Liam Carter
Fingernails and toenails are made of layers of a hard protein called keratin and are an important indicator of your overall health. Healthy nails should be smooth, hard, free of any dents or grooves, and consistent in colour. While there is no scientifically proven method for making nails grow faster, there are several home remedies and grooming techniques that may help strengthen your nails and promote growth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average monthly nail growth | 3.5mm for fingernails and 1.62mm for toenails |
| Factors that affect nail growth speed | Genetics, age, gender, pregnancy, underlying health conditions, nutrition, medications, and trauma |
| Ways to encourage nail growth | Keep nails clean, trim nails straight and file tips into a soft curve, moisturize hands and nails, avoid nail biting and cutting nails too short, eat a well-balanced diet, take biotin supplements, and protect nails with bandages if injured |
| Nail growth after injury | Nails usually grow back with proper medical care, but severe damage to the nail matrix may result in permanent nail loss |
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What You'll Learn
Manage any health conditions that affect nail growth
Several health conditions can affect nail growth and should be properly managed to ensure healthy nails. Firstly, skin diseases such as eczema, dermatitis, lichen planus, lupus, and psoriasis can affect the nails. Eczema, for instance, can cause Beau's lines, pitting, texture changes, and discolouration. Psoriasis can cause white lines, pitting, and crumbling of the nails. In addition, skin cancer or melanoma under the nails can manifest as a new or changing dark streak.
Secondly, peripheral artery disease (PAD) can cause reduced blood flow to the legs and feet, affecting the nail matrix and slowing nail growth. Moreover, fungal infections can also infect the nail matrix, usually the toenails, causing thick, yellow, cracked, or cloudy nails.
Furthermore, underlying illnesses such as heart attacks, COVID-19, pneumonia, and thyroid disease can interrupt nail growth and cause abnormalities. For instance, COVID-19 and pneumonia can cause Beau's lines (horizontal ridges). Additionally, iron deficiency can cause unusual nail shapes, such as concave nails.
Certain habits, such as nail-picking or pushing back the cuticles, can lead to washboard nails, characterised by grooves and ridges in the centre of the thumbnails. Curved nails, medically known as clubbing, can be a harmless trait but can also indicate underlying diseases.
Therefore, it is important to manage any underlying health conditions and seek medical advice if you notice any abnormalities in your nails, such as changes in colour, texture, or shape. Proper management of these conditions can help promote healthy nail growth.
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Take biotin supplements
Taking biotin supplements is a popular method for improving nail growth and strength. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is an essential nutrient that supports your body's metabolism by helping to convert food into energy. While there is no conclusive scientific evidence that biotin supplements improve nail growth, several human studies suggest that taking a biotin supplement daily can help strengthen nails.
Biotin is found in many of the foods we eat, and most people get an adequate amount of biotin through their diet. Foods such as fish and seeds are good sources of biotin. However, for those with a biotin deficiency, taking a supplement can help boost nail growth and strength. A recent study from Switzerland demonstrated a 25 percent increase in nail plate thickness in patients with brittle nails who received biotin supplementation.
If you are considering taking biotin supplements, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider first. While biotin is generally safe to take, with no established toxic dosage, it can interfere with certain blood tests and cause side effects such as stomach aches and insomnia in some people. Your healthcare provider can advise you on the appropriate dosage and any potential risks or interactions with other medications you may be taking.
It is also worth noting that a healthy diet and proper nail care routine are crucial for nail health and growth. Eating a well-balanced diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats can contribute to stronger and healthier nails. Additionally, regular nail grooming, keeping your nails clean and dry, and moisturising your hands and nails can help boost nail strength and encourage growth.
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Eat a well-balanced diet
Eating a well-balanced diet is essential for maintaining healthy nails. Nails are made of a hard protein called keratin, so it is important to ensure that your diet includes sufficient protein. Meat, such as chicken, turkey, and red meat, is a good source of protein and can help nails repair, grow, and maintain their strength. For those who do not eat meat, quinoa, nuts, and hemp seed protein are good alternatives.
In addition to protein, there are several other vitamins and nutrients that contribute to nail health. Vitamin A is essential for strong, healthy, and accelerated nail growth, and can be found in orange and yellow vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and squash. Vitamin D, which can be obtained from eggs, also helps regulate calcium levels, promoting nail growth.
Iron deficiency can lead to brittle nails, so it is important to include iron-rich foods such as dark, leafy greens (spinach, broccoli, kale, and collard greens) in your diet. Nails with ridges may indicate a protein or iron deficiency, so ensuring adequate intake of these nutrients is crucial.
Healthy fats are also important for nail health. Consuming fatty fish like salmon can help promote shiny, strong nails, and provide omega-3 fatty acids, which are also beneficial for brain health. Nuts, seeds, and avocados are additional sources of healthy fats that can contribute to nail strength and shine.
Finally, hydration is critical for nail health. Water intake should be sufficient to keep the body properly hydrated, as dehydration can impact nail health and appearance.
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Practice good nail hygiene
To make your nails grow back to the skin, you need to practice good nail hygiene. This involves keeping your nails clean, dry, and moisturized, as well as trimming and filing them regularly. Here are some detailed tips to help you achieve that:
Keep your nails clean: Use soap and water to wash your hands and nails regularly. This will help remove dirt, bacteria, and fungi that can accumulate under your nails. Remember to dry your hands and nails thoroughly after washing, as moisture can provide an environment for bacteria and fungi to thrive, leading to potential nail infections. It is also recommended to wear gloves when washing dishes, clothes, and surfaces to protect your nails from excessive water exposure and harsh cleaning products.
Trim your nails regularly: Use sharp manicure scissors or clippers to cut your nails straight across. Then, gently round the tips of your nails into a soft curve. Trimming your nails regularly will not only help maintain their shape but also reduce the risk of snagging and breakage. Aim to trim your nails about once a week, depending on their growth rate.
Moisturize your hands and nails: Apply a generous amount of lotion or cream to your hands and nails, focusing especially on the cuticles. Moisturizing will help prevent dryness and cracking, which can expose your nails to potential infections. It is essential to moisturize during the winter months and after washing your hands to maintain nail and skin health. For individuals with eczema, opt for eczema-friendly, highly moisturizing creams.
Maintain your cuticles: The cuticles are thin pieces of skin that protect the nail matrix or nail bed. Avoid cutting your cuticles too short, as this can expose the delicate nail area to bacteria and potential damage. Instead, gently push them back or trim them slightly, and always remember to moisturize them to keep them healthy.
File your nails: In addition to trimming, use an emery board to file your nails into a slightly rounded or squared shape. Filing helps smooth out any rough edges and prevents snagging, which can lead to breakage. A well-filed nail is less likely to catch on fabrics or surfaces, reducing the risk of accidental tearing or chipping.
By following these nail hygiene practices, you can promote healthy nail growth and reduce the chances of breakage, allowing your nails to grow back strong and beautiful.
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Keep nails dry and clean
Keeping your nails dry and clean is essential for preventing bacteria from growing beneath them. Here are some tips to achieve this:
Firstly, it is important to wash your hands regularly with soap and pay attention to your nails when doing so. Using antibacterial soaps or alcohol-based hand sanitizers can effectively reduce bacteria on your fingertips and nails. Ensure that you dry your hands thoroughly after washing to minimize the risk of nail infections and prevent excessive softening of the nails.
If you have visibly soiled hands, consider using a nail brush to clean under your nails. However, remember to wash and air-dry the brush afterward to prevent the accumulation of bacteria. For toenails, you can use a loofah, sponge, or washcloth to thoroughly clean around the nails.
Trimming your nails regularly is crucial for maintaining strong and steady nail growth. Use sharp manicure scissors or clippers to trim your nails straight across, then round the tips into a soft curve. Finish by filing your nails with a glass or steel file to keep the edges smooth. Avoid cutting your nails too short or using your teeth as nail clippers, as this can introduce bacteria and damage your teeth.
In addition to keeping your nails clean and well-maintained, it is essential to protect your nails and the skin underneath if they are injured. Apply a non-stick bandage to exposed skin under the nail to prevent infection and reduce pain from rubbing against socks and shoes. Change the bandage daily or whenever it gets wet or dirty.
By following these steps, you can effectively keep your nails dry and clean, promoting healthy nail growth and reducing the risk of nail-related issues.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no scientifically proven method to make nails grow faster. However, there are several things you can do to improve the health of your nails and encourage growth:
- Keep your nails clean and dry to prevent bacteria from growing beneath them.
- Trim your nails regularly with clean clippers and file them into a slightly rounded or squared shape to prevent snagging and breaking.
- Moisturize your hands and nails, especially after washing your hands, to prevent dry skin that may damage the nails as they grow.
- Avoid nail biting and cutting your nails too short.
- Eat a well-balanced diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean sources of protein, adequate carbohydrates, and plenty of healthy fats.
- Take a biotin supplement to strengthen your nails and prevent them from becoming brittle.
Fingernails typically take 3-6 months to completely regrow, while toenails can take up to a year and a half. Nails grow at an average rate of 3.5 millimeters or 0.13 inches per month, but this can vary depending on age, gender, and health conditions.
Several factors can influence nail growth, including age, gender, hormones, and health conditions. Younger people, men, and pregnant women tend to have faster nail growth. Medical conditions such as diabetes, peripheral artery disease, and skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis can affect nail growth and health.
Maintaining good nail hygiene and grooming practices is essential for nail health. This includes regular trimming, filing, and moisturizing. Managing any underlying health conditions that may impact nail growth is also important. Additionally, protecting your nails from trauma and injury is crucial, as this can affect the nail bed and matrix, leading to slower growth or permanent damage.
Unhealthy nails may exhibit symptoms such as dents, grooves, discolouration, horizontal ridges (Beau's lines), pitting, crumbling, or texture changes. These issues can be indicative of nutrient deficiencies or underlying health conditions. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is recommended to consult a doctor for advice and treatment.
