Liam Carter
While there are no scientifically proven methods to make nails grow faster, there are several ways to increase their overall health and prevent breakage. These include taking biotin supplements, moisturising your nails and cuticles, and regular nail grooming. Some sources suggest that increasing your protein intake can help your nails grow harder and stronger, although this may only be the case if you have a protein deficiency.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vitamins and Supplements | Biotin, keratin, protein |
| Natural Remedies | Coconut oil, honey, rosemary oil, garlic, milk, egg yolk, toothpaste, lemon juice |
| Grooming Techniques | Trimming, filing, buffing, cuticle care, moisturising |
| Medical Advice | Avoid glue-on nails and toxic polishes, use nail hardeners sparingly |
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What You'll Learn
Take biotin supplements
Biotin is a B vitamin and essential nutrient that can be found in some foods and supplements. It is also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H. It is a water-soluble vitamin that serves as a cofactor for carboxylase enzymes in multiple metabolic pathways. While biotin is widely recommended as a remedy for weak or brittle nails, there is limited evidence to support this claim.
The exception is in people who have a deficiency of biotin. Individuals with a biotin deficiency often see their nails improve after they increase their biotin intake through diet or supplementation. If you have brittle nails but don’t have a biotin deficiency, more evidence is needed to know if taking a nail-strengthening supplement or using strengthening nail polishes containing biotin will improve the condition of your nails.
Several human studies suggest that taking a biotin supplement daily can help strengthen nails. Some scientists say a dose of 2.5 milligrams of biotin daily can improve nail strength in just a few weeks. For most adults over the age of 19, a daily biotin intake of 30 micrograms (mcg) is considered adequate for optimal hair, nail and general health. Biotin is most plentiful in organ meats like liver, and it’s also found in eggs, salmon, pork, beef, seeds, nuts and sweet potatoes. If you consume a diet containing these and other foods, you probably don’t need to take a supplement.
It is important to note that taking too much biotin can interfere with some laboratory tests, which could lead to inaccurate test results. It also may interact with some medications. It’s important to let your healthcare provider know if you’re taking biotin supplements.
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Use nail hardeners
Using nail hardeners is an effective way to help your nails grow longer in a week. Nail hardeners are products that get painted onto nails like nail polish and are removed with nail polish remover. They create a protective barrier on the nail, preventing nails from breaking and allowing them to remain long as they grow out.
There are different types of nail hardeners available, including those that are painted on like nail polish and those that are more like a lotion with a creamy texture that absorbs into the nails. Painted-on nail hardeners can be used as a base coat underneath your nail polish or on their own. They are usually transparent or translucent. An example of a painted-on nail hardener is Londontown's Nail Hardener and Base Coat, which is made with rapeseed oil, vitamin A, vitamin E, and biotin, leaving nails hydrated and nourished. ONYX Professional's Hard As Hoof Nail Strengthening Cream, on the other hand, is a nail-strengthening cream with a lotion-like consistency that absorbs easily into the nails. It contains moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and jojoba seed oil, which leave nails hydrated and stronger.
When choosing a nail hardener, it is important to select one without harsh chemicals, as prolonged use of certain nail hardeners can break down the nail over time. Experts recommend avoiding nail hardeners that contain formaldehyde or formalin, as these ingredients can weaken the nails and make them brittle. Instead, opt for products with conditioning ingredients like oils, wheat protein, keratin, and biotin, which are proven to promote healthy nail growth.
While nail hardeners can be effective in the short term, they are not a long-term solution for stronger nails. Once your nails are no longer peeling, you can transition to a nail strengthener, which will help maintain and protect your nails over a longer period.
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Keep nails clean
Keeping your nails clean is essential for maintaining overall nail health and hygiene. Here are some tips to keep your nails clean:
Firstly, it is important to keep your nails trimmed and maintained. Short nails are less likely to collect bacteria and dirt. Use sharp manicure scissors or clippers to trim your nails straight across, and then round the tips into a soft curve. Ensure you use a clean pair of clippers and trim your nails regularly; once a week should be sufficient. Check your nails every morning or evening after a shower when they are softer and easier to cut.
Washing your hands with soap and water is essential for keeping your nails clean. Pay special attention to your nails and use your fingertips to get soap and water under your nails. You can also use dish soap or job-specific hand soap to cut through grease and oil buildup under the nails. A soft washcloth can help reach those difficult spots under the nails and around the cuticles.
Wearing gloves is an effective way to keep your nails clean. When doing chores or any activity that involves getting your hands dirty, wear gloves to prevent dirt from getting under your nails. If wearing gloves is not feasible, scrape your nails against a bar of soap to push the detergent into your nail beds and block dirt from settling.
Nail brushes can be used to scrub your nails while washing your hands with soapy water. This is especially useful if you have hard-to-reach grime under your nails.
After washing your hands, dry them thoroughly, including your nails, to minimise the risk of nail infections. Moisturising your nails and hands is an important final step. Apply a moisturiser or lotion to your hands, nails, and cuticles to keep them flexible and healthy. This will also help seal in moisture. Look for products containing lanolin, or try using oils such as almond, vitamin E, or coconut oil.
By following these steps, you can effectively keep your nails clean, which is an essential part of nail care and overall hygiene.
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Moisturise with oils
While oils themselves cannot add moisture to your nails, they can play a significant role in preventing dryness by creating a protective barrier. This barrier helps to slow down water migration from the nail bed to the nail plate surface, thus increasing the water content of your nails.
There are several oils that can help moisturise your nails and promote nail growth. Here are some of the best oils for nail moisturisation and growth:
- Coconut oil: Its moisturising properties help combat dryness and brittleness, leaving your nails stronger and less prone to breakage. Gently warm some coconut oil and massage it into your nails, cuticles, and the surrounding skin. For enhanced absorption, you can wear gloves for 30 minutes or overnight before rinsing it off.
- Argan oil: Hailing from the Moroccan argan tree, argan oil is rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, making it an excellent choice for strengthening brittle nails. Regularly massage a few drops of argan oil onto your nails and cuticles, allowing it to absorb fully.
- Jojoba oil: Jojoba oil resembles the skin's natural sebum, making it a lightweight and easily absorbed oil. It is often found in cuticle oils, such as the Olive & June Cuticle Serum, which is known for its quick absorption and hydrating properties.
- Avocado oil: Avocado oil is another key ingredient in the Olive & June Cuticle Serum. It helps to hydrate and stimulate nail growth.
- Castor oil: Castor oil has been used for centuries for its health benefits. Its thick consistency and rich fatty acid content make it perfect for moisturising and strengthening brittle nails. Apply a small amount of castor oil onto your nails and cuticles, gently massaging it in regularly for the best results.
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Eat protein-rich foods
While it is not possible to make your nails grow longer in just a week, there are some things you can do to strengthen your nails and prevent them from breaking, allowing them to remain long as they grow out. One way to do this is by eating protein-rich foods.
Nails are made of a protein called keratin. Therefore, adequate protein intake can support nail strength, growth, and repair. A protein deficiency can lead to brittle and weak nails. Animal products like meat, dairy, and eggs contain complete proteins, which have all the essential amino acids. Meanwhile, plant sources like nuts, beans, and grains contain incomplete proteins, which lack one or more essential amino acids.
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein for the average adult is about 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. You can meet this recommendation by eating foods such as Greek yogurt with nuts and berries for breakfast, grilled chicken salad with mixed greens for lunch, and salmon with quinoa and steamed vegetables for dinner. Cottage cheese with sliced peaches is a protein-rich snack option.
In addition to eating protein-rich foods, you can also take supplements to increase your protein intake. Athletes, people with certain medical conditions, vegetarians, or vegans might benefit from protein supplements. However, it is important to note that simply consuming more protein may not be effective in strengthening your nails. Issues with your nails may be linked to protein synthesis, or your body's ability to create and use protein. Therefore, it is recommended to add more trace minerals and vegetables to your diet to give your body the foundation it needs to build healthy proteins.
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Frequently asked questions
While there are no scientifically proven methods to make nails grow faster, there are ways to increase their overall health and prevent them from breaking. Keeping your nails clean and dry is key to preventing bacteria from growing beneath them. You should also moisturize your hands and nails with a lotion, making sure to rub it into your fingernails, especially at the base where the cuticles are located.
Regular nail grooming and clipping can help boost the strength of your nails, encouraging growth and reducing breakage. You can also try using nail hardeners, which can be painted on like a polish and removed with nail polish remover.
Yes, biotin is a B vitamin that can help strengthen nails. Some studies suggest that taking a biotin supplement daily can improve nail strength in a few weeks. You can also try consuming more protein, either through your diet or as a keratin supplement.
