping your hands busy by fiddling with a stress ball, a worry stone, or even a pen. Alternatively, you can try chewing gum to keep your mouth occupied.
Cut your nails short
If there is not enough nail to grab with your teeth, it will be harder to bite your nails. You can also coat them with a bitter-tasting nail polish.
Wear gloves or stickers
If you cannot bite your nails, you won't be able to damage them. If wearing gloves is not practical for you, you can use stickers designed to cover your nails.
Moisturise your nails and cuticles
Applying cuticle oil and balm can help reduce the temptation to bite your nails, as you may not want to mess up your healthy nails and cuticles.
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File nails correctly
Filing your nails is easy and helps keep them healthy and presentable. Here is a detailed guide on how to file your nails correctly:
Choosing a Nail File
With so many different nail files available, it can be challenging to decide which one to use. Avoid metal, glass, or crystal nail files as they are not flexible and can be too rough on your nails, causing breakage. Instead, opt for an emery cushion board with a soft grit of around 180 to 200. These boards are gentler on your nails and provide more control when shaping them.
Preparing Your Nails
Before you start filing, it is important to clean and dry your nails properly. Wash your hands with soap and warm water, paying extra attention to your nails and the area underneath them to remove any oil or debris. Make sure your nails are completely dry before filing, as wet nails can become softer and more prone to breakage.
Filing Technique
When filing your nails, always start from the outside corner and move towards the middle of the nail. Imagine your nail divided into two sections and file each side separately to achieve a smooth and even shape. File in single strokes along the grain of your nail, using smooth strokes in a single direction. Avoid using a back-and-forth sawing motion, as this can lead to tears or breakages.
Hand Placement
When filing your nails, hold your hand as if someone else is shaping them. Position your fingers so that the tips are facing inward and towards you, rather than outward and away from you. This will give you a better view of your work and help you achieve a more precise shape.
Nail Shape
The shape you choose for your nails is a personal preference, but it can also depend on the natural shape of your nail bed. If your nail bed is mostly straight, a soft square shape is a good choice. If your nail bed goes deeper into the sidewalls, opt for a round or oval shape. For rounded or pointed shapes, start by filing the outside edges and work your way towards the center to create a smooth curve.
Remember, practice makes perfect, and taking your time when filing will help prevent over-filing and damage to your nails.
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Use builder gel
Using builder gel is a great way to grow your nails and keep them strong and healthy. Builder gel is a type of hard gel that is more durable and long-lasting than regular gel nail polish. It strengthens and lengthens your natural nails while protecting them from damage.
If you're a nail-biter, builder gel can help you resist the urge to bite your nails as it is too rigid to bite through. It also makes your nails chip-proof, allowing them to withstand nail-biting, household chores, typing, and other activities for about three to five weeks.
To use builder gel, follow these steps:
- Prepare your nails by ensuring they are clean and free of any old nail polish or residue.
- Apply a base coat or nail strengthener to create a strong and healthy base for the builder gel.
- Paint on the builder gel, staying away from the cuticle and ensuring you cover the free edge.
- Allow the gel to self-level and settle for a few seconds to ensure even application.
- Cure your nails under an LED/UV lamp according to the instructions provided with your chosen builder gel.
- Apply a second coat of builder gel if needed and cure again.
- Clean your nails with a lint-free wipe and isopropyl alcohol to remove any tackiness.
- File your nails to perfect the desired shape and even out any areas that may be too thick.
- Apply a colour or top coat of your choice to add shine and protection.
It is important to note that the removal of builder gel typically involves filing or soaking it off with acetone, which can make your nails dry or brittle. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain proper nail care and ensure that your nails are in good condition before and after using builder gel.
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Frequently asked questions
Unfortunately, there is not much you can do to speed up the natural growth of your nails, as they only grow about 3.5 millimetres per month. However, you can help them reach their maximum potential growth by preventing damage and keeping them healthy and strong.
To keep your nails healthy and strong, you should moisturise your cuticles with apricot, coconut, or sweet almond oil. Eating a calcium-rich diet of dairy products and green vegetables, as well as consuming enough protein, can also help.
Yes, taking a biotin supplement can make your nails stronger. You can also take collagen supplements, but you should talk to a doctor before taking any supplements. Additionally, ask your doctor to test you for vitamin deficiencies, as certain deficiencies can make your nails weak and brittle.
Yes, you should avoid biting your nails, as this can prevent them from growing long and strong. You should also avoid getting manicures while your nails are growing out and be careful not to over-file your nails.
