Caleb Foster
There are many ways to improve the health and appearance of your nails. While there is no scientifically proven method for making nails grow faster, taking good care of your body through proper nutrition and nail grooming techniques can help them grow strong and long over time. To improve nail health, it is recommended to keep your nails dry and clean, trim them regularly, and moisturize your hands and nails with lotion, ensuring that you rub it into your fingernails and cuticles. You can also take biotin supplements and eat foods rich in vitamin B7, such as salmon and egg yolks, to strengthen your nails and make them less prone to splitting or breaking. Additionally, wearing nail polish can help prevent biting your nails and protect them from damage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutrition | Eat foods that are high in vitamin B7, folates, zinc, and biotin |
| Moisturization | Keep your nails dry and clean, and moisturize your hands and nails with a lotion, especially after washing your hands |
| Grooming | Keep your nails filed into a slightly rounded or squared shape, and trim your nails straight across, rounding the tips into a soft curve |
| Protection | Wear gloves when washing dishes, clothes, and surfaces to prevent water or cleaning products from sitting on top of the nails |
| Nail Polish | Wear a protective layer of nail polish, and repaint your base coat every 2-6 days |
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What You'll Learn
Consume vitamins and minerals
Consuming vitamins and minerals is essential for maintaining healthy nails. Nails can indicate underlying health issues, and changes in nail colour, texture, or shape could be a sign of nutrient deficiencies. A well-rounded diet that includes vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients is key to supporting nail growth and strength.
Vitamin C is crucial for nail health as it aids in collagen production, which provides strength and integrity to nails. Foods rich in vitamin C include oranges and strawberries, and other fruits and vegetables that are orange or yellow in colour, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and bell peppers.
Vitamin E is an ultra-hydrating oil that helps heal and promote new nail growth. It provides hydration to the nail beds and the surrounding skin, reducing brittleness and improving nail texture. Vitamin E can be found in nuts, seeds, green leafy vegetables, fortified cereals, and vegetable oils.
Vitamin B, especially B-7 (biotin) and B-12, are important for nail health. Biotin promotes healthy cell growth and aids in the metabolism of protein-building amino acids, which are essential for nail growth. Vitamin B also helps supply essential fatty acids to the nails, keeping them hydrated. Vitamin B-rich foods include eggs, beans, and nuts.
Vitamin D, along with calcium, helps strengthen nails and encourages growth. Vitamin D regulates calcium levels, ensuring nails grow strong and healthy. Vitamin D can be obtained from eggs, fatty fish like salmon, and sunlight. Calcium-rich foods include dairy products, such as milk and cheese, as well as green leafy vegetables.
Iron is another vital mineral for nail health. It provides adequate oxygen to the nail beds, keeping them healthy and strong. Iron-rich foods include spinach, beans, seeds, and red meats.
Zinc is necessary for the growth and division of nail cells, as nails are made up of rapidly growing and dividing cells. Animal proteins like beef, poultry, fish, and eggs are good sources of zinc. However, plant-based sources such as soy, chickpeas, black beans, nuts, and seeds also provide zinc.
While supplements are available, it is generally recommended to address potential deficiencies through diet first. Whole foods provide a mix of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that benefit both nail health and overall health. However, supplements may be beneficial for individuals with specific dietary restrictions or absorption issues.
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Moisturise hands and nails
Keeping your hands and nails moisturised is essential for maintaining healthy nails and preventing them from becoming brittle.
There are many products on the market designed to strengthen your nails and moisturise your hands and cuticles. When choosing a product, opt for those with well-known hydrating ingredients like jojoba oil, hyaluronic acid, coconut oil, vitamin E, shea butter, and sweet almond oil. For example, Thrive Causemetics' Defying Gravity Cream contains hyaluronic acid, mango seed butter, and sweet almond oil.
You can also use natural products like coconut oil, which is a great natural moisturiser for your hands and cuticles. Apply coconut oil once or twice a day to reap its full benefits.
Additionally, consider using a hand mask as part of your self-care routine. These masks are designed to moisturise your hands and nails, with some containing hyaluronic acid, peach extract, shea butter, and vitamin E.
To protect your nails from becoming brittle, wear gloves when doing the dishes or other activities that involve water. Also, remember to wear sunscreen to protect your hands from sun damage.
Finally, consider taking a biotin supplement, which can help strengthen your nails and make them less prone to splitting or breaking.
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Use cuticle oil
Cuticle oil is a moisturising product for your nails and cuticles. It is commonly made from vegetable oils, such as avocado, grapeseed, and sunflower oils, and sometimes contains vitamins and citric acid. Cuticle oil can help improve the health and appearance of your nails, making them look smoother and softer. It can also protect your nail polish, ensuring a lasting shine.
Cuticles that are exposed to excessive cold, sun, chlorine, or salty or soapy water can become chapped, cracked, and dry. In these cases, cuticle oil can help restore your nails and cuticles to health by moisturising and nourishing them. Cuticle oils with vitamin E, jojoba oil, and borage seed oil are especially nourishing and can help remedy dry and damaged cuticles.
To use cuticle oil, you only need a few drops, as most oils work best in small amounts. Depending on the product, you can either dab your cuticles with a cotton ball or brush the oil on. Cuticle oils come in various forms, including droppers, brush-tip applicators, and rollerballs, so choose one that suits your preferences.
Some popular cuticle oils include:
- Sally Hansen Vitamin E Nail & Cuticle Oil
- Olive & June Cuticle Serum
- Dior Crème Abricot
- OPI Avoplex Nail & Cuticle Replenishing Oil
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Avoid harsh household cleaners
While there is no scientifically proven method for making nails grow faster, you can take good care of your nails and body through proper nutrition and certain strengthening techniques to help them grow strong and long over time. One way to do this is by avoiding harsh household cleaners.
Fingernails are made of many layers of a hard protein called keratin, and they are an important indicator of your overall health. Healthy nails should be smooth and hard, free of any dents or grooves, and consistent in colour. To achieve this, it is important to avoid harsh household cleaners that can damage your nails.
Harsh chemicals in household cleaners can strip the top layers of your nails, making them weaker and more prone to breakage. Instead, opt for natural, gentle alternatives such as lukewarm water and a soft washcloth to clean your nails. You can also use a nail brush to scrub the underside of your nails with soap and water. Remember to clean your washcloth and nail brush after each use to maintain proper hygiene.
Additionally, consider wearing cotton-lined rubber gloves when performing household tasks to protect your nails and hands from harsh chemicals and excessive water exposure. This simple barrier can effectively shield your nails from potential damage caused by cleaning agents.
By avoiding harsh household cleaners and taking these simple precautionary measures, you can help promote nail health and support the growth of strong and beautiful nails.
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Wear protective nail polish
Wearing protective nail polish is a great way to improve the look of your nails. Protective nail polish can act as a barrier between your nails and typical nail polish, helping to prevent staining and keeping your nails healthy. It can also provide a glossy finish, giving your nails a shiny and healthy appearance.
There are many types of protective nail polishes available, including nail hardeners and treatments. Hardeners create a protective barrier on the nail, making them ideal for people with brittle nails that break easily. They are usually applied like nail polish and can be used as a protective base coat under your regular nail polish. Some popular nail hardeners include Londontown's Nail Hardener and Base Coat and Sally Hansen's Advanced Nail Hardener, which helps to prevent peeling.
Treatments, on the other hand, nourish the nail from the inside out. One example is Chanel's Protective and Smoothing Nail Treatment, which can be used as a nail strengthener and a base coat. It contains camellia oil to nourish the nail and alleviate dryness, as well as cellulose to repair the nail's surface. After using this treatment, testers reported that their nails felt and looked less brittle, with less breakage and a noticeable improvement in overall nail health.
In addition to nail hardeners and treatments, there are also protective nail creams available, such as ONYX Professional's Hard As Hoof Nail Strengthening Cream. This product has a creamy texture that absorbs into the nails, providing hydration and strengthening with ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and jojoba seed oil.
When choosing a protective nail polish, it's important to consider your specific nail concerns. For example, if you have brittle nails that break easily, a nail hardener might be the best option. If you have peeling nails, a nail hydrator with ingredients like glycerin and mineral oil can make your nails more flexible. Additionally, look for products with nourishing and moisturizing ingredients like vitamins and oils to promote nail health and improve their appearance.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no scientifically proven method to make nails grow faster. However, you can strengthen your nails to prevent breakage and encourage growth.
Take a biotin supplement daily. Biotin is a type of B vitamin that helps the body turn food into energy. You can find biotin in foods like salmon and egg yolks, or as a supplement at pharmacies and health food stores.
Keep your nails clean, dry, and moisturized. Use sharp manicure scissors or clippers to trim your nails straight across, then round the tips into a soft curve. Moisturize your hands and nails with lotion, focusing on the base of the nails where the cuticles are located.
Yes, some nail polishes contain toxic chemicals that can weaken nails. Look for water-based formulations that are toxin-free. Avoid gel or powder nail polishes, as these may have adverse effects on nail health.
